Diphofu, Lefutswe win comedy, poetry titles

MONKAGEDI GAOTLHOBOGWE
Staff Writer | Thursday July 22, 2010 00:00

 

Held at Westwood International School's theatre, Mantlwaneng, the event included poetry performances.

It also saw Ramotswa youngman Omphile Lefutswe win the highly contested poetry section in which Jopa Motswere of Tonota held the audience spell-bound with a rare piece of Tswana oral poetry.

It was a well-researched piece by the elderly poet who simply used his art of poetry to narrate the humble beginnings of Botswana, paying tribute to the founding fathers of the Republic as well as the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).

Although some people in the hall thought the Tonota man was now doing politics, the veteran remained faithful to his testimony: how he grew up in a poverty stricken country with no hope, until Sir Seretse Khama, with the likes of Sir Ketumile Masire, Gaositwe Chiepe, and others, through the BDP, rescued the nation from the brink of disaster.

A Mongologa man delivered another personal story from Tshane, Mothusi Mothemele, who despite coming from one of the so-called minor tribes, did not shy away from presenting so proudly about his roots. From his poetry one could learn much about his environment - the animals, the hardships, the struggles and their joys. He was even glad in his traditional regalia, animal skins.

Interestingly spoken word poetry, which has its roots in the United States of America (US), did not seem so popular with the audience who thronged the theatre hall. Gaborone poet Richar Seletlo and Maun woman, Lady Zhey, both presented their poetry in English style but they had evidently struck the wrong cord, as the audience would not even applaud them.

Each of the poetry winners, Lefutswe and the comedy winner Diphofu walked way with P10, 000 first prize money; the latter beating early favourites Tebogo Leburu and Kabo Keitheng to the title won last year by Maun man Jacob Tshweneyagae, who did not participate in this year's regional finals.

Diphofu showcased a little bit of the kasi-life of Bandleng as he put on a show of the latest kwaito dance style, which he interpreted in amazing fashion. True or false, Diphofu would put on a particular dance move which he said is used by gold diggers at pubs to milk the unsuspecting male dancers hunting for easy catches.

The youthful comedian was dressed in true kasi style to match the dance style he was building his jokes around on the evening.Selebi-Phikwe man Kabelo Matlou's use of radio news reading techniques to bring out his jokes also seemed to excite the audience although the same style proved disastrous for Tebogo Leburu, who has been competing in this category since 2008.

There was no sign of improvement from Francistown female comedian, Dolly Phillip, who also was here last time or Kabo Keitheng of Kasane, who was similarly competing for the third time.