Kast reflects on the road thus far
Victoria Marumo | Friday May 25, 2018 13:52
This year, he embarked on another walk, but this time around it was a 2,000km walk in which he is advocating for the formation of an arts council as a branch of the government, which will focus on arts of all kinds and address any issues that arise henceforth.
He explained to Arts & Culture that this particular walk was necessary because the arts industry is suffering without a specific council to call their own.
“There are different forms of art in the country, not just music and all these need a place to voice out their concerns and have their rights represented, which is why we have embarked on this journey,” he said. “What makes this particular walk unique is the fact that they were approaching the various Bogosi (Chiefs) requesting their support and so far the response has been a positive one. Questioned on how this year’s support was different from last year’s, Kast responded with much enthusiasm highlighting that they only got a sponsor last year upon entering Gaborone.
This year Kast says that a lot of sponsors came through for them from the very beginning. “Everywhere we go we are welcomed with much joy and celebration, offered accommodation and given a chance to speak and be heard.
We have been provided with different resources from the get-go and could not be happier,” he said.
He did, however, state that the hype on social media was not the same as last year’s and that it was to be expected because it was the second time around and so they did not expect too much media-buzz. With regards to the journey itself so far, Molapisi explained how he was touched at realising that some of the artists in the homes he has visited were not aware what an arts council was nor were they aware of some of their rights as producers of artworks.
He therefore cited that there is need to conduct educational campaigns to enlighten and educate the people. On #TlatsaLebala, he said that another festival will be held and dates are yet to be announced. It will be after winter, but Kast said the merchandise is already on sale in different areas for those who wish to make a purchase.