patriotic frontin qahtani the rebel army and in the one nine hundred ninety four genocide wasn't when. there was and when the us could beat you in the tell me to reinforce it but as i knew this blood was up and he was not floating in a. plane a controversial leader whose success is beyond question. time. and the wanted tragedy starts ample fifty long t.w. play. it's a peaceful saturday afternoon in a rural community in botswana a sleepy little village but not today playing. because today members of the country's heavy metal music scene have descended on

oldies there the more rock rockers in the local language of sets one of. the outfits are an integral part of the parade. and that applies in particular to the queen's. i. think it's a scene dominated by men but one in which the women are establishing themselves. playing. field. playing there are no fair. botswana is often called the garden of eden of that. aka the okavango delta with its unique to rain and wildlife is

a popular tourist destination they call her a desert is a semi arid savanna scattered with scrub land it appears inhospitable but it is home to a range of exotic animals the tourism diamonds and cattle the three pillars of the country's economy the herds of cows are free to roam and grains where they please it's a sign of prosperity as it always has been. for as much as people in botswana look to the future they remain rooted in tradition and that sense of tradition also affects the position of women. queen glorious daily routine begins in less than regal fashion getting up at quarter past five every morning female members of the more rock are called queens the title was awarded as a sign of respect even if it has nothing to do with gender equality as such. i think it was all about it's. the african or this it's one. thing

they like the many is on top and they all moneys they will because if i can remember they used to play in helping the team they are white in that they never even say come and play or play the lead as teach you do they still it was just the men being you know men doing everything with coming out with slowly we are coming up and hopefully we will have at that into a woman bent. base talented women i can look at it. indeed they are but it's proved difficult for them to set up their own bands with their own front women botswana is a vast country almost twice the size of germany for example but its population numbers just two million people. in the. liens of heavy metal only have their get togethers on very special

occasions when ludo lives in france or town a five hour drive away from queen gloria she's busy sewing together her and i'll do that in three days' time she'll be out the rocks ember fashionable and the capital gaborone and want to look her best and with botswana having no dedicated heavy metal fashion stores even the rivets have to be applied by end. of that to that some people don't tip in the how many dress and also i do appreciate those who do come up to us and tell us we look good those who accept this will be up. against the mood of accepted was that of the judging us. before they get to know what this is of all because most of them feel like it's. just to do with creation but it doesn't only yes you do with music. music and also

a display of being self-confident strong enough or. going to the third heavy metal queen of flora lives in already close to the south african border just forty minutes away from gaborone. at twenty one she's the youngest queen and sports a particular look. for signature style cowboy hats gloves her pants and waistcoat and plenty of fringe. good tale fluids among them the detail kids because. kids i believe that feel crazy but i am. and the way i can fall flat on them yes if only means that could get into the skin cell itself of cool and they guessed that. they stay here so this is an end of the most of these you

know things. once a year the. different backgrounds meet up at the biggest heavy metal event in the country gloria lives in my own a nine hour drive away from. home she's the single mother of her son elias. at the level that we. have. all. that. so this is. a lesson. that what. you feel. that this. isn't

a good thing. women are traditionally revered as the heart of the household however the reality paints a different picture that many women are the head of the household simply because they are single mothers or women michael the metal scene is an escape from their daily life. and made me crazy like even if. my little. made me feel complete. and seven in the morning glorious that song for work in a shared taxi. while there are connecting the. trees towns and cities public

transportation within urban areas is practically nonexistent. in places like commuters only options are shared taxis or if they're in a rush private camps. formerly one of the poorest countries on the planet since gaining independence from britain in one thousand nine hundred sixty botswana has transformed itself into one of the most stable nations in africa that's also reflected in the country's

education system. gloria left high school with only an intermediate certificate but she managed to earn herself an office job at a construction company which is currently building a lodge and the nearby okavango delta she does not have a permanent contract and doesn't know what will happen when her contract runs out. gloria's first task every morning is to stock up on office supplies and make coffee she's the secretary and odd job woman in the small construction firm.

thank you. that's. what i did feel for her thanks. thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you. thank you the dry season here in the north of botswana lasts between six and nine months and for the boss and his staff the dry season means the work season tourism tends to center on the four month rainy season beginning in december when the delta and its wildlife blossom. the proportion of women managers is continually rising in botswana gloria believes in the potential

of women and is keen to indulge in her role as a queen of heavy metal. when it has lead to this with less like a really good night sleep still and surprised basis one hundred even at whole when i did face life as like bad my ideal is a rock i think it's a bit like that. gloria's office job enables her to make ends meet but her labor of love is the molly rockers association a metal heads club where she can be an organizer and where she can let off a bit of steam. punk. for fans the world over heavy metal is an escape from the daily routine regardless of age group or. fashion but in botswana

a country where the metal fans also face accusations of satanism takes a lot of courage and confidence to be among rock. gloria's nine year old son and linus finds the club i'm a little. bit when his mom's rocker buddies are in town he prefers his books to all the police pop. but it hanging out to the model and i told him that no i think we should form an association and they told me that you know we tried filming it to me just didn't wait because somebody with put in that side and put in those that is there but we can ignore those people ignore those people in just that it's with five people and then that us can follow and that's what we did sold. as is as we started we've going to help in this all a fellow brothers who is disabled and like. make you. like helping

cleaning the. hanging out together and people is that it that a coke and i see that the us is they say that they were the real ken lay they hate it for the kings of the scene i'm sure you know they're more rock alter egos constitute freedom during the week they're pretty much chained to their desks the majority of the metal heads here have nine to five office jobs working for the government. when they looked at that a model. we. like full vs when they came back i still see the same model and like they haven't done anything new that it's not if that's done anything in these bad light they haven't changed even the these guys that plays in bed. and then essayed know we should start something that has a solution that will help. it is the band members that will help them as is not all

in all. cutting phenols. event. like even up to come sailing or even going to test you know. a ted as you know and they all those things. and it that i think that sell like that is how how how i think these decisions will be employed and. gloria and the other members of our club are eager to improve the image of metal heads in their town and they also do volunteer community work together such as picking up litter in the neighborhood.

in botswana wearing black leather and listening to metal is often considered satanist their clothing and imposing appearance are often met with fear and suspicion another thing the association wants to change but gloria herself has far more ambitious plans for the club she wants to see its members learning to help themselves and each other. tomorrow the metal heads from our own will be traveling across the country to make their presence felt at a wedding. that. gloria is also organizing the group's trip to the rock simper festival. with. botswana it is a land of profound contrasts as well. so applies to its natural terrain the column

how he does or does it drive savannah. its northern section the okavango delta is prone to repeated flooding at the same time droughts and desertification pose major ecological problems the country is considered relatively progressive but cattle are prized to this day as a highly profitable investment and the metal scene is likewise and make my buds want to is one of the few african countries where percussion is not celebrated in the local folk music but it's in this very country where drums play a huge role in a particular music scene and that apparent contradiction is a major factor in the popularity of heavy metal among the monorail. francis town the second biggest city in botswana is six hours away from our own and that's where queen ludo marina lives within the scene she's seen as the introverted but beautiful rock opera back in her father's home she's a carpenter fashioning wooden baby cribs it's

a job that enables her to take care of her nine year old daughter while also going against the grain of traditional gender roles. for fear. fear. so. for. a woman beside him should be an example. an example to all as kids kidding yourself. i'll mention be that that's polluted with benefit me who keeps the if it made to get that. a woman should be empowering yeah we should be able. to meet. doing this kind of just makes me feel.

powerful. it makes me feel good because i'm doing what i. am doing something that a lot of people least expected me to do. so in a pretty much enjoy surprising people. when it comes to them finding out that i do this because even when i go to buy the materials at the shops that i want isn't a. sue who exploit who does best as my first time to see a lady in the section. she builds cribs and bookshelves she discovered her love of design while at college and the courage to try out the masculine enterprise of carpentry is something she owes to her experience as a moral. and maybe that time made will still be an example is. this to keep on moving

we've always also a man in your life. although one man is important in her life her father. i didn't even look at that red toy that will tease out some shows so it was definitely here that she was sitting in for the back table. and i sit with my wife she didn't eat she pointed to some places without don't need milam now that she's very good. with it would do it's ok to go out with all of this and says wow. i had that thought. is a second generation moroc her father nylon the sexton was

a leather clad metal head back in the one nine hundred eighty s. new doors outfits are admired by her fellow queens. i'd go for the style which has a. more touch off for. me a little. and then i also can go for there because folk to leave a have a lot of status the champion team here but only limited the amount and then there's also they call gill look i can also go for that. decision he it just depends on my mood i feel if i have to go or a horses to fear to go look if i had to make a book of the way look better than if i had a show something that profit to. look.

she's not yet sure exactly which outfit she'll be wearing for the rock summer festival that's something she'll decide together with her friend queen laura. what's wanted is a large but sparsely populated country that also means ample space for the millions of cows and donkeys. distances between cities are seemingly endless and contact within the more roxy relies heavily on social media every couple of months the festivals dotted around the country provide a chance for virtual friends to connect in real life it takes ludo around seven hours on the bus to travel from frances town to flora and already. when it rains here mother nature pushes the pause button for a couple of hours and suddenly the streets are empty. the village of ody is only a forty minute drive from the capital governor own but it seems like

a world away the village appears almost deserted. when flora lives together with her extended family her mother her sisters and brothers and her son she knows everyone in the community but above all everyone knows her because being a moron makes her stand out. and . the villagers are wary and skeptical toward new developments queen flora was fourteen when she first heard of radio station playing the music that has given her life a new rhythm she says self-confident and outgoing woman. the rocks are a close knit society it takes

a lot of courage to join their exclusive rights. in mali. yes she is giving us the first so many leverage in their life for us in the sense that to advocate for filippi and as it. is there. is no escape that they they think they can sit still if they loved it because if they did believe well good for those who believe think of what it is that they think of what it is that. they have sent a. heavy metal fans around the world are used to negative stereotyping in botswana however those prejudices are so extreme that pastors at what are called fire churches rant and rail against the wrong. hers some have even proposed members be subjected to an exorcism. has

a traditional lifestyle surrounded by her family her mother deplore among is the sole breadwinner. for and her mother also feel responsible for the children of their relatives today they're looking after her cousins baby. plays a cousin. you know the mother to get it they say they've made probably a way. so they can get to it is said is the state in the closest. little piece will consider the tennis will that it is going. to. be queen who don't has now reached already after a seven hour bus journey she's come to the village to prepare for the heavy metal festival with flora. in

a few hours time the two queens will be welcoming the kings of the scene and their parade in flora's. been taken from facebook that we've never met before but give us a look in that makes that it is easy. to get to connect with a bush is a bed and say this man cheesy. it was a little thing i was a. mistake then he did say this i cut the slate name princeton is in the hospital may legally they did this to me too. a tree to cubicin a quote it's racist nation built. and it is it needs to be said that if needed

maybe. it didn't matter if their first ever meeting is a fascinating one in two metal queens are different in demeanor but do find similarities to change things so. i was very kind of like a little jaded field if it was. this small a fiction is it because they hated it it should have been the kids this or that made it and didn't have it she's. busy hating the stated that he or she will. feel they pass the time while waiting perfecting their outfits so you can never spend too much time on your look at a sizeable metal head group will be arriving soon to pick them up and take them to the festival these meetings are rare occasions and are celebrated in more rock

fashion. people feel. this new kid says laughing laughing. and that is that he's that and yet they have a lot of energy. so all the expats seeing a lot of days in tirades. that i can see as we should hear him we used to sing with this peace amongst themselves. that symbolism is very important to the model it's expressed in both rituals and in their attire and accessories.

the morag are late the rain has brought the village to a standstill rendering the main road impassable for a few hours. then suddenly they arrive the heavy metal queens and kings. the rough greeting is a symbol that developed after violence became a concern at gatherings the greeting is a demonstration that they come in peace and a symbol of the camaraderie in the group. wow. this is the first time ludo has met most of the other members in real life flora

does know them personally but hasn't seen them for two years her then boyfriend gave her an ultimatum forcing her to choose between him and the local church congregation for the rockers. for. the chaps hats another cowboy accessories oh makes sense but the cowbells that some of them are up where are meant to commemorate a time when runaway slaves were forced to wear them the more rock where the bells to honor them and as a reference to cowboy culture. good. enough and. in a good attitude. definitely the better of it and you are ready to go and. then

it's time for the parade a core ritual of any gathering and the chance for the morag to take center stage. was. they struck down the road as if on a fashion show runway showing themselves from their best and loudest some more of consciously leaves the parade past the church tent. for how. the procession takes them all around the village a procession that takes cues from those of the major religions it symbolizes a concentration of power.

the group having flora lead the parade through her village is unprecedented and she revels in every single step along the way having a two year absence from the gatherings for her it's a public affirmation of her identity for two years her boyfriend had forbidden her from meeting them or even just dawning her letters. flora and her music fan family are now back at her home ody wasn't on the group's route to the festival but they were helped to make the detour for flora. and after years of suspicion her mother has now come to accept floor of being. queen nonetheless the spectacle unfolding outside her home is pretty overwhelming.

i am going to explain it. today it is going to. last in jr south. my family with it is as. well i'm so proud of being in our world of the good holiday all that. sounds like now is a nice day and then let's build them out so it's only. elephant allen so let's. get. a these children only know the people from their own very much the seemingly otherworldly visitors lasting impression.

people in botswana are moving rapidly away from their traditional roots and that reorientation to the modern world involves frequent culture clash. a a a. a a a. a. a. florist grandmother was the first to lose patience she has little understanding for her granddaughter's new lifestyle. but queen ludo's sees how important it is for flora to be able to combine her two worlds. will be there i like that's with all they already have been slim and more this small difference between. and was never going to give me my best fault most of all i may

add the key is getting beans but we still got some of the significance of the. queen who don't loves her cowgirl role at home she's an independent single mother but here she's happy to immerse herself in this alternative role i'm going to run out there. it will look at it that i did well but the effect it got about. the group continues on to the rock summer festival many of them have traveled huge distances to get here. local heavy metal festivals take place every couple of months some of the bands featured have made a name for themselves outside of botswana as well such as the next evening's headliners skinflint. moa rob brown football and i thought that was all the.

two hours further north east queen gloria and the more up association wake up and mama hop on. that one but you know i'm. in. it it's the weekend she's been gearing up for four months of the festival and own one florio laura and ludo will be meeting up. likewise months in planning is the wedding of their friend to live i think. that. there are. many. but not all that. loads she let out all the arms. well it may have gotten. we are getting ready it's good to be assuaged the

afrikaner she is getting married saying that not so tidy with him enjoy it with him separated they have. nobody to live dresses and skins as soon as he asked us was to send you s s. to late it's like a cruise to. help high is a mid-sized town with a population of forty thousand located between francis town and gaborone the country's two biggest cities as everywhere else in the world weddings are a very traditional affair in botswana. the groom has taken quite a risk in inviting his rocker friends but lipa is determined to have gloria and her

friends attend his big day. his bride is not a moron. that it would be good if it's the first time the association has been invited to a public event. so the rockers are eager to dress to impress in morocco style of course today they will again face those prejudices about satanism. we're going to allow me to live it out on that. but still the group do initially enjoy an open welcome from the other wedding guests who seem curious to say the least. the metal heads pay tribute to the group.

i am. and he's happy to see his true worlds married in harmony. with the male members preferred to look for potential partners from within the group. led by has made an exception and his bride accepts his special guests.

was fired. right out i was right i was like was the warm welcome extended to the rockers here is a positive sign from gloria nevertheless she leaves the festivities early in order to continue to the music festival was the kings make themselves look comfortable you know what i'll do what i want i thought it was great meanwhile the guests are all equally looking forward to the wedding feast. it's only a two hour drive to govern our own when you're in a car at least and in a hurry straight down highway number one.

gloria and her fellow metal heads love these road trips through the endless expanses of the stuff at the drive means freedom in so many senses of the word gloria makes it too precious few festivals gov own is simply too far away from. despite the searing heat thirty five degrees celsius in the shade and humidity in excess of ninety percent the morons transform each stop on the road into an improvised mosh pit session.

the rock summer festival is held every year in the capital gov on it features three local bands with rockers congregating from all over botswana. the evening has a very special meaning for the three queens for respectively different reasons. gloria is taking the opportunity. the to just enjoy herself for once pluto combines business with pleasure managing to sell one of her custom made famous for flora it

marks a return to a life she's been missing for the last two years. the same for europeans this might look like a regular friday night in a dingy rocker box but for these queens of heavy metal gloria flora it's the biggest event of the year the states about seeing and being seen and living out their identity as part of a family part of a culture and as queens in a realm they can call their own. i.

currently. own forrester slash to. some cash flow. pipeline construction of the columbia destroyed swathes of rain forced. to. you forests are plants a house where. the gas company foots the bill. will the deal

pay off in the end. three thousand and thirty minute. eco africa. namibians on costa wants a sustainable future. of intel claes to business kettles the bikes that run home solar energy it's a promising concept the bikes are affordable and fun to ride and even use five ranges on the trophy. ninety minutes d w.

an extravagant venue. and two hosts who really know their stuff. moves. with a good building and definition of. the party and chat with musicians from around the world. groups every week body double. the european union's parliament has approved major changes to the e.u.'s copyright law amid protests against the measure in several european cities at the heart of the matter is article thirteen at the legislation aimed at helping copyright holders protect their intellectual property but opponents fear it could lead to censorship. algeria's army chief has called for president abdelaziz bouteflika to

be declared unfit to rule put a flick has been and.