08 Jul 2014

Gaborone Youth Singers have scooped a P25 000 first prize during the President’s Day celebrations choral music held at Sir Seretse Khama Barracks over the weekend (July 5-6).

The choir, under its conductor, Modisaotsile Mogotsakgotla aka Mendy battled it out with three choirs which included Serowe Symphony which took position two, Camel choir from Tsabong took position three and Maun choral got position four.

Choirs were judged on the standard song dubbed ‘Emang Badiragatsi’ composed by Puso Phetwe, which they all started with and then lerabi that was their own composition song.

All the choirs displayed an outstanding performance on stage on both the standard song and lerabi. Serowe Symphony emerged the winner of the standard song while Gaborone Youth Singers won ‘Lerabi’.

In the category of poetry, Mooko Ramookane who hails from Gasite in the South Central emerged the winner walking away with P10.000. In his poem, Ramookane is urging people to practice the spirit of loving; saying love is the pillar of the nation.

It was an exciting day for choral music and poetry lovers as there was a point where the audience was not allowed to scream when the choirs were in the middle of the song but they failed to contain their emotions hence screamed despite the warning.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Sport and Culture, Ruth Maphorisa said such competitions are important as they enable them to cultivate and improve the talent that Batswana have.

She said as time goes on they will encourage the private sector to help them in this journey of cultivating and improving the talent. She said what is pleasing is seeing young Batswana partaking in poetry, of which she said it shows that Setswana is still there.

She further encouraged those who did not managed to win not to give up.

“Though we are here for competitions, as you did not win it does not mean you are not winners, you are all winners,” she said. ENDS