Thobo cultural festival returns

Spira Tlhankane | Friday March 11, 2016 14:57

“We are raising funds for vulnerable children in Lobatse and the surrounding areas. We also want to empower young entrepreneurs,” she said. Thedi said the event will promote indigenous culture including poetry, song and dance.

“We want to promote Setswana traditional music in collaboration with popular music genres like jazz and gospel into the mainstream entertainment industry,” she said.

Thedi, however said they are facing a serious challenge of funding. “The event is seriously in need of funding and advertising. We are therefore confident that with proper funding and advertising, this initiation will go a long way in promoting culture,” she said. Thedi said last year they received help from Choppies, BMC and Blue Crystal. Thedi said this year they are going all out to market and sell the event to Batswana. “We have already engaged various media houses and we want them to be our partners going forward,” she said.

She said the name Thobo is a significant Setswana name which translates to harvest. “Thobo is a time when Batswana are happy to rip the fruits of their labour,” she said. On the day, she said a variety of Setswana food will be served to patrons.

“Unlike other events, we have decided to add game meat. Last year we served phofu (eland) and this year we have tholo (kudu),” she said.  Apart from food, on the day, Thedi said there will be traditional games like koi, morabaraba and others. She said many traditional music groups like Dr Vom will entertain guests on the day.

She said they chose to host the event in Lobatse to cater for people in Lobatse and the surrounding areas who never get a chance to celebrate Setswana culture. “We want to remind people of their culture and tradition. We want them to embrace their roots through this day long cultural event,” she said. The event will run from 11am to 7pm and the ticket for the event is sold at P150 for adults and P100 for children.