24 Apr 2024

Legendary South African musical maestro, Johnnie Mokhali and Botswana’s Cultural Spear group will team up on stage to ignite and captivate audiences at this year’s Motse-wa-Setso musical cultural festival in Francistown on April 27.

The electrifying fusion of legendary Mokhali’s distinctive style and Cultural Spear group’s extraodinare dynamic stage presence are expected light up the venue, transform the event into a mesmerising celebration of cultural diversity and musical artistry.

When the musical giants converge on the Motse-wa-Setso stage at the Francistown old stadium, the audience is in for a treat of epic proportion, where the only casualties will be the scorched grass under the feet of frenzied dancers and the bruised voices of those singing along.

Attendees can expect to be drawn into a whirlwind of beats, melodies, and captivating performances, leaving them clamoring for more as the sparks of creativity and energy from the two musical powerhouses.

Speaking about the event, Francistown Deputy Mayor, Lesego Kwambala said the festival was not only about celebrating music but also to boost the local economy.

“Beyond the joyous festivities, Motse-Wa-Setso cultural festival is also poised to bring a much-needed economic boost to the local community of Francistown,” he added.

He said with an influx of visitors anticipated to descend onto the town, local businesses and artisans would have a prime opportunity to showcase their offerings and attract new clientele.

“From street vendors selling traditional handicrafts to restaurants serving mouth-watering local dishes, the event promises to create a thriving marketplace that celebrates and supports the town’s unique entrepreneurial spirit,” he added.

He explained that this year’s festival is open to children of all ages as the future custodian of culture.

“Children, the future custodians of culture and the heartbeat of our community, are invited to attend and experience the Motse wa Setso festival firsthand.

This unique opportunity not only enriches their understanding of the vibrant traditions of their people, but also fosters a sense of pride and belonging within them,” said Kwambala.

The deputy mayor said music was not just a collection of sounds, it was a powerful conduit for expressing culture, honoring traditions, and even protesting against injustices.

He emphasised that music has always been an integral part of people’s lives, acting as a unifier, healer, and messenger across generations.

“Whether it is a joyful celebration of our culture or a rallying cry for change, music has a profound impact on our spirits and our communities,” said Kwambala.

Marketing manager, David Tapela said the main objective of the festival was to enhance entrepreneurship development amongst Botswana artists.

“At the heart of the Motse wa Setso festival lies a commitment to nurturing and developing the entrepreneurial spirit of Botswana’s talented artists.

 Recognising that many local musicians are turning to music as a source of income and livelihood, the event aims to provide a platform for them to showcase their talents, network with industry professionals, and explore opportunities for commercializing their music,” he added.

He said by fostering entrepreneurship and encouraging artistic growth, the festival aimed to support the long-term sustainability of Botswana’s vibrant music scene.

He told the press conference that attendees can be rest assured that the safety and security of all participants, particularly children, would be of utmost importance at the Motse wa Setso festival.

To maintain a secure environment, organisers have contracted security companies equipped with guard dogs and horses to patrol the area, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

“Guests can feel confident that the festival’s security measures will create a comfortable and secure atmosphere, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the cultural festivities without worry,” he added.

The founder of the Cultural Spear group, Kabelo Mogwe expressed pride in his group’s success in representing Botswana’s cultural heritage to the world, while lamenting the lack of representation for the region in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

“Our group has been privileged to share our country’s culture and traditions with audiences across the globe, from North America to Europe, but within our own SADC region, we remain relatively known,” Mogwe said.

He also said Mokhali was widely recognised as a musical phenomenon both within South Africa and internationally.

He said Mokhali had consistently mesmerised audiences with his powerful and emotive performances.

“His impressive career spanning over decades and has garnered accolades and recognition for his unique blend of traditional and contemporary music, which transcends borders and captivates music lovers across the globe.

Mogwe said his presence at Motse-wa-Setso festival was sure to be a highlight, as he shares his talent with a new audience eager to experience his extraordinary gift. ENDS