Setso sa Rona cultural festival brings local music pioneers
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Monday September 29, 2025 06:07
In an interview with one of the organisers, Tlamelo Letlole, said the event aims to promote the arts, music, and cultures in and around Gakgatla. He added that they would be hosting choirs in and near Gakgatla like the famous one around that area, such as Shining Star from Gakgatla, who will be competing against the Zambia choir from Dikhukhung lands, not far from the village. He said that when both choirs compete, they always bring immense fun and can perform till the next day.
He also said they booked traditional guitars (katara) players such as Kebongile Kgaila from Gakgatla, Solly Sebotso, and Batladira Radipitse who are famous for always winning the National Arts Competitions previously known as the President’s Day competitions. He added that the lineup did not end with the traditional choirs, also known as dikhwaere and guitar players. He said they also invited contemporary choir artists such as Morwa Tsanakana and Sticks Rrakhiba, who will be battling it out.
Letlole added that renowned traditional music and song artists such as Mma Ausi, Ditiro Leero, Machesa from Sesung and one of the cultural music pioneers Kgobola, who was the first person to record traditional songs. He further explained that Machesa group, which once put Botswana on the map by winning the Kora awards years back. He also said the famous folklore poet Moroka Moreri would be battling with the Kunkuru family to give the audience the most powerful poems.
“We will be celebrating our 59th Independence Day, and therefore, we need to remember where we are coming from. Menateng Listyle Farm is behind the bus rank in Gakgatla. The road is graded so all cars can drive through. We have also partitioned a 50-hectare farm in abundance. There will be entrance and exit gates that will help people navigate a smooth traffic flow. At the event section, it is greenery so people will not have to complain about the dust. Bring your camp chairs and shades since this is a family event,” he said.
He further explained that Gakgatla village borders many tribes surrounding it, like Bahurutshe from Ramaphathe and Mmankgodi, Bakwena from Bokone, Bakgalagadi from Kubung and Bangwaketse from the other side. He added that those tribes would be joining people from Gakgatla in showcasing their culture. He also said the security would be very tight, adding that the Botswana Police Service would be available to teach people on different issues, as well as ensuring that they are safe.
Tickets are sold at P80 early bird and P100 standard.