GYS emerge best in choral after stiff competition
Thalefang Charles | Tuesday July 7, 2015 18:00
The finals were a clash of champion choirs from four regions namely; Maun Choral from Maun, Camel Choral Choir from Tsabong, Serowe Symphony from Serowe and Gaborone Youth Singers from the Capital City.
The competition comprised of performances of two songs, standard song and a lerabi song. The standard song was a composition of Omphemetse Chimbombi titled Fatshe Leno La Rona’(not Botswana’s National Anthem).
GYS, under the leadership of Tshepiso Marumo, began the singing contest with their females clad in beautiful white evening gowns and men in matching tuxedos.
They were followed by Modise Keletso’s Camel Choir from Tsabong in green outfit. Symphony Choir, wearing purple and maroon, was directed by Jobe Baletsanaka, while Maun Choral wearing pink leteise was conducted by Gaothape Mokgothame.
GYS emerged winners in standard song with 86 points, followed by Symphony with 73, Maun and Camel trailed behind with 67 and 57 points respectively. In the marabi contest, choirs displayed their amazing dances while ditching melodies voices. As expected, the tough battle was between the Gaborone and Serowe choirs.
Only three points separated the choirs as GYS proved too good for the Serowe singers by winning by 84 points while Serowe came second with 81. Maun was third with 67 while Camel came last with 60 points.
The competition judges, Ofentse Segatlhe, Gomolemo Mojaki and Temba Bothata applauded the contesting choirs for making it to the finals saying that they are all winners.
Marumo, the conductor of GYS shared the secret behind their success.
“It is all about dedication, hard work and passion,” said the youthful conductor who was visibly excited after emerging from stiff competition of other competing choirs which showed great improvement.