Botswana: Letlhakeng hosted the National Arts Festival (NAF) Clap and Tap music regional competitions over the weekend. The event was held under the theme “The creative economy; Botswana’s economic future redefined.’
The theme can be loosely translated as “Tlhabololo ya itsholelo ka dikwebo tsa botaki le bodiragatsi” The Mphuthe Junior School served as the venue for the event which featured a number of inspirational music performances.
The participants of the Clap and Tap music competition was contested by a number of music and dance groups. The participants gave their best performances for the National Arts Festival which was judged by a panel of equally talented judges.
Letlhakeng South Councilor, Mothusi Ramogolana was also present at the music competition. He applauded the MYSC for organizing the National Arts Festival.
He said the ministry is doing well in promoting local arts and culture through participation of different groups and individuals in various categories. The competitions give the creatives a platform for showcasing the country’s diverse arts and culture.
He noted that Letlhakeng community was happy to get the opportunity to host the event. He highlighted that NAF boosted the village’s economy by attracting several musicians and creatives to the competition.
He further noted that events such as the National Arts Festival require proper training facilities, stadia, and music studios to assist artists to display their skills and talents.
A clap and tap music commentator, Tsietso Masasa lauded Government, through MYSC, for its continued support to the creative industry. He described clap and tap as a joyful Christian music popularized by the Apostolic Churches and now adopted by other denominations.
On the other hand, Puseletso Reetsang, a monitoring and evaluation executive within the National Arts Council of Botswana, underscored the importance of investing in the creative industry to create jobs and improve livelihoods, in line with the ideals of Vision 2036 of “Achieving Prosperity For All.”
The participating groups were judged and graded as follows:
- Soul Redeemers Gospel Choir (Gaborone) 84%
- Dineo tsa Tumelo 82%
- Voices of Joy (Kanye) 81%
- BBK Gospel Choir (Tlokweng) & Maatla Gospel Choir (Tlokweng) 80%.
- Maungo a Moya 76%
- Bana ba Lesedi (Mogoditshane) 70%
- Lentswe la Baitshepi (Mogoditshane) 69%
- Mochudi East Choir 68%
The award ceremony will be held on July 15, 2024.