03 Oct 2023

Kanye residents were treated to a fascinating all day friendly clash between two traditional choirs (dikhwaere) on Independence Day, the aim of which was recreational but also to share experiences and knowledge.

Vultures Choir from Kanye and Badiragatsi Choir from Mochudi presented traditional music fans with a memorable Independence Day treat themed: Resuscitation of Culture.

Vultures Choir manager, Gilbert Gabositwe told BOPA that culture was not being appreciated like in the past yet traditional choirs were still going strong.

“We need to encourage Batswana to support choirs so that they can be able to grow and be exposed to the international market,” said Gabositwe.

He complained that dikhwaere were marginalised and were never utilised as receptions of international high profile delegations.

Involving them in such events, he said would give them recognition and help them grow.

Though a source of entertainment during Independence celebrations, Gabositwe said dikhwaere were a marketing tool, source of employment and could sustain those involved in them if they received adequate support.

Gabositwe said they invited Badiragatsi Choir, who were best at regional level, during the 2023 National Arts Festival, to learn from them and share skills.

“Dikhwaere, although having begun as a source of entertainment at the lands, also form part of the entertainment industry, therefore we need to distinguish them in a special way, to preserve such talent,” said Gabositwe.

Further, he said dikhware were appreciated by the young and old, and could therefore, be used to keep the former away from bad things.

He said he was pleased with the turn-up and that some of the proceeds would go towards helping a charitable organisation yet to be identified.

Songs for the event were themed around crime prevention as well as drugs and alcohol abuse.

Badiragtsi Choir chairperson, Alfana Mathibe said they were pleased to partner with Vultures to revive dikhwaere.

He said choirs were faced with challenges such as inability to generate profits from performances, hence the partnership sought to sensitise people about the importance of supporting arts monetarily.

Ikageng Choir from Borolong, Matebele from Pitseng and Dintorokong from Metsimotlabe also held a similar event simulteniously . ENDS