16 Mar 2022

 Music is indeed a universal language, seeing that the Botswana ensemble, choreographed by Andrew Kola, kept audience captivated during the Botswana National Day celebration in Dubai on Sunday.

Botswana artists, who entertained multinational revellers at the Expo 2020 Dubai also expressed delight for the opportunity to perform during the arts and entertainment part of the Expo 2020 with an overarching theme: Connecting Minds and Creating Future.

The ensemble of about 20 artistes, formed part of the delegation led by Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Tumiso Rakgare, whose aim was to promote culture and national heritage

The music ensemble featured Ndingo Johwa, Maxi Sedumedi, Chaako-Chaako, Khoisan and Kala tsa Kgale performing a mixture of Seperu, Borankana, Tsutsube and Phathisi dances.

In an interview, Johwa expressed appreciation of the opportunity he and other artistes were given to showcase their talent.

“I am grateful that I continue to hand hold young and upcoming artists to give them exposure on the international scenes,” he said.

He said he wished to leave a legacy in music for young musicians so that they can do better adding, they should learn the art of traditional music because it expresses culture and gives narratives that people can easily relate to.

“It is important to write music with rich lyrics such as my Pa Nkaka song that remains a hit up to today,” he stated.

Oratile Kofa of Khoisan group, who entertained the star-studded cultural night hosted by the De Beers Group of Companies, said she was proud to represent Botswana on the international scene. “We are here as torch bearers of our Setswana culture,” she said.

Oratile stated that the performances could be a new beginning to showcase that Botswana artists have what it takes to entertain in the international scenes.

She said Setswana was an interesting language and that such performances could put Batswana on the limelight.

“I am happy for the experience, and I am hopeful that such exposure can bring more collaborations with musicians from other countries,” she said.

She said she wished that Setswana talent could be grown, and that music should be supported as it was one of the revenue streams with low hanging fruits.

Meanwhile, models led by renowned super model, Kaone Kario and Olorato Moalosi, Gaonaope Muyoba and Boikanyo Motshidisi showcased Botswana diamonds jewellery.

The basketry and bead work was represented by Mosipidi Motswasele and Kaki Matlakala, who displayed their crafts at the Botswana pavilion that realised immediate benefits of about P850 000.

When addressing the cultural night attendees, Rakgare said the talent and cultural performances would add another dimension to the decisions to invest in Botswana, highlighting that the arts and entertainment industry derived value from participating at the expo.

“By way of example, during the month of December 2021, we brought nine artists who staged 15 shows in cooperating pavilions at the expo,” Rakgare said.

He said some of the shows were hosted by Brazil, Thailand and Australia, adding that not only had this greatly enhanced the collaboration with those countries, but it had hopefully opened doors for business collaborations in the future.

He said the displays at the Botswana Pavilion, the cultural performances and the engagements since October 2021, had sold Botswana to the rest of the world such that there should be heightened interest in investing in Botswana or consuming her goods and services.

“Our unique culture represents our dynamism, irreplaceable values and traditions, all of which are critical elements of our very existence as a nation,” he said. ENDS