Maitisong Festival around the corner
Mpho Tlale | Thursday April 17, 2014 14:49
Speaking at a press conference, the Director of Maitisong Gao Lemmenyane said that the audience can look forward to an interesting show that combines theatre, music, poetry and dance. Lemmenyane added that they are looking into growing the festival into something bigger, and that they intend to upgrade the festival to meet international standards.
Even though Maitisong Festival has been in existence for 27 years, it is yet to gain recognition in Southern Africa and the rest of Africa. Lemmenyane said that this is because the model that the festival was initially based on has a few loopholes that he and his team are still working on to improve. He said he aims to push for empowerment, as there are a lot of talented Batswana who have the potential to make it in the arts sector.
The director stated he has been engaged in benchmarking exercises, using the Zimbabwean Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) and South African Grahamstown Arts Festival, as models. He noted that the two festivals are big and command international attention and recognition.
Lemmenyane said for the festival to grow they need the support of the business community.
A representative from the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture, Letsoma Tshipa, expressed that he is aware Botswana has a lot of talent but the problem lies with the lack of facilities. He said it is crucial to get a change in mindset and combine the arts with what we already have as Batswana like diamonds and tourism.
Some of the acts at the festival include Lerato Motshwarakgole, Moratiwa Molema, Tefo Paya and Mpho Kgosana among others.