Artists showcase Botswana culture of yore

James Kgosi | Wednesday November 19, 2014 15:24

The artists celebrated the country’s rich historical past and urged the audience to hold on tight to their culture lest they become a lost nation.

Traditional artefacts like tlatlana, kika, motshe and leselo were displayed.

The highlight of the performance was when artists showcased the Ikalanga tradition of patlo.  In the play, a young man who is ready for marriage rejects food served to him.  Instead of eating, he empties the plate of food throwing it to the ground and placing it upside down.

To an ordinary person who does not know the Ikalanga culture, might be interpreted to mean he dislikes food served to him or worse that he is being rude.

The parents, however, accurately read their son’s actions and quickly call relatives to begin marriage negotiations.

Poetry performances were also educational with poets paying tribute to the three chiefs Sebele I, Bathoen I and Khama III for seeking protection against foreign intruders. 

Onazimba Mafa of Masunga was terrific.  He kept his audience glued to the stage with his poem.  It was not surprising when he emerged victorious for his performance.

The poor sound system nearly marred the performance in the katara category.

It was, however, Thanda Amos of Masunga who restored order with his sterling performance.

He was the only guitarist to sing during his performance. He said he wished Batswana could go back to the culture where parents sought wives for their sons, as there were no divorce cases unlike today.

Kebadiretse Batshwa scooped first position in meropa with Boipuso Ledimo coming first in segaba category.

In the group category, Dijammogo won in drama, while Dalani won in the dikhwaere. Itsoseng danced their way to victory in the traditional dance category.

The competitions were held under the theme: “Botswana wa maloba.”