Mafitlhakgosi shines at Zhizha festival

Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Monday July 27, 2015 18:00

Gaborone based traditional dance group Mafitlhakgosi rescued what appeared to be a dull cultural festival with an exceptional performance at Tati River Lodge on Saturday. PIC: KEOAGILE BONANG

The outfit was the main attraction at the annual, Zhizha Letlhafula Cultural Festival. The group was performing for the first time in Francistown since its formation in 2009.

Francistown groups such as Chilenje Che Ngwao, Molelo Wa Tladi and Dinkwe Nkgoga’s performances were average and did not seem to move the audience. Even the poet, Onkgolotse Manuel did little to light up the event.

Mafitlhakgosi led by their chief choreographer, Joseph Ikopeng managed to set the mood. The group caught the attention of the audience with electrifying dance moves.

The group started by performing Hosana, a popular dances amongst the Kalanga tribe, followed by Phatisi, then a bit of Tsutsube. However it was Phatisi, a dance popular in the Kweneng district, which mainly got the crowd into a moment of excitement.

Ikopeng and his other three dance mates complimented each other well during their performance of songs, Khubamang Ka Mangole, Bina Ka Letheka and Thoma Thogo Fatshe.

When the group sang lines khubamang ka mangole, the dancers went down on their knees with ease, and when they sang the lines bina ka letheka, the dancers shook their waists, bringing the audience into frenzy. The crowd that initially looked dull in the early hours of the afternoon, formed a small cycle, cheering and clapping hands, as the group performed.

Mafitlhakgosi’s performance reached its climax when the group mimicked local rapper ATI. One of the youngest group members who goes by the stage name Young Bera, imitated ATI.

Young Bera sampled a few of ATI’s songs, but it was the song Ke Lekhete, which had the crowd cheering. The crowd even joined the Young Bera as he sang the song perfectly, much to the liking of revellers.

Ikopeng told Showtime Monitor that he was impressed with the group’s performance and response of the audience promising that the group will bring more shows to Francistown in the near future. Patrons were treated to various traditional cuisines at the event and traditional games.