Battle of Mitanda
Lizibo, Ndingo face- off in Domboshaba
The Ikalanga International Festival is slated to take place on December 26th at Domboshaba. The event featuring the greatest and legendary Ika Jazz extraordinaire, Ndingo Johwa alongside another dynamite in his genre and generation, Lizibo, is touted to be a one of a kind event. Dubbed the Ikalanga Jazz Festival, the event will feature Johwa and Lizibo going head to head on stage accompanied by their bands. This is something that has never happened before locally, and is expected to make history. Organisers are calling on all Batswana to come out and experience this historic moment of culture and diversity.
Known for his impeccable baritone that can literally shutter almost any roof, Johwa, or Satjilombe as he is famously called is no newcomer to the music game. He has been in the industry for years, and his music has a distinctive ring to it. In fact, his sound is exclusively his alone. In his songs such as Ntule, Tshwene that are featured in his eight albums, he mostly talks about the traditional lifestyles, and Folklore tales. On the other hand, the gem that is Lizibo is more of a lovebird coroner. His songs such as Malome, Malebeswa, and Mosadi o ntshiwa di out, are romantic songs.
This past Wednesday, the two held a press conference where they shared what their fans can expect on December 26th at the Battle of Mitanda.
Speaking during the press briefing, Phaphane Pap’s Masalila shared that this is the first time that both artists are collaborating on a project of this magnitude. He explains that they want to showcase the diversity of the Kalanga culture, while at the same entertaining revellers.
Besides the performances, the event will also have traditional dances, fashion and food, as well as folklore storytellers. “We will also have other artists featured, and we will announce them at a later stage,” he said.
He further said that between Johwa and Lizibo, they are looking at a wealth of experience that covers decades. Other highlights of the event to look forward to include a workshop, where upcoming artists will be drilled on what it takes to be successful in music, as well as share tips and knowledge about the music business. Tickets were expected to go on sale on September 1st, and they range from P50 for children, early bird at P200, and normal tickets at P250. Other tickets packages include VIP at P1000 ( admits 1) and VVIP at 1500 ( admits 2).
“For every ticket sold, 5percent will be donated to charity. You will be helping us to help those who are in need,” he said.
For his part, Lizibo explained that they have been planning to have a workshop especially in their area for a while. He further noted that they will still have the workshop before or after the event. “There is so much that we can learn
from Johwa,” he said, adding that Satjilombe has an urge to talk and impart knowledge.
Painting a picture of the big day, he said that they were talking about two bands, who will be literally going head to head. “We are doing something different. We will be on stage at the same time, and performing one after another,” he said. He further said they will also feature other artists who they have collaborated with in the past.
“This is going to be a modern show. We have never had a legend and a young artist doing something like this,” he explained.
Taking to the stage, Johwa who belted out one of the audience favourites, Ntule proved that his voice was still very solid. He said that they wanted to entertain and heal the broken hearted. He also hailed Lizibo for seeing potential in him to an extent that he would want to collaborate with him at the age of 72 years on a project this big. “We want you to be thirsty for this event,” he said.
The event is sponsored by companies that include Peter’s Place, Sego, Petro Hyper, Genuine Fitness and Mezzo’s Café.