Traditional dance, song and poetry add colour to Dithubaruba

FREDERICK KEBADIRETSE
Staff Writer | Monday August 8, 2011 00:00

 

Once again the two-day cultural event proved that the Bakwena tribe is endowed with immense talent as the organisers did not have to look further but only tap on homegrown talent to mark the celebrations.

Two-time President's Day competitions winners Dipela tsa ga Kobokwe kicked off the performances of the day with their well-choreographed phathisi dance that left the gathered masses asking for more.

The crowd got more than what they bargained for as other dance troupes Bana ba Kwena and Kwena Tsa Madiba followed with performances that did not only earn them applauses, but a few hundred Pulas from the invited guests as a way of appreciating talent.

Former Kora Awards nominees Dikakapa wrapped up the performances of traditional troupes dancing to their heavy bass line recorded beats.

The popular group also raked in a few notes from guests, especially those from South Africa, who wanted more of them on stage, requesting the group to perform one of their popular records, 'Mmalobeto,' which was said to be a hit in the neighbouring country.

Veteran poet Rabojalwa Keetile, who despite age not being on his side followed with an eloquent praise of the rich Bakwena culture and heritage.  With relatively younger poets now taking centrestage at Basimane ba Mokwena, as Mokwena poets are known, Keetile continues to leave a mark with his spoken words.

One of the country's finest self-praise poets, Dipako Sesienyane, followed after Keetile with a poet specially arranged for the guest of honour, Kgosi Leruo Molotlegi, of the Bafokeng in South Africa.

Sesienyane, who has succeeded in merging personal requests in his poems went on and asked for a beast from Kgosi Molotlegi while calling on the Mokwena chiefs to help and revive the tribe's culture.

Folklore artist Stampore of Re Batswana fame and guitarist Solly Sebotso could not be left out of the party as they left the guests eating out of the palm of their hands with their fine guitar playing skills. Sebotso started what would turn into a battle of man's finger and strings playing his popular song, pidipidi and Stampore, starting with Re Batswana adding on lines of self-praise often taking confirmation from the audience that he needs no introduction.

The two, joined by other guitarists in the likes of Sebongile Kgaile continued displaying their guitar skills over lunch before giving way for drama groups and dikhwaere that entertained the guests late into the afternoon.

This year's celebrations were held at 'Ko Ntsweng,' moving away from the Kgari Sechele I Museum for the very first time.