18 Aug 2022

 Botswana’s music heavyweights will share stage during Kgosi Malope Cultural Festival billed for Mmakgodumo Gardens in Kanye on Saturday.   

Revellers will be spoilt for choice, as the line-up entailing locals only,  has  drawn the country’s finest musicians such as the veteran kwasa-kwasa muso Franco Lesokwane, the likes of Gong Master, Ditiro Leero, Mmaratwa, Maswaila Thota, Tawana ya Koma, Swailaman, Kuka la Setso and Kgarebe ya Setso.

The lineup has also roped in up-coming artistes such as Dipilara tsa Ngwaketse and Segalampa among others.

The event, organised by Kanye Bulletin, an online newsletter, which is part of the fundraising activity and activation for the upcoming Kgosi Malope II’s wedding ceremony and 10 years coronation anniversary as Bangwaketse kgosi next month.

In an interview, the event coordinator, Taolo Mogobe shared that they had intentionally opted for the most prominent traditional artistes from Kanye and surrounding areas as a strategy to add flair and ensure that the event becomes fun and most of all memorable for the celebrators.

“We urge all Bangwaketse to be part of this festival as this is a celebration before the upcoming actual celebration of our kgosi. 

We need to celebrate him and ensure his upcoming events become a success,” he said.

In addition to securing funds for Kgosi Malope II’s upcoming events, Mogobe indicated that the cultural festival was also a platform to celebrate and appreciate Kgosi Malope II’s considerable achievements and milestones, which have been accomplished over his 10-year tenure as the Bangwaketsi kgosi.

“There are certain milestones that Kgosi Malope II has pioneered over 10 years which are worth celebrating. 

Such include the re-introduction and revival of mephato and dikgafela which had previously vanished,” he said.

Mogobe noted that although those practices were halted due to COVID-19, they had recently been conducted, citing the recent unveiling of mophatho wa Maakathata which consist of men born from 1981 to 1985.

He also noted that Kgosi Malope  was also elected as the deputy chairperson of Ntlo ya Dikgosi, where he had demonstrated his willingness, great commitment to diligent service to the nation.  

He said the festival would be conducted through various activities, which would entail different cultural activities, adding that presentation of some cultural practices such as that of Bangwato, Bakwena and Barolong would be made.

“As we celebrate our culture, we do this in full understanding that we share the same ideals and are also related to other tribes, therefore we have invited other people from different tribes to come and join us in celebrating our milestones,” he said.

Mogobe noted that in that regard arts and cultural stalls would be erected where artistes would be exhibiting and showcase some of their artifacts, adding that they were also working with Kgosi Bathoeng II Memorial Museum,  who would also be selling African clothing and art pieces.

He further shared that the event would kick start with the early morning sponsored walk, which would be graced by the Minister of Entrepreneurship, Karabo Gare as the chief walker, accompanied by Member of Parliament for Kanye South, Dr Lemogang Kwape and other dignitaries.

Mogobe indicated that other pre-event activities which would be held as part of fundraising, shall be, Kgosi Malope Marathon and Dikgafela cultural Gala Dinner, scheduled for September 17 and 29 respectively.

Celebrations at the bride’s family have been set for September 23 in Maseru, Lesotho, while the second leg, in Kanye has been set for October 7.  

His 10 years coronation anniversary as Bangwaketse Kgosi  has been scheduled October 5.  ENDS