Kg’oesakeni:
WeekendLife
Performed by Lepatata arts ensemble Kg’oesakeni, a musical dance theatre production explores themes around the current life situations of the Kua people. The story puts into perspective the native Kua traditions such as music, socioeconomic practices and spirituality and how they were impacted by the relocations from the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR).
The musical is a product of years of field research involving tens of personal interviews and months of sleeping in the CKGR and New Xade by the writer and director Shabba Kgotlaetsho. Kgotlaetsho has had first encounters and real time experiences of the Kua people’s ordeal as he attended the court sessions whilst a photojournalist and tells the story in a compelling manner. He was also the only local journalist present when the people returned to CKGR after the court victory that confirmed their liberty to reside in the CKGR.
The production narrative follows the life of a young Kua maiden born in the CKGR but grows up in the Botswana metropolis. Growing into world religious masonry, which she quits due to ancestral issues, she enjoys modern day corporate success. Under a strange trail, she loses all the worldly glory and circumstances force her to return to the CKGR for her salvation. The story is told in purely Kua song and dance systems as a tribute to the communities. Kg’oesakeni is the name of the new home, New Xade, where majority of the communities that were relocated are currently residents.
According to Kuela Kiema writing in his book, Tears for my Land (2010), New Xade was named Kg'oesakeni, meaning in search of better life, in April of 1997 by a delegation of four men, him included. He does not explain why they chose the name but alternative sources state this name could have been inspired by the basis and purpose of the relocation as stated by the national government then.
According to the national government, the relocation was intended to give the people of the then CKGR a new lease of life against how they had been living. The Kua people known as the Bushmen, the Khoe, the San and other names to the world, are what the world knows as the historical first inhabitants of the African continent. Some of the most recognizable communities of the Bushmen are resident in Botswana. These communities have, until recently, had the most unique and complete efficient ways of life including, socio- economic models and spiritualties.
In Botswana, these people were traditionally residents of what the government classified as a Game Reserve in the 1960s. In May 1997, the government started what was to cause a global uproar as a violation of Indigenous Communities and Ethnic Genocide against the Kua people when they started a relocation programme out of their native Game Reserve. Many reasons were raised as to why the communities were moved out of their traditional homelands. This started what was to become the longest court battle in history of Botswana judicial history, with the Kua people emerging victorious in December of 2006.
Lepatata Arts Ensemble is a performance arts ensemble that exists to prioritize pure traditional Botswana song and dance in mainstream performance platforms. Driven by core belief that Botswana’s competitive edge globally can only be its unique art forms, Lepatata intends to showcase Botswana traditional dance and song globally in a performance language the world understands. Among Lepatata’s corporate intents is to provide alternative and sustainable professional platform to Botswana artists, especially those of traditional folk systems. Lepatata Arts Ensemble intends to, by year 2019, have at least 20 full-time employed artists who will equally be accredited and qualified by BQA as Botswana traditional song and dance experts and professionals.
Lepatata exists in three disciplines being the folk dance and song, the choir and theatre sections. Lepatata Arts Ensemble uses native dancers as anchors in all its production as shown during its inaugural theatrical, Hosanna Wosana where Lepatata sourced Hosana dancers from Bukalanga. For the current production, Lepatata has sourced additional 8 dancers from New Xanagas and four from D’kar to retain the artistic integrity of the song and dance forms. This is also Lepatata’s corporate inclusive consideration. The production will be staged at Maitisong Theatre on October 28th, 2017 at 1900 HRS by Lepatata Arts Ensemble in association with Botswana Blue Arts Series Foundation. Tickets are available at Webtickets at P200. 00
WeekendLife
Creatives taking over 2023
Creativity is seen everywhere and these individuals did something recently that’s never been done before, and some are still killing it. We see creativity on streaming platforms, stages, runways, social media and boardrooms even. Some of them are revamping their businesses, and lately, clothing sale is thriving.
They love concept-driven designs, storytelling and they bring fresh ideas and new perspectives that will leave footprints in the sand. Post the COVID-19 pandemic, these creative minds utilized the drawing board and they became cognizant that monetizing content will actually take them far, which is frank nonetheless.
This is commendable though, but the creative industry will still need support from government in order for it to flourish further. Allocation of resources (funds, facilities and empowerment) should be done consistently, creativity must be raised and at the end of the day, the economy benefits from that kind of investment.
HAN C
Ever since he parted ways with his former manager, DJ Bougee Sid, Mahalapye born-pint sized, multi-award-winning artist, Hanceford Magapatona has been taking up space, unapologetically so. Han C has shown a strong will to take over the entire world, and he is in the right direction. He’s solely organizing the annual Mahalapye Spring Festival, which is taking place next weekend.
The Pepetetsa hitmaker raked some monies from his savings to put together this event. Mahalapye Spring Festival will feature Paige, Ubuntu Band, Khoisan, Amantle Brown and Double Up among others. Even though it didn’t come as a surprise, Han C was nominated at African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) in the US, under Best Male Southern Africa category.
However, the award was snatched by the late South African rapper, AKA. Its not all lost as Han C secured two nominations at the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs): People’s Choice of the Year and Best Male Single.
KOKETSO MOTSWAGOLE
This entrepreneur has turned his dreams into reality, and his promising apparel business is now a fashion destination. Matter of fact, Motswagole weathered the storms to be where he is now because through criticism and social media bullying, he still leads the pack in fashion.
His social media accounts got deleted but through his online store, KM Sales, Motswagole is able to rake in some profits. He initially started selling from his car but now owns a busy store and has employed a number of young people.
KM Sales has been offering fashionable items (shoes, t-shirts, pants) and has been participating in various lifestyle events such as Garden of Drip where it showcases its products.
If there is one young entrepreneur to draw motivation from is Koketso. The business started from humble beginnings, at the time when he worked part time at Ipelegeng as a casual labor. Indeed, good things come to those who wait, or well, work like a slave today, live like a king tomorrow.
KAGISO LUDO DE KLERK
Vee Mampeezy’s ex-wife Kagiso De Klerk clearly did not sit and weep over their dramatic divorce. The famous social media influencer hurriedly picked up the pieces and went hard on promoting business online. She literally took social media influencing to the head and it is working for her.
This year saw her partnership with Shell reach greater heights, and obviously, she is raking lot of pulas from the deal. Kagiso has been making frequent appearances in top events in South Africa such as Bubbles in Spring and Gold and Diamond Experience.
GAONA DINTWE
After a long break from the limelight, renowned media and radio personality, Gaona Dintwe is back. She was missed by many on TV, and she’s back where she belongs, news anchoring on BTV. Gaona has also found a niche in podcasting. She is a host of her own podcast, Gaona Live Conversation, where various people share their stories on camera.
Some of what they discuss is Gender Based Violence (GBV), polygamy and drug addiction. This is highly commendable because even BTV doesn’t have programs that discuss these crucial social issues. The Lentswelemoruti native is also seen in various corporate events where she is engaged as a host.
WeekendLife
DITIRO LEERO ONE MAN SHOW ON THE PIPELINE
Now that one-man shows are made fashionable, traditional dance guru and ex-convict, Ditiro Leero is joining the crusade and he will be hosting his also. The show will be held next month at Zone 4 Farm in Selokolela, but the there are traditional dance music artists who have been lined up to perform at the show. Matshana, Morwa Leka and Maswailathota will be doing their thing and probably bring some heat too. Ditiro Leero will be making history as the first traditional artist to host a one-man show in Botswana.
WeekendLife
MISS BOTSWANA HAVING MANY IRONS IN THE FIRE
With only two months before Miss World 2023, the reigning Miss Botswana, Lesego Chombo is having many irons in the fire, preparing for the much-anticipated beauty pageant. Miss World 2023 will be the 71st edition of Miss World pageant and it will be held in India. Chombo has been spotted toning her body at Jack’s gym, a requirement that is taken seriously at the pageant. She has also been participating in charity events, something that should add to her profile at the Miss World.