28 May 2019

Hosana traditional dance lovers were treated to a spectacular on Saturday as Hosana giants competed in the President’s Day arts regional competitions in Masunga.

Dikgosi tsa Ngwao and Tilenje tje Ngwao traditional groups both from Francistown secured a spot in the finals billed for July.

Nine groups competed for the top two spots in the finals, and Dikgosi tsa Ngwao finished first with 88 per cent while Tjilenje tje ngwao came second with 86 per cent.Thakoyapitse from Ramokgwebana were number three with Makombela from Francistown finishing fourth and Themashanga’s Sekgophane in fifth position.Mabudzane’s Tjedu tjilenje were sixth, Dikokomane tsa ga Mbalambi in seventh place, Kudzani Tjilenje from Ramokgwebana in eighth and Themashanga’s Tshwaragano at the bottom.

It was indeed a battle of the giants as the top four brought their A- game leaving the crowd yearning for more.Sekgophane group warmed up the stage on a low note followed by Dikokomane tsa ga Mbalambi who were also lacking coordination and zest.

Then came Tjilenje tje Ngwao who set the roof on fire as they commanded authority with that riveting opening “Thobela”.The melody, clapping, dance jelled well and one could not help but be enthralled in the moment.

The foot-kicks, hand movements turns and twists clearly proved why they are four times Hosana national champions.The competition had just begun, as every group took a short prayer to beat that performance and Makombela did not disappoint as they also brought their all.

Makombela even brought planter and hoe on stage to simulate the ploughing and weeding which they executed nicely.The dancers stomped the stage with power but got drained as the performance unpacked and lost momentum.

Thako ya Pitse were also one to beat on the day as they exhibited exuberance that was driven by their male dancers.

Dikgosi tsa Ngwao closed down the day on a high note as they displayed a unique formation that stood out from the rest.

The group director, Goitseone Ditshwantsho attributed their performance to hard work, gym, prayer and fasting.Tjileje the ngwao director, Ngwisiwa Ntogwa stated that endurance was their strongest point as they believe in training hard and staying fit.

He said they didn’t treat Hosana just as another form of entertainment but rather they performed it to capture the spirit of Hosana. ENDS