GABORONE - The 19th annual presentation of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) bands in concert kick-started Friday in Mogoditshane with high tempo, which was unfortunately cut by power failure.

As usual, the BDF auditorium was filled to capacity particularly by music lovers who have developed loyalty towards BDF bands.

However, the humour of the evening was curtailed by vicious thunder storms, which rattled and cut off power during a 30 minute break, which was to see more bands coming into stage.

This captivating concert, which was graced by among others, Vice President Lt Gen. Mompati Merafhe and the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Pono Moatlhodi, was kick-started by Mass Military Band with a song entitled Battle Hymn of the Republic followed by a song composed by W.A. Mozart entitled Minute for Clarinet and Military Band.

Though the audience was not lot allowed to dance to the inviting melodious tunes, which were stubbornly piercing the serene atmosphere inside the building, they however twisted and contorted in their chairs when the Mass Band played Celebration, a piece from the legendry Kool and the Gang and a piece from West Nkosi entitled Jive Mahlapuza.

The rather official setting was slowly breaking down when the Pipe Band played a piece by Celine Dion entitled My heart will go on thus forcing many revellers especially the youth to sing along.

Other bands, which stole the hearts of many include Steel and Marimba Bands, gospel choir and 2 Brigade Formation Traditional Dance Troupe.

Organisers to called off the concert after power failure and promised that the revellers will be compensated with another one on December 12.

BDF bands concert proceeds are dedicated to charitable organisations.

Recipients of last year's proceeds were Masiela Trust Fund, Mochudi Resource Centre for the Blind, SOS-Tlokweng and Sir Ketumile Masire Foundation, who got P20 000 each.

The cheques were handed over by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Tikkie Pule.

For this year, Barclays Bank donated P20 000 to BDF. This event is supported by at least 21 companies and organisations.

Other BDF concerts are to be staged at Selibe-Phikwe, Francistown, Serowe, Mahalapye, Mochudi, Molepolole and Ramotswa. BOPA