Matlhaku Set To Revive Traditional Instruments

GASEBALWE SERETSE
Staff Writer | Monday August 6, 2007 00:00

Matlhaku has therefore set out to preserve traditional musical instruments like segaba, setinkane, local drums and marimba by organising a series of workshops to address the issue. The gifted musician is hosting reputable setinkane-makers from Ghanzi, Okavango and the Etsha area this month in a bid to standardise the musical instrument and so as to preserve it.

The setinkane-makers include Rock Qaretgoo, Gakebajese Tshekelo, Osman Tuelo, Molamo Ditlhako, Siego Tuliblock Kopano, Logotsa Kiema and Damo from New Xade and Thirori Andreck, Sisinki Mapo, Zuze Mutero, Diwanga Dihunga, Thikambo Chaneka, Kayando Makushe and Mutero Katembo from Okavango and Etsha area. According to Matlhaku, Setinkane is popular with Basarwa, Bayei, Basobea and Bambukushu who use the instrument in different occasions.

He describes the instrument as a wonderful source of entertainment, especially when one is free.'In the olden days, when boys and men were out grazing cattle, they would kill time by playing setinkane,' the maestro said.The musician says that setinkane is also used during special occasions like mantsho and healing ceremonies. Matlhaku added that the instrument derives its name from the English words 'tin and can'.

 
He explained that the soundboard of the instrument is made of mukwa wood, the bridge of steel. The maestro says that he believes that gifted traditional instrument-makers can even earn a living by selling the instruments to tourists. 'It saddens me to realise that well-endowed musicians like the legendary Ratsie Setlhako died a pauper and as a musician I wouldn't want that to happen to anyone again,' Matlhaku said.

Although the musician is willing to take in new students, at the moment he cannot do that. The hope is that the 15 setinkane-makers will go and mentor others in their respective areas.

Matlhaku says that it is a great challenge to organise the event, he was able to secure P 12,000 from the American Embassy and P 69, 000 from the European Union (EU) to meet his P 81, 000 budget. Officials from the district councils and Botswana Training Authority will be present at the event, which will be held from August 12-19 at Khawa Lodge in Ghanzi.