03 Feb 2025

The Tito family, hailing from the heart of Kumakwane is a beacon of artistic excellence and cultural pride.

Under the nurturing guidance of the patriarch, Kopanang Tito (affectionately known as Mmadinotshi), and his wife Lesego Tito, also known as Mmaago Tontosa, this family has become a collective of remarkable poets, musicians and artists who inspire with their craft

Kopanang’s passion for poetry began in his early school years, while attending Kumakwane Primary School.

“At the age of 10, I began composing poetry, a talent that continually flourished over the past 15 years,” he said.

His love for cultural expression was fostered through school prize-giving ceremonies, birthday parties, weddings and commonwealth commemorations where he showcased his poetic abilities, weaving stories that highlighted the richness of Botswana’s cultural heritage.

With the support of his cousin Mompoloki Tito, Kopanang remained deeply committed to elevating his career and the cultural landscape of his country and emerging three times as a champion in the President’ Day Competitions, now known as National Arts Festival.

Whether through his individual work or by nurturing the talent of his family, he topped the charts.

His poetic flair is deep-rooted in addressing salient issues such as unemployment and Gender based violence (GBV) narrated in voice “Busa pelo ya bokgopo sika la ga Atamo, ga o tlhong go tlhora mosadi boroko Ka dikgoka e kare o tau, ntlung go senang khutso, jaaka nku o ka nna konyana, e kae therisanyo le puisanyo lwapeng, rre apesa mmaetsho tshwanelo tsa gagwe di mo tshwanne” which advocates for annulment of GBV.

Kopanang draws his inspiration from Moroka Moreri of Motlhaolosa Poetry Ensemble, Sylvester Lesoba and African poets respectively. His collaborative effort with Thuto Ntwayagae has birthed a book dubbed, Sepho which has crocheted poems that lobbies for change.

The Kunkuru family’s creative journey was further enriched by their son, Kenneth Tito, who came to be known by the name ‘Kunkuru’ a title that resonates with both joy and sorrow.

“It was through the hard times of quarantine in 2020 that Kunkuru’s poetry found its voice, soothing hearts and bringing comfort during a difficult period,”explained Kopanang.

Kenneth’s poetic prowess blossomed early in pre-school and by the age of 14, he had already begun writing with a fervour that captured the essence of the nation’s stories in a book dubbed, Ke a Boka, exhibiting his poetic flair birthing 20 Setswana poems under the publication of Macmillan releasing a debut album with another set of 20 poems simultaneously.

 His works became a fusion of his father’s poetic legacy and his own unique perspective, creating pieces that resonateD deeply with listeners and readers alike.

In one of his poetic pieces, Kunkuru lauds himself as someone whose mouth is filled with sweetness and a nation’s celebrated trailblazer in the poetic scene, “Ke rwele monate ka legano, le tshologa sukiri. Talente yaaka e ratwa ke setshaba le magosi gonne ke seriti le ngwao ya lefatshe.”

To date Kunkuru amalgamates his poetic pieces with song and Borankana dance. Kunkuru wishes to expand his craft into the music scene, this is attested by his involvement in the school choir and desire to have a keyboard and guitar to curate sound to accompany his poetic ensemble. Aside from being a poet, musician, dancer he finds solace in football.

Lesego, initially not a poet herself, found her calling when she saw the need for ululation accompaniment at family events. Her creative spark was ignited as she began developing her skill in ululation, which eventually led her to becoming a respected figure in the poetry and performance circles.

“ I was just a photographer but I saw how my husband and son would often struggle to find someone to ululate for them so I decided to assist them,” said Lesego. 

Her growth as an artist was not just in her ululation but in her ability to support and inspire her son and husband on their artistic journeys. Through her own efforts, Lesego earned invitations to national events, where her ululation became a celebrated part of the performances.

“It is an honour to be invited to welcome guests and state presidents visiting our beautiful country with my ululation. Being on the stage with my husband and children gives hope to other couples that true love and happiness in marriage are still impetus for lasting relationships,” she adds.

The Tito family’s impact on Botswana’s cultural scene extends far beyond poetry. Kunkuru’s passion for music and art shines through in every performance.

From his early teens, he expressed a profound connection between music and poetry, believing that both forms were intertwined. This connection led him to pursue music lessons and join the school choir, where he continues to hone his talents.

His dedication is evident in his refusal to ask for Christmas clothes, instead opting for a guitar, a symbol of his commitment to his craft. His father remembers that he refused to do Home Economics and opted for Art and Music saying the two subjects were related.

Kunkuru’s love for music and poetry has also found a place in his academic life, initially iintrigued by his father Radio Botswana jiggle “Seromamowa sa Botswana wee” he integrates the lessons he learns in music into his poetic compositions. 

His parents describe him as a trailblazer, using his Setswana compositions to inspire his classmates and peers. The Tito family’s writing style, though unique to each generation, shares a common thread of excellence, cultural pride, and a dedication to uplifting the nation.

Arona Tito, the youngest member of the Kunkuru family, has also embraced her creative heritage.

With the support of her family, she has unleashed her own artistic potential, writing songs and even releasing a debut single dubbed “Sarolola mosese o.” Arona, too, joins her mother on stage, ululating in harmony with her, further solidifying the family’s creative bond.

Together, the Kunkuru family has become a force for positive change in their community, using their poetry, music, and art to inspire others. Their work is not only a reflection of their own journeys but also a tribute to the values of botho, humanity, and unity that are central to the Botswana way of life.

 As they continue to elevate their craft, they are committed to educating and inspiring others who share their love for poetry and the arts thus further solidifying their spot in the arts scene.

Their message is clear: “We live through poetry, Batswana. Employers, let us be taken seriously we are here, not just as poets, but as catalysts for growth and change.”

Kunkuru Family will forever be grateful for being part of a historic occasion during President Advocate Duma Boko’s inauguration ceremony last year November. The family stands as a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries, elevate cultures, and create legacies that will inspire generations to come. ENDS