KTM Choir marks Botswana@60 through song, heritage
Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday October 6, 2026 14:29
The event brought together KTM’s rich choral tradition, contemporary music and young learners in a celebration of Botswana’s cultural identity. The celebration was held under the theme “Botswana @ 60: One Nation, One Voice, One Celebration.” The choir’s repertoire featured some of the songs that have become part of its musical heritage.
They included Botswana Fatshe la Rona, Botswana, Mookodi, Tsibiribi, ABC, Nylon, Go Monate, Matlapeko, Ko Serowe and Oseregogele.
The selection reflected KTM’s long-standing role in preserving Botswana’s musical heritage while using song to tell the country’s story.
The performance was given a contemporary touch through collaborations with Han-C, Kabelo Tiro, popularly known as Skavenger, and Nnunu Ramogotsi-Neal, who brought their different musical styles to the celebration.
The inclusion of the contemporary artists helped bridge KTM’s traditional choral sound with modern Botswana music, adding variety and energy to the evening.
KTM also used the celebration to deliberately bring young people into the heritage conversation. Students from Bokamoso Junior Secondary School were invited to participate in the initiative.
The school has been closely associated with the choir for several years, having served as KTM’s home for rehearsals and practices.
Also, learners from Marulamantsi Primary School were invited as part of the choir’s efforts to pass cultural and musical heritage to younger generations.
KTM board member, Judge Mookodi, highlighted that the choir’s contribution goes beyond entertainment.
“Our contribution is community building, cultural development and preservation through song and dance,” he explained.
Mookodi added that artistic performances such as the celebration help strengthen a sense of identity and unity, while providing an opportunity for generations to celebrate their heritage together.
He also paid tribute to past and present members of the choir, saying KTM’s development had been sustained through discipline, commitment and adherence to its values.
Established 33 years ago, KTM has built a reputation for nurturing musical talent, with some of its members going on to contribute to other choirs and the wider music industry.
The choir has also represented Botswana at international choral competitions. Mookodi highlighted its gold-medal achievements at the 2019 European Choir Games in Gothenburg, Sweden, and the 2023 World Choir Games in Gangneung, South Korea.
Looking ahead, he said KTM plans to participate in the 2027 World Choir Games in Linz, Austria. The Bots60 celebration ultimately brought together KTM’s past, present and future — its established repertoire preserving memories, contemporary artists adding a modern voice, and schoolchildren representing the generation expected to carry Botswana’s cultural heritage forward.