Cultural and fashion fanatics will have a dilemma tomorrow when two competing events Son of The Soil (SOTS) and African Attire on Fleek picnic welcome their revellers at Serokolwane Lawns and Bojanala Water Front respectively.
Both events are already making waves and last minute event goers have a tough time deciding where to head to this busy month-end weekend.
Compared to their counterparts, SOTS is already a known brand and the organisers Bana Ba Mmala Trust (BBMT) are banking on the support of their followers despite their one-year break last in 2018. SOTS, an event that has been established in recent years and is a destination of culture, tradition and this year’s theme is Kwa re go yang – Re Ipela. BBMT will continue their efforts to promote culture through song, dance poetry, food, games and craft.
Traditional products, clothes, arts and craft producers will exhibit their products to the patrons in attendance, thus presenting the tradition, taste and uniqueness of Botswana products. Artists, poets, producers and cultural associations from Botswana at large will participate in the Festival.
Even though the festival opens its gates with Metswaisong Evening traditional Chillas at tonight at Serokolwane Lawns, the main event will be tomorrow morning. Adults tickets cost P250, double tickets P450, while those for children will be sold at P100.
The breakfast is free for all and dress code is strictly traditional attire with no jeans allowed. Coolers will be only be allowed after 7pm and all beverages to be drank from Phafanas (Creative Calabash). As part of the set- up BBMT have mimicked a Kgotla system where patrons sit in their respective Kgotla and ultimately have a singing competition between the Kgotlas namely Ga-Sebilo; Ga- Loapi; Ntsweng; Ga – Tshwana an Ga – Tshweu. As for African Attire on Fleek picnic, the event in mainly intended to celebrate the beauty and creativity of Africa through African fashion with a fusion of western design.
Botswana prides itself mainly with leteisi or German print therefore the event is expected to attract varied styles of dress. With this event the society is expected to reflect the society in general as well as the status of individuals or groups within that community.
Organisers of the event have already outlined that different African clothing styles have gained popularity in a lot of Batswana’s wardrobes like Kaftans therefore they expect their customers to go all out and promote African fashion.
Although the event is specifically about culture, there will be performances headlined by South African singer Simmy of sonini and Ntaba Ezikude.
The talented musician who broke into the industry after been featured on Sun El Musician’s album will have plenty to offer from her new album Tugela Fairy like Umahlalela and ubala.
Other artistes billed to perform at the event during the day are Dr Vom, Mafitlhakgosi, Lizibo, Sebaga, Kabelo Tiro, Jazz Man and others. Single tickets cost P150 while single tickets for children will be sold at P70.
Although African Attire on Fleek event would be hosting its first event, it already promises success looking at the hype before the event.
