Sight Mongwe Otsile returns to rule segaba again?

Lekopanye Mooketsi | Monday July 14, 2014 15:36

 

The  finals of the   6th President’s Day Arts Competitions reach their climax over the weekend in Gaborone. In the  segaba category, Mongwegape competes against Setabosha Khumoetsile (Ngamiland),  Tshetlha Koloti (Kgalagadi), Mhaladi Kealotswe (Central District), Kobamo Sight Mongweotsile (South Central), Lesetlhe Jukajabe (Kgalagadi), Gabanthate Malokela (Central District), Thojane Monnawamafatshe (Ngamiland) and Lorato Mahalelo from the South Central. 

Mashoro setinkane player and singer,  Tapane Lucas, the original composer of  Re sia le matebele, the  hit popularised by Charma Gal in recent years,  will be up against the talented and energetic dancing Moviri Motero of Etsha, as well as the youthful hip banging player from Lotlhakane, Kemoitsemang Makaso, who failed to live up to her reputation last year.

The 2012 winner, Godfrey Moeng of Radisele, who also manufactures and sells setinkane music instruments, also makes the list of finalists this year which also has Gakebejeso Tshekelo, Bonang Kamanakao, Goitseone Kojata, Kediutlule Mathule. Mogomotsi Kabomo from Gaborone, who won in the category last year, is not participating.  In the acoustic guitar section, the contenders are Olebetse Motlamme from Gantsi,  crowd favourite Monaga stika  Molefhi from Maun, four-time champion, Solly Sebotso of pidipidi fame, Mothoosele Xlalekigo, Gaobiwe Tapson,  Batlaadira Radipitse, Maikano Tirelo and Michael Monang.    

There is also the popular traditional music and dance category, to be held at the SSKB auditorium over the weekend.

Contemporary music is divided into various categories like upcoming artist, best back track artist, best live artist and best DJ. 

In the best upcoming artist category, the contestants are Simonsizola (Gaborone), Dipetsa (Serowe), Selonyane (Gantsi) and The boss of Rumba from Gumare.  In the back track artist section, the finalists are Batswana Ba Pele (Gaborone), Centy Mududzi (Tsabong), Kale Flow (Francistown) and Velast from Maun. 

The best live artist category is going to be contested by Kabo Leburu (Gaborone), Bana G-Town (Gantsi), Bana ba Ntogwa (Francistown) and Les Quanda (Kasane). 

A number of DJs have made it to the finals.   The list include Makenno Big Souls (Gaborone), DJ Tech The Drum (Gaborone), DJ Truu, DJ Bieps, B Beckz, DJ Hank (Kang), DJ Core and DJ Jakes. 

Principal Programme Officer at the Department of Arts and Culture, Lilian Thanke, said participation in this year’s competitions is high.  She said more than 22,000 artists registered for the competition.  The objectives of the competitions are to showcase the diversity of different cultures.The competitions also recognise and appreciate the creative talent of local artists. Further, to empower artists and develop the creative industry.