Botswana on threshold of arts and culture revival?

GASEBALWE SERETSE
Staff Writer | Friday June 6, 2008 00:00

 

Last month, President Lieutenant-General Seretse Khama Ian Khama announced that the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture is working towards replacing President Day celebrations with Heritage Day. The day seeks to promote the performing arts and culture in the country. The president went on to issue a directive to all government ministries to purchase artworks from local artists and craftspeople, a move that has been welcome with glee in the arts world. He also asked for the empowerment of traditional dancers. At the moment, Batswana are looking forward to the revamped celebrations to be held next month. 

Last weekend, there were at least two major cultural events in the country. In Gaborone, lovers of the Setswana culture gathered at Botswanacraft where they celebrated the annual letlhafula (harvest) last Saturday. According to Mmegi's correspondent Lekopanye Mooketsi, the festivities started in the morning and by lunchtime, the venue was so packed one could hardly find an empty seat. Mooketsi added that before the actual day of the event, all the tickets were sold out and people were not allowed to pay at the gate.

According to Mooketsi, culture enthusiasts, especially women, were clad in traditional gear and this clearly showed the pride that Batswana take in their culture.

The event was spiced with performances by local musicians whose music have roots in traditional music. Some of those who performed were celebrated acts such as Punah Gabasiane, Dikakapa, Mogwana traditional dance troupe, Stampore, Banjo Mosele, Malombo Mmereki, Maxy, Nxaro Giraffe dancers from D'kar and Qani from Kacgae.

As expected, traditional cuisine was served at the event and traditional decors and accessories were showcased.

Oliver Groth of Botswanacraft revealed that about 600 tickets were sold for the event. Despite complaints by some people that attending Botswanacraft's letlhafula is costly, tickets were sold out.

Arts & Culture also managed to cover another well-attended cultural event in Serowe where the national Culture Day was celebrated. One of the remarkable things about the event was that young children came in droves and this is a good sign that the young ones are steadily taking a liking to the Setswana culture. The well-behaved children listened attentively as speeches were made by different speakers and could hardly hide their excitement as the performers performed. Likewise, the adults were well-behaved and this might say something about the revival of the spirit of Botho as well.

Like in the Gaborone event, some culturists in Serowe were garbed in traditional clothes to celebrate different cultures found in the country.

Some of the acts that performed at the event were George Swabi, Teseletso Madikwe, Malatswai and Poko Setso Cultural groups. With the presence of traditional dance groups like Malatswai and Poko Setso cultural troupes, it seems like most of the dance-styles found in the country will not die out easily. Malatswai performed the San dance style tsutsube while Poko Setso performed a popular Setswana dance style setapa. Those hoping to glean something from folk-singer Gabotwesepe Robalang, of Go Ka Twang fame, were disappointed, as he was unable to attend because of ill-health.

The all-female Mafetsakgang mophato were available to share what knowledge they have on Setswana culture. Guest of honour, Minister Gladys Kokorwe urged women to continue to pass their knowledge onto the young ones. Also present at the event were the visual artists and craftspeople who showcased their works. 

Other forthcoming annual festivals that attract hundreds of culture lovers are the Koru San Dance Festival and Domboshaba. Every year in the month of August hundreds of international culture lovers negotiate the treacherous terrains of the Kalahari Desert to celebrate the Kuru San Dance Festival which is held in the Dqae Qare farm in D'kar. During the festival, different San groups Naro, the !Xun, the !Khwe, the Dxana/ Dcui and the Xhanikwe among others like the get the chance to showcase their culture to international audiences.

Other cultures from the Kalahari and Ngamiland like the Herero, the Wayei and the Hambukushu also get the chance perform at the event.

Domboshaba Festival, which is held near Domboshaba ruins continues to attract lovers of Kalanga culture all over the world. Like other cultural activities, the event seeks to promote the culture of the Kalanga people. One of the leading figures at the event was king of Ikalanga jazz Ndingo Johwa. As there are clear indications that Batswana are revitalising some aspects of their arts and culture, one can only hope that this revival will encompass the spirit of Botho as well.