10 Jun 2024

Metsimotlhabe based choir, Dintorokong are through to the finals of the 2024 National Arts Festival after outclassing fiercest rivals Sedibelo Choir and Badiragatsi Choir from Mochudi.

Dintorokong went toe to toe with 16 other choirs in a closely contested Regional National Arts Festival Dikhwaere contest at the Ramotswa Showgrounds on Saturday.

This means Metsimotlhabe youthful choir is set to face other groups that got position one in their respective regions across the country in a final contest that is penciled for Mochudi on the last weekend of this month.

A sizeable crowd that had brazed the earlier morning breeze were treated to a fascinating contest from all the competitors but the adjudicating panel flagged Dintorokong eventual winners of the South Region marching into the exciting grand finale.

The two Mochudi based choirs Sedibelo and defending champions Badiragatsi settled for the second spot and third spot going home with P8 000 and P5 000 respectively. 

Throughout their performance, Dintorokong kept in sync with the crowd through their carefully coordinated step and great resonating voices.

Welcoming choirs to Ramotswa Gamalete Paramount Chief Kgosi Mosadi Seboko said Dikhwaere had always been part of the culture of any Botswana tribal grouping. 

She said arts and culture were intertwined thus it was pleasing to see Batswana eking a living through their own culture.

She urged the choirs to utilise their talents to earn a living and contribute to the socioeconomic development of their country. Kgosi Mosadi said they should package their own talent, brand it and export it to the international audience.

Giving an overview of the competition principal programmes officer for Ramotswa District Mr Lebotse Modibedi said government established such competitions to help performing artistes reach their full potential and help develop the economy.

He told competitors that indigenous knowledge has proven to be a reliable source of income in many communities and thus people should be paid for their talents. 

He said exporting talent to the international market through ensembles had always brought positive feedback from such audience.

Dikhwaere form part of the competitions organised by government through the ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture. 

Other choirs from the South Region included among others Bana Ba Kgwale (Ramotswa), Bothakga (Mabutsane), Matlapa A Leloto (Mochudi), Nyaphiri (Maokane) and Mokwepa from Molepolole. BOPA