Mophato Dance Theatre conquers the world
WeekendLife
From Europe to America, Botswana’s only Afro-fusion contemporary Dance Group, Mophato Dance Theatre is indeed conquering the world. This past week, the group dazzled New York City’s Battery Dance Festival with their performance of Pula.
The group, founded by Andrew Letso Kola has in the space of less than 10 years- eight to be precise, attained international stardom and prominence, something one would not imagine from a group that started in the township of Old Naledi, or Zola as it is widely known. In Pula, the group was telling the story of rain not falling. A snippet of the play on their Facebook page is astounding to say the least, and deserving of the rave reviews by the Financial Times and the New York Times. 18 actors, of which some also are singers, tell the breathtaking story of a community’s journey, as it takes to prayer through song and dance for rain, with it finally descending.
“Indeed, whether in the fine pacing or the intricate music of feet and voice, backed offstage by drum and funky, clangorous xylophone, it is rhythm that holds Pula together”, writes the Financial Times of the play. The award winning group has earned itself repute for their unique story-telling through dance, accompanied by the beat of drums and live music. Currently, Mophato is one of the highly paid entertainment groups that has created 23 occupations and more opportunities for the at- risk youth through capacity building projects.
However with a different pitch altogether the breakthrough was not easy for the Zola outfit. They struggled to win the hearts of Batswana and Africa in general and thus they performed in different countries like Namibia, United Kingdom, performed at the Shanghai Expo in China, Nigeria, South Africa and Belgium and lately Germany to showcase their exceptional dance talent. Being invited to New York’s longest running public festival is perhaps the greatest feat for the talented group.
The group is the first from Africa to be invited to perform at the esteemed event. Each year, Battery Dance travels to countries unmerited by modern dance, finding the best groups they encounter during their tour to take back to New York for the festival, and Mophato, was among them this year. In addition, the group was the only to be honoured with a full day that was covered by the New York Times. The esteemed festival that attracts an audience of around 10 000, hosted more than 10 countries from across the world this year. The group shared the stage with some of the best Dance Theatres in the world such as Martha Graham and Battery Dance, which is a historic moment for them.
American choreographers such as Michelle Dorrance, Paul Taylor, Mary Anthony, Elizabeth Streb and Darrell Moultrie have all presented their works alongside pre- eminent companies from Asia, Europe, South America, Africa and the Caribbean.
The Battery Dance Festival provides a unique opportunity for outstanding dancers and choreographers to present original works of high artistic merit in a free public forum. The festival was established to connect internationally acclaimed dance companies across the world and to create a cross cultural engagement and career opportunities for dance companies by; networking with investors, conducting workshops with esteemed producers from Broadway as well as 31 international and local dance companies.
When the group left the country for the festival, which they have been quoted as saying started as cultural exchange in September 2016, they were able to get sponsorship from Botswana Tourism Organisation, the US Embassy Gaborone as well as Brand Botswana. They themed the expedition: “I love my Botswana, Your Botswana, Our Botswana”, with the aim of increasing awareness, reducing negative dissonance, producing positive perception & generating interest in the country’s tourism, wildlife and arts industry. The theme was fashioned to create ownership of Botswana to potential tourists and Investors.
According to their website, established by Battery Dance in 1982 as the Downtown Dance Festival, today the Battery Dance Festival (BDF) is New York City’s longest-running free public dance festival. Audiences are traditionally drawn from the large downtown working population and residents, families, tourists, senior citizens and dance fans from the greater NYC metropolitan area. “With the help of a team of directors in music and drama, Mophato founder Andrew Letso Kola has created one of those rare works that transform age-old communal ritual into transfixing theatre without diminishing the fervour of the source.” -FT
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.