Spring Xplosion: a cut above the rest

The just ended Spring Xplosion show, hosted on independence eve at the Fairgrounds back parking area, which featured a star studded line up, was a marvel to attend.

 
Featuring seven international acts and 25 local artists, the festival atmosphere was electric. Thousands of revelers were treated to a varied music genres and highly energetic performances.

 
The vibrant and outspoken South African artist, Dr Malinga, delivered an electrifying performance. Journalists, known to be resistant to being star-struck by famous people lost their composure when Dr Malinga got off the stage. They fought with revelers for photo opportunities with the star.
Time Out  caught up with the eccentric Dr Malinga after his performance. “I personally believe in giving out my all when I am on stage so tonight was no different. I am happy for the opportunity to perform here. Batswana have really been amazing and I am puzzled by the love they have for my new single ‘Papa Oteng’ which is making waves in local radio stations,” he said.

 
Quizzed on the choreographer of his dance moves, he responded; “It is funny that you ask because I do not rehearse for shows and plan on certain moves to perform. When I’m on stage I just do whatever crazy thing that comes to mind. I am not a dancer but a comedian because I just want to see people laughing while enjoying my music,” he said.

 
The shouts and whistles that filled the air after Malinga’s performance were silenced by the grand entrance of the highly anticipated ‘Boss Zonke’ hit-maker, Ricky Rick. Performing alongside Stillo Magolide, the duo left the audience shouting for more. They performed hit singles Nafukwa and Boss Zonke.
House music was well represented in the person of Heavy K had replaced Black Coffee. Among his many hits, he performed Sweetie. However,  his set was cut short due to poor sound quality.

 
Event organizer, DJ Kuchi  explained to Time Out  about the surprise inclusion of Heavy K in the star studded line up; “Initially Black Coffee was part of the lineup but he could not show up because he attended the Ibiza Awards in Miami in the United States. He has a huge following and it would have been amazing to have him perform for us but we brought in Heavy K as a replacement. He also has a large following in Botswana.

 
Kuchi revealed that they were not happy with the turnout at the festival and urged Batswana to support local events. “We are not happy with the numbers that showed up for this year’s show. I think it is because of the raised ticket price. People must understand that times have changed, it is very expensive to book international acts, which means ticket prices have to go up as well. Batswana should support local events so that the entertainment industry grows,” he said.