A Hero�s Welcome For Kast
Spira Tlhankane | Monday March 20, 2017 18:00
Kast, greeted with a hero’s welcome, had walked all the way from Maun to Gaborone through heavy downpours and under the scorching heat of the sun.
Showtime caught up with the rapper having just completed his 1,000km walk with his team minutes before they arrived in the capital.
Determination and a sense of fulfilment were written all over his face. The way he swung his legs back and forth ignited courage for people who had just joined him moments before the fanfare announcing his arrival. His uneven step was evidence of the gruelling friction against his soles.
With a blue towel on his shoulder, a brown hat on his head and a Tlatsa Lebala t-shirt on his back, Kastalion as he is also known was pacing towards the traffic lights at Sebele Mall. Traffic had to come to a standstill as the man who made history made his way into Gaborone after 33 days’ long walk.
Every bus stop was full of people as they curiously waited in anticipation to see if Kast indeed arrived in the lively city. The Tlatsa Lebala team increased along the way and they drew a crowd of curious onlookers on the other side of the highway. Led by a police car and Boitekanelo Emergency Services vehicle, the security had to guide the way and block people from mobbing Kast.
Who would not want to see the pomp and the glamour of the Tlatsa Lebala team? With their smartphones out to take selfies and videos, people showered the rapper with praise and admiration as they ran on the side of the road in an endeavour to catch up with the fast-paced team of walkers. Kast’s entourage had been walking with him from Rasesa that morning and they outpaced some of the Showtime crew who had joined them on the way.
Kast was given a clear run from Btv circle to Molapo Crossing and was even greeted with more fanfare when employees from fuel stations left their posts just to get a glimpse of the rapper.
There was even more fun in store when some members of Mophato Dance Group joined Kast’s team at Molapo Crossing with a loud speaker banging his Ndono track.
“Wena le wena le wena, opa matsogo,” Kast’s voice rumbled from the mobile speaker as one of the Mophato dancers displayed his acrobatic moves on the clear road. The chants of Sejabana filled the air as Kast snaked between Phase Two and the busy Gaborone West.
For those who were too tired to walk, furniture store Home Corp availed one of their trucks and the sight of people hanging their legs over the vehicle was an indicator that Batswana love to live free. Batlatsi as Kast’s supporters are called held hands as they swept their way deeper into the city heading towards Riverwalk. After cutting a wide swath between Extension 12 and Bontleng streets, the Tlatsa Lebala team was welcomed to an even beautiful sight of one of Botswana’s best selling cars, Honda Fit. The cars were nicely parked by the bus stop and branded Tlatsa Lebala.
Even though Kast was not mobbed because of the tight security around him, he was surely overwhelmed by the welcome party the mayor and other sponsors had arranged for him.
As soon as he stepped into the mall, which was more like his finishing line, a sign of relief was written all over his face. The crowd also went crazy when the DJ played the song Se Fitlhile Sejabana to concur with the arrival of the man who was doubted by many. While many say they know Kast, others can be even more proud by saying they walked with him.