There has been a gradual decline in the popularity of traditional music and the availability of instruments to make that music. As a result, younger generations are deprived of this heritage and the kind of music that once characterised our social celebrations and evening activities.Although in recent years a few individuals have shown the interest in reviving it, albeit in a contemporary format, not enough has been done to preserve precious instruments like segaba, setinkane and lonaka.
However, efforts such as the annual Presidential Awards have created both awareness and interest in this scarce music.It might even get a bigger boost after Botswana Folklore Association and Kultui Vast (Culture in the West), a Cultural institution in Sweden, initiated plans to help take this kind of music to another level.Chairman of the local body, Joseph Dikgomo, says following a series of workshops conducted by the Swedes since 2010, his association decided to take advantage of the relationship by asking them for help.He said he found they are keen to help Botswana get into gear towards introducing traditional music education.
