Overthrust Winter Metal Mania Fest returns on the 28th of May bringing back roaring guitars, thunderous drums, and community compassion to Ghanzi village.
Tshomarelo Mosaka, also known by his stage name Vulture Thrust, the event’s Managing Director and frontman of the host band, Overthrust shared, “When we arrived in Ghanzi around 2007, I was a member of the Botswana Police Service and wanted to start a metal band. I shared my idea with my cousin, Shalton Monnawadikgang aka Rokara, and we discussed it. I then involved our late drummer, Gakeitse Bothalentwa, aka Suicide Torment (MHSRIP) and together, we formed the band.”
As the band took shape, so did a commitment to uplift the local community. “We noticed many children roaming the streets, so we decided to create a festival – Overthrust Winter Metal Mania Fest, under the theme Ride and March Against Poverty,” Mosaka explained.
Over time, the event’s mission expanded to support disadvantaged and disabled children, orphans, and youth affected by poverty.
Overthrust Winter Metal Mania Fest is unlike any other festival in the country; its intensity and unique cultural fusion distinguish it from typical music gatherings.
“This is a truly special and unique event not just in Botswana, but in the entire world. It is the most intense music festival in Botswana, a significant tourist attraction, and an experience that feels straight out of a movie,” Mosaka stated.
He added that it combines rock ‘n’ roll with motorbike culture and traditional marching, “even Marocko doing gorilla walking alongside the local community.”
While the music is wild, the environment is anything but chaotic Mosaka assured that they have a very strong security from Maun by the name – ‘No Nonsense’ security. “Our shows, all rock n roll are the most peaceful and entertaining events in Botswana, where fights or nuisance are at 1% or none at all.”
The festival promotes a culture of care among its attendees. “If someone gets drunk and incapable, others will take care of him or her. Marocko are very caring people. only crime the Marocko can do, if at all it was crime, is drinking like a fish and smoking like a chimney,” he added.
Despite financial constraints this year, the lineup remains exciting. “This year, due to financial issues, we have tried to minimize costs by having a local lineup and one Namibia band that did call us three days back showing interest,” Mosaka shared.
Among those expected are Pretoria’s rock DJ Werner, bikers, and an array of local bands including Humanitarian, Samehunduans, Barren Barrel, Ras Jesus, and MC Gabbygoth. The host band, Overthrust, will also perform, fresh off the success of their 2023 album Infected by Myth. After the fest, they’re headed to tour in the Czech Republic, London, and Cape Town.
Over the years, Overthrust Winter Metal Mania Fest has attracted fans, bands, and media from all over the globe, including Namibia, South Africa, Angola, USA, Finland, and beyond.
Reflecting on the festival’s future, Mosaka was both proud and realistic: “Currently it has become bigger than our pocket… it will be difficult for most local rock bands to get a slot in Winter Mania. They will have to compete for few available slots as the event has now turned into an international rock show.”
What began in 2010 as the Kgalagadi Desert Festival was renamed in 2011 to avoid brand confusion, officially becoming the Overthrust Winter Metal Mania Fest. Since 2012, it has operated with a charitable focus, donating clothing, food, and supplies to needy children. Organized under Vulture Thrust (Pty) Ltd, the festival continues to evolve as a powerful intersection of music and philanthropy.
As Mosaka puts it, “It grows bigger and better each year,” and with that, so does its impact on both the metal scene and the hearts of those it aims to help.
