Historic cultural event for Mahalapye
WeekendLife
Having started in 2003, Phate Ya Setso, a youthful cultural group in Mahalapye has managed to keep some youth off the streets thus far. The non profit making organisation would soon catch the eye of the Embassy of Japan in Gaborone in 2008, who then invited it to perform at the TIICAAD cultural exchange programme (in Japan), and they have never looked back.
The group has always been more than a dance troupe as their focus was more on getting members focused on something that could enhance their talent, keep them engaged as well as develop their skills.
This coming weekend, Phate Ya Setso will host the first ever cultural festival in Mahalapye under the theme “Our culture is a mirror where we introspect as a nation, a three legged pot”. The event is unique in the sense that it is brought about by the youth of Mahalapye who have joined hands for a common cause, as described by the theme.
Keiji Hamada, Deputy Head of Mission from the Embassy of Japan in Gaborone will officiate at the event.
While speaking to WeekendLife, the troupe spokesperson, Charity Keobokile, said there will also be a debate session where youth and the elderly members of the community will debate topics relating to culture. Folklore stories will also form part of the night vigil celebrations. Guitarist and Folklore artist, Ntirelan Berman, Makwakwa Cultural Group and Skit Kabomo will also grace the event.
In 2015 Phate Ya Setso scooped Group of the year award at Mahalapye Performing Arts Awards which were organised by Semi House Production.
The troupe was also taken for a short Artisan Tanning course at Department of Animal Production under hides and skins section at Dibete, all of the members graduated and got certificates. Further, eight of the members recently graduated from the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology with certificates in Performing Arts, this, according to Keobokile, is in their endevour to try exploring each member’s individual talent and how they can make a living out of them.
Keobokile said one interesting aspect of this initiative is that Mahalapye is a multi- cultural tribe but they are all living harmoniously despite different backgrounds. The event is aimed at bringing the community of Mahalapye closer to each other. It also celebrates the culture diversity that exists among the people of Mahalapye and the surrounding areas.
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