Serurubele presidents’ praise poem goes viral
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Sunday July 9, 2023 06:00
Moroka, also popularly known as Serurubele, is also an author and radio host of Sekhutlhwana Sa Bannye programme which airs on Duma FM.
He recited a historical poem where he started off praising the country’s presidents; from Sir Seretse Khama, Sir Ketumile Khama, Festus Mogae, Ian Khama to current President Mokgweetsi Masisi.
In his poem, Serurubele talked about how each President contributed to the development of this country. He, however, showered the current President Masisi with praises for having taken power and leading Botswana excellently despite challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. In an interview with Arts & Culture, Serurubele said the poem was meant to remember the country’s first legends including its Presidents. He explained that even though his poem was historic, he researched first so as to know the significant contribution each President made to the country.
He further explained that he was very surprised and happy at the same time to see his traditional poem trending on social media. He added that most people were impressed with his ability to utilise the rich Setswana poem that was in line with the theme.
“I am very happy to see my poem trending at this rate on different social media platforms. To me, it’s a milestone and an honour to see Batswana recognising me.
The public’s responses are also overwhelming. They even said I am the best poet of our generation. They said I am the best poet ever in Botswana. They said it would be hard for local poets to possess the creativity and talent like mine,” Serurubele said. “In their comments, they said it was their first time to see a creative talent like me, youthful being able to recite a poem aligned with the theme, possessing rich Setswana language and being well researched whilst also aligning with the current generation,” he said.
He further said he received a lot of calls and love from Batswana including those living abroad who said the poem reminded them of their country and good old times.
He added that some suggested he document and record the poem for future generations. He said some people recommended that it be archived at the National Museum and different radio stations.
He added that it was his first time receiving so much praise from Batswana on social media platforms. He thanked local media entities for recording and circulating that poem saying he lost many poems of the same magnitude because he could not afford to record them. Serurubele pleaded with Batswana for support.