11 Jul 2022

 Traditional music lovers were in for a treat as traditional instrumentalists, contemporary and traditional poets, mogolokwane, drama and stand-up comedians unleashed their potential during the National Arts festival 2022 finals.

The artistes scintillating performances was evidenced by cheers that filled the BIUST hall during the competition themed Creative industries, A vehicle For Sustainable Development at Palapye on Saturday. 

The gong lovers enjoyed traditional instruments such as segaba, setinkane, katara (guitar). Mogolokwane, contemporary and the traditional poetry contenders did not disappoint as they commanded the stage wowing the crowd already in a jovial mood.

Mokgweetsi Kabomo from Gaborone led the pack in the traditional instruments setinkane category, seconded by Oteng Mpesi from Palapye got position two and Mosione Ramosese from Letlhakane in third position three.

Sebongile Kgaile from Thamaga scooped first position in guitar category, Position two went to Solly Sebotso from Letlhakeng while position three went to Maikano Tirelo from Francistown.

The contemporary poetry which was dominated by ladies, saw Thandi Kereeditse from Maun claim the first spot, followed by Natasha Maruping from Tsabong and  Keoikantse Kegotsitse from Maun in position two and three respectively.

Gosego Letsatsi from Palapye got Position one, in the traditional poetry, while Omphile Lefutswe from Ramotswa got position two and Onkgolotse Manuel from Francistown got position three.

In Mogolokwane category, Conny Leagajang from Mochudi proved that her recent victory at the regional was not by fluke as she scooped position one, seconded by Mmadikgomo Babini from Molepolole and Onalenna July from North East in third place.

Richard Kayota from Maun was the funniest of them all to lead the comedy category, Oitsile Mokgware from Gabane got position two and Bokamoso Ntlhomphe from Selibe-Phikwe settled for position three.

The last performance was from different theatre groups which saw Chobe Arts Association from Kasane getting position one, while Central Arts from Serowe got position two and Merale Arts Creations from Gabane scooping position three.

The festival attracted a lot of people who said it was their first time to attend such a festival and they did not regret their time as they were treated to a variety of performances. Some of the attendants appreciated that the National Arts competitions has since decentralized its final level from only being held in Gaborone to various districts.

They said they had an opportunity to be part of the arts festival as they could not all go to Gaborone to watch the performances due to different reasons.

One of the audiences Dineo Saone from Palapye also a poet said that she came to Palapye specifically to watch contemporary poetry. She said she has leant some of the techniques that she can use when she recites a poem. 

The objectives of the National Arts competitions is to showcase the diversity and uniqueness of the culture as a nation, to intensify the spirit of nationhood through celebration of Botswana arts and to raise the profiles of Botswana artists.

The other objective is to help artists realize their full potential and contribution towards the economy and economic diversification and to educate the nation about the role of the creative industries in the economic diversification drive.

The National Arts Festival have been in existence for 14 years since their introduction in 2008 and they were popularly known as the President’s Day Competitions. The event has become a national event that brings the entire nation together in the spirit of celebration. ENDS