Rammoni’s cultural journey reaches new heights
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday October 9, 2026 11:07
The hard work was rewarded last week, when Rammoni entered history books as he was appointed the vice chairperson of International Federation of Dance Festivals (FIDAF) Africa. The appointment took place during the organisation’s executive committee meeting and general congress held at FIDAF headquarters in Cheonan, South Korea, where he was promoted from Director of FIDAF in Africa to the current role. Speaking to Arts & Culture this week, Rammoni said the appointment came because of consistent hard work, results, and trust. “Since 2016 I have delivered for FIDAF. I brought Botswana to the world stage, I assisted other African countries, and I have been a loyal servant of the organisation. To me, it is a humbling honour and a huge responsibility,” Rammoni said. “To Botswana, it is historic. I am the first Motswana to ever serve in the FIDAF leadership. Botswana is now on the world map of cultural leadership. We are no longer just participants, we are decision makers. This is a victory for every creative in Botswana and Africa.”
FIDAF’s main objectives are to promote cultural preservation and exchange through dance and music. It also exists to connect cultural festivals around the world as well as create platforms for cultural groups to perform internationally. The organisation also organises world-class festivals where countries compete and share culture. It has over 80 member countries and runs different festivals across the world including the world-famous Cheonan World Dance Festival. Rammoni said the work he did in promoting Botswana culture caught the attention of international organisations. He formed Ngwao Letshwao Performing Arts to promote Botswana culture locally, regionally and internationally. He also ensured that he was active on social media, posting works showing Botswana’s cultural works, toured Europe and the world. “In 2016, FIDAF saw my work and officially invited me to South Korea as National Representative of Botswana. At the same congress, I was elected Director of FIDAF in Africa because of my vision for Africa. It was merit, not favour. They saw a Motswana who was already promoting Africa to the world,” Rammoni added.
He also said in 2018, he recommended Botswana to participate in FIDAF. “My group qualified through video application, but I gave the opportunity to the nation through Ministry of Culture, and the Ministry selected Morogo Wa Ngwana to represent Botswana. That is leadership - putting Botswana first.” He revealed that he assisted Mophato Dance Group last year by applying for them and their application was successful and competed in South Korea. “This proves I assist other creatives, not just my group,” he said.
Rammoni’s mandate as the new vice chairperson is to create a big international cultural festival in Botswana and Africa. He said the event will invite different cultural groups from around the world to Botswana. He also said his appointment will create many other opportunities for Botswana creatives in that through his FIDAF network, Botswana groups can now get direct invitations to festivals worldwide. “I have already proven this with Morogo Wa Ngwana and Mophato. I am ready to work with Ministry of Sports and Arts, Botswana Tourism, Brand Botswana/BITC, Botswana National Arts Council, and all associations of creatives. NACB and MOSA must collaborate with me to leverage on what I have already built internationally,” he said. Rammoni’s journey started in 1991 as a dancer for 4B at Pule Memorial School, then Takatokwane Primary school, Nare Sereto junior secondary school, Naledi Senior School and then Moeding College. At Moeding College, he won National Championships and the rest is history. He later worked for Disney World and upon returning to Botswana, he formed Ngwao Letshwao Performing Arts with a mandate to promote Botswana culture locally, regionally and internationally. In 2012 he won President’s Day Competition under Hosana category and represented Botswana in Australia, where Australia nominated him as Honorary Cultural Ambassador of the Australian Multicultural Festival in Canberra. From there his group started travelling the world including Brazil, Argentina, USA, China, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Australia, Switzerland, Germany, Nepal, Kenya, Cameroon, Benin, South Africa, Belgium. “We left a mark everywhere,” he said.