21 Jul 2024

Shigyakao Cultural Group returned  home  to a warm welcome following their victory in the Seperu (Okavango) category at the finals of National Arts Festival competitions held in Gaborone recently.

The group was hosted to a welcome ceremony Thursday, and in attendance was the Gumare community.

Shigyakao which is not new in the competitions won P50 000 and a trophy after emerging triumphant over other four groups.

In an interview, the group chairperson Richard Chabi said their win was a result of dedication from group members. 

He said the members always sacrificed time to engage in intense practice at least two weeks prior to the competitions.

Chabi said this year, the group embraced the mindset change concept in their performance. 

He encouraged young people to rise above challenges by finding ways to make a living through their talents.

He said Shigyakao, formed in 2008 by youth in Gumare, had been contesting in the national arts competitions since 2014.

The group won Seperu (Okavango) national champions in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2023 and 2024 and got position two in 2019, before the COVID-19 hiatus.

Speaking at the welcome ceremony, Okavango District Commissioner William Keareng commended Shigyakao for representing the district well and showcasing their culture.

Keareng said government had realised the importance of culture and its role as a source of living for communities.

He urged the group members to use their prize money wisely and to consider venturing into other business avenues. ENDs