Botswana: Mahalapye hosted the final competitions of the National Arts Festival in Botswana. The participating artists and creatives from across Botswana converged to the town to showcase their talents to various stakeholders of the creative industry.
The participants showcased a wide variety of talents in a celebration of creativity and culture.
The National Arts Festival sought to encourage the members of the country to ensure that they keep the traditions and history of their nation alive. The event was started as a celebration of the President’s Day.
However, over time the celebration has expanded to the various parts of the country and allows them the platform to showcase their talents. The event is a perfect opportunity to hone their skills in the various categories of artistic pursuits.
Categories for the competition included:
- Drama
- Stand-up comedy
- Traditional poetry
- Contemporary poetry
- Mogolokwane
- Traditional instruments
The chief adjudicators of Mahalapye gave advise to the participants and non-participants of the National Arts Festival. The advice would help the creatives in developing their craft and profit from their talents
Dops Baipidi, chief adjudicator of the comedy category, highlighted that “confidence is the biggest advantage an artist can wear.” He also encouraged comedians to talk to their audience during their performances.
The results for the final National Arts Festival have been announced
TRADITIONAL POETRY
- Kopano Tito (Thamaga)
- Kedibonye Phirinyane (Francistown)
- Kago Sephiri (Good hope)
CONTEMPORARY POETRY
- Keoikantse Koogotsitse (Maun)
- Obakeng Kagiso (Serowe)
- Phodiso Modirwa (Tlokweng)
STANDUP COMEDY
- Richard Kayoka (Kasane)
- Lentle Makhwabe (Gaborone)
- Kabo Keitheng (Letlhakane)
MOGOLOKWANE
- Conny B Legajang (Mochudi)
- Kefilwe Ntshona (Selepe Phikwe)
- Mari Kafeko (Tsabong)
SETINKANE
- Moviri Motero (Gumare)
- Oteng Mpesi ( Palapye )
- Mosione Ramosese ( Letlhakeng)
KATARA
1.Batladira Radipitse (Mogoditshane)
- Mogatusi Doctor ( Ghanzi )
- Michael Monang
(Palapye)
SEGABA
- Ntsoane Ramontsho ( Molepolole)
- Sebetilola Kgathatso ( Mogoditshane)
- Commando Tebege ( Hukuntsi)
DRAMA
- Chobe Arts Association (Chobe)
- Serala Multi Arts (Kang)
- Bonang-koo Theatre Group (Lobatse)