28 Jun 2022

Bokamoso Ponono, a young comedian booked himself a ticket to the National Arts festival penciled for Palapye ' s International University of Science and Technology next month.

He was a marvel to watch during the Drama and Comedy Festival held in Tatisiding recently as he mesmerised the audience and other competitors from North East District, Francistown and Central District.

Bokamoso said in an interview he intends to reach the prestigious presidential finals given the time she took to prepare herself. "I will not disappoint, looking at the energy and preparations that I have made so far," he added.

For second spot in the comedy category was Koketso Keolopile of Palapye while Thabo Motswedi of Selibe Phikwe settled for position three.

The drama category saw Central Arts Colony of Serowe scooping position one with a 92 per cent while Rainbow Arts from Francistown settled for position two with 89 percent. Pasop group from Selibe Phikwe with 83 percent secured third place.

Speaking at the event. Principal programmes officer in the Ministry of Youth, Gender and Sports Development, Chiyapo Johnson said the competitions had been named National Arts Festival from President's day competitions.

He explained that the main objective of the festival which started in 2009 was to showcase the diversity and uniqueness of different  cultures as well as to intensity the spirit of nationhood and unity through celebration of Botswana arts.

"It is also aimed at raising the profiles of Botswana arts and to help artists realise their full potential and contribution towards the economy and economic diversification.

Johnson further explained that the other objective was to educate the nation about the role of creative industry in the economic diversification drive, recognise and appreciate the creative talent of artists.

In addition, Johnson appealed to artists to respect the decisions of judges because they ‘can’t all win the competition.’ The competitions celebrate Presidents holiday as  declared by the founding president, Sir Seretse Khama.

The event has become a national event that brings the entire nation together on the spirit of celebration.

Johnson said it has become a pinnacle of the heritage month and platform for showcasing the cultural diversity that Botswana pride herself  with. ENDS