24 Aug 2022

 Milidzo ye Bakalanga choir will host a night of Ikalanga music, the first of its kind on September 23 at Maitisong Theatre.

In an interview with BOPA, project manager, Michael Modise said 60 singers were expected to be part of the show and they would share the stage with the Jazz Maestro, Ndingo Johwa and Lizibo.

Modise said the performance line up would feature KTM choir, who would also sing in Ikalanga.

“This is the first concert to show people that there are many different cultures and languages spoken in Botswana to strengthen the spirit of oneness,” he said.

He said because of the different cultures and languages in Botswana, people should not fear to embrace what formed part of their identity.

“Batswana have to feel welcomed and understood in different languages and the collection of Ikalanga songs explains that,” he said.

The project manager also said the second phase of the show would be in Francistown next year as one of the efforts to grow the brand.

The project, he said, would feature 20 songs composed by JNT Dupute and J Moswela.

“All these songs are written in Ikalanga language,” he said.

Modise also gave credit to pioneers of the project being the late Gobe Matenge, Samuel Mpuchane and Alfred Dube.

He said they came up with the idea to unite and show the diverse culture the country prided itself in.

Milidzo ye Bakalanga choir comprises different choristers around the country, young and unemployed youth.  ENDS