22 Jan 2023

It is all systems go for the 15th Son of the Soil cultural show which returns on February 4 after a two-year break due to  COVID-19.

The cultural show would be held at Tashy’s Royal Garden in Boatle under new organisers, Beat Box Productions.

As a foundation of cultural tourism events in the country, SOTS prides itself in promoting and preserving Botswana culture through song and dance, traditional games, crafts, poetry and cuisine.

However, this year, Bana Ba Mmala Trust, have collaborated with Beat Box Productions, to organise a show that would leave its lovers in awe from performances of South Africa’s renowned Ringo Madlingozi as well as Sereetsi and the Natives, Lizibo, Ndingo Johwa and Khoi San, among others.

According to the organisers, such a line-up sought to instigate an artistic cultural exchange element in revellers who continued to appreciate the culture showcased during the event.

“Our aim is to expand the cultural knowledge and diversity that SOTS offers its patrons,” explained event organiser, Sydney ‘Boogie Sid’ Nzala of Beat Box Productions in an interview.

Boogie Sid explained that they had brought a twist to the event with Ringo to promote cultural exchange between performing artistes of the day and also bring international patrons, particularly from South Africa closer to home in terms of entertainment.

On his scheduled performance at the cultural show, Lizibo said he was excited to once again share a stage with two legends, Ringo and his fellow Kalanga great Johwa.

“This is very exciting and I am hoping for a continued relationship of teachings and learning the art of being a great deep rooted cultural performer,” Lizibo said, adding he can only emulate and try to merge his style as a young and proud Kalanga.

About Ringo, Lizibo said they had so much in common, not only in cultural regalia which was similar in colours of black and white as well as the bead work, but also their deep use of vernacular in their lyrics which they both took pride in.

Meanwhile, Bana ba Mmala Trust endeavours to continuously find innovative ways of engaging the youth and larger community around issues of culture in a bid to preserve and learn about Botswana culture.

The Trust also seeks to present well-researched facts about the people of Botswana and their culture in a format that would appeal to Batswana, particularly the youth, to foster a sense of national pride and cultural identity as well as leverage on cultural values and pride in order to assist the youth deal with the behavioural challenges of a modern and global world.

Tickets for the SOTS cultural show would be sold via Webtickets as well as at Maru-A-Pula School (Maitisong), Spar outlets and Choppies stores. Ends