Heritage Month: Let's start now

Editor | Thursday July 22, 2010 00:00

The Botswana Police Services have so far reported very few accidents and transgressions on our roads.  This is commendable and we hope the situation on our roads could continue to get better.  It would however appear that there was a lot of enjoyment on the cultural front.  Throughout the holidays, most Batswana have been talking about the arts and cultural events taking place in Gaborone during what has been dubbed the heritage month. There were final competitions in theatre, contemporary and choral music, traditional folklore, poetry, comedy and even non-performing arts like painting and sculpture.

Indeed there was something for everyone.  People were spoilt for choice.  The heritage events are proving to be popular among Batswana.  Many of the heritage shows in Gaborone were highly attended.  All seating space was taken hours before the shows started.

The good thing about the heritage initiative is that it will help to keep interest in the arts. It will lead to better appreciation of both the performing and non-performing arts by the Botswana public.  If public appreciation heightens, more and more artists will begin to take their craft seriously knowing that they are recognised.  In the end, people will not only wait for awards, but will believe in and buy products of indigenous arts.

As Batswana, we have been poor in supporting our products and this initiative will go a long way in turning the tide. Credit must be given to the organisers and sponsors of the heritage events, some of whom are private entities, for giving out prizes to encourage the winners.  President Ian Khama is understood to have played a part in this initiative, which will certainly go down as one of his best supported ventures as it enjoys public patronage.  Although supported by the President, the event should not be about him.

Artists should not think that they are obliged to compose poems and songs and carve or paint works of art that bestow praise on him.  The event is about providing entertainment and extolling Batswana's industry in the arts.

These events could be grown and packaged such that they are marketed internationally to sell Botswana to the world. The Cape Town Jazz Festival is known throughout the world and so is the Mangaung Cultural Festival. Similarly the Botswana Heritage Month grand finale could be packaged along these big events to attract international attention.  This we believe is the next step now that Batswana have shown their love and following for these cultural activities. Let us start now.

                                                              Today's thought'There is need to support each other and to refrain from copying and stealing each other's music.'

                                                                - Jason Faber