Miss Africa showcases African culture
Dumisani Ncube | Tuesday September 15, 2015 14:33
The truly cultural affair was given an apt theme, “Re- branding and uniting Africa.”
As the attendants approached the entrance of GICC they were welcomed by drumbeat sounds and music courtesy of Mafitlhakgosi dance troupe. In the African culture, it is a norm to welcome visitors or delegates by playing drums and singing for them.
The models made a red carpet grand appearance in various African design collections such as Makgabe, and collections from Baherero and Basarwa ethnic groups.
Mophato dance troupe rendered an African contemporary performance with Ednah Ncube doing the Miss Africa Theme song.
The models also displayed their talents as they cat-walked on the ramp to the music of Salif Keita and Ringo Madlingozi.
They told African stories in different forms. Some recited poems about the country and the continent. Others some belted songs from African legends Miriam Makeba and Yvonne Chaka Chaka while more others did Marabi contemporary music performances.
Members of the audience also followed the theme of the pageantry as they came wearing African attires.
Artist Ayanda Modisane was also spotted wearing a jumpsuit made from an African print fabric.
Local artiste, Lizibo, who was clad in a German print brown blazer and a straw hat provided entertainment. African ambassadors Lady Smith Black Mambazo took the audience on an African journey with their Grammy Award winning songs such as Hello My Baby, Mbube, Nomathemba and Homeless.
The choral group was on its usual element of isiZulu vocal styles of Isicathamiya and Mbube, a style of singing that was adopted by Zulu cattle herders in the pre-colonial era.
Lady Smith Black Mambazo did their routine trademark dance moves of kicking up until the Gaborone city mayor, Kagiso Thutlwe, joined them on stage in song and dance.