Feature
Backyard Stories: Cultivating a unique musical experience in Botswana
Backyard Stories, established in 2017 in the backyard of Broadhurst, Gaborone, blossomed into more than just a physical space. It became a haven—a sanctuary for music and community where rising artists are celebrated amidst an atmosphere of inclusivity and well-being. This unique haven distinguishes itself by being sober and smoke-free, fostering an environment where all, regardless of age or musical preference, can come together in mutual respect and shared passion. Picture it as a familial garden where music flourishes organically, free from distractions. Here, the focus is solely on the raw beauty of artistic expression, allowing even the youngest attendees to be captivated by the talent on display.
Music purity is the cornerstone of Backyard Stories, where the essence of artistry and storytelling takes precedence over external influences. It’s a space where musical legends are born, and where shared moments resonate deeply, leaving indelible memories that transcend time.
How does Backyard Stories specifically engage with local emerging talents, and what support structures are in place to propel them into the spotlight?
We are plugged into the community by attending Open mics and listen on Spotify, SoundCloud, Apple Music and to find hidden gems. We handpick promising artists and pair them with established names, amplifying their reach. We don’t stop there we provide each artist with a live band collaborations: Our resident band provides a pro backdrop for vocalists and songwriters to shine. Rehearsals with a twist: We don’t just practice songs, we craft show-stopping moments, collaborating with producers and artists to elevate their performance.
Maintaining a smoke-free environment is unique. How has this choice impacted the audience’s experience and the overall ambiance during performances?
Having an alcohol and smoke free event is greatly appreciated by our audience, and as a matter of fact, it surprisingly acts in favour of the show than against it. It’s one of the reasons why most people even are devoted followers of the show. I believe we’re at a place where young adults especially long for a place where they can enjoy themselves along with good company without the need to intoxicate themselves.
The concept of music purity is intriguing. Can you share examples of how this philosophy has influenced the style and content of the performances at Backyard Stories?
One of the pillars of backup stories is in Harnessing the power of storytelling. We can never underestimate the influence of an individual’s experiences on another human being, and sometimes that human being is a Standard 7 child that anxious about writing their PSLE or a inspired creative who can relate with the stories of the performing artists
Beyond celebrating rising artists, how does Backyard Stories curate a diverse range of musical genres to keep the audience engaged and intrigued?
Musical diversity is in the Backyard Stories DNA. A show without a fusion of some sort is not a show by our books. From the instrumentalist to the artist, the Backyard stories has dabbled in rnb, pop, splash, hip-hop, neo-soul, reggae, kwaito and motswako. We’re constantly testing the limits of various musical disciplines and it probably wont stop anytime soon.
In fostering a family-friendly space, what specific initiatives does Backyard Stories implement to ensure that even the youngest attendees can engage with and appreciate the music?
One of the elements that backup stories has developed is of picnic tables. This is a curated seating arrangement for the entire family that prioritizes comfort and a good viewing of performances with the youngest enjoying the complimentary refreshments.
Can you share instances of artists who have risen to prominence after being featured or supported by Backyard Stories, exemplifying the platform’s impact on local talent?
As an organiser, one of the things I’ve come to acknowledge is that the Backyard stories is a platform that has a lot of ground to cover in terms of growth and improvement. And yet is never ceases to astonish me at the level of impact it has on its artists. We’ve seen it with Stretch when he released yarona FM top charting hit song ‘Senti’ featuring Jasmine Ashley. we’ve seen it with Mandy, Oura, Pablo, Kesego and Deena G. Our hope is that as Backyard Stories we become a platform that grows as it’s impact.
How does Backyard Stories actively involve its audience, turning the space into a collaborative community where everyone contributes to the musical journey?
What the Backyard Stories is dearly trying to do is to create an environment where ideas and experiences could be easily shared. And this is not a one-way conversation but an entire dialogue that even the audience gets to be a part of until the end of the show. The performances are interaction-based both in song and conversation so as to instill a collaborative aspect even with audience
Considering the focus on unforgettable shared moments, are there plans to expand Backyard Stories through virtual experiences or collaborations with other artistic mediums?
Absolutely! Unforgettable shared moments are at the heart of Backyard Stories, and we’re always exploring ways to expand that beyond physical spaces. While we can’t reveal everything just yet, here are some hints: Interactive Livestreams: Beyond basic streaming, we’re looking at interactive elements that let viewers feel part of the show, like live Q&A sessions with artists, virtual mosh pits, and co-created visuals. Cross-Medium Collaborations: Music is just one piece of the story. We’re open to collaborations with other art forms like dance, visual arts, and storytelling to create richer, multi-sensory experiences, even virtually. These are just a few possibilities, and we’re excited to see where technology can take us in sharing unforgettable moments.
In terms of community impact, how does Backyard Stories contribute culturally, educationally, or socially beyond the realm of music celebration?
Music is our core, but Backyard Stories strives for a wider impact: Culturally: We celebrate diverse local artists and their stories, fostering cultural understanding and appreciation. Collaborations like BW ARCHIVES preserve our musical heritage for future generations. Educationally: We plan to partner with schools and community centers to nurture young talent and promoting music education. Socially: We believe music brings people together. We create spaces for diverse communities, and use music as a tool for social good. Beyond these, we’re constantly seeking new ways to contribute. We see Backyard Stories as a platform for connection, creativity, and positive change, using music as a catalyst for a better community.