30 Oct 2014

Botswana’s young and talented traditional dance group Mafitlhakgosi left the country on October 28 to perform in China until November 3.

From the dusty streets of Old Naledi to China, the group was invited by De Beers Diamond Company client to serenade the audience with Setswana culture and dance.

Joseph Ikopeng, the coordinator and founder of the group stated that they had been working with Maria Olivers of De Beers and her counterparts when they were mesmerised by the talent they possess.

Mafitlhakgosi is a group of 40 dancers and it attract youth raging from the ages of 7 to 32 years. Ikopeng also stated that he started the group as a former member of Mogwana Traditional Group, therefore chose Old Naledi youth as there have ample talent and as a way of taking them off the streets and curbing them from alcohol and drug abuse through dance.

“We are born entertainers and this is a great opportunity for the group to explore other cultures whilst showcasing ours, though the whole group is not going, the experience will be that of a life time and a beginning of great things to the group,” said Ikopeng.

They started as a family and others followed suit from places as far as Mogoditshane and Gaborone West.

The group has grown to stardom in a short period of time, sharing the stage with international artists such as Zahara and Judith Sephuma. The highlight of their career was when they performed at the recent Gaborone Music and Arts Festival week.

Ikopeng added that their mandate is not only to entertain but also to educate Batswana about different cultural dances, raging Setapa, Patisi, and Hosana. Before they perform, they usually give a brief historical background of these dances.

To spice up their acts they also imitate local artists. Further, the group also incorporate musical instrument made from recycled materials such as dustbin lids, metal rods and bottles.
He stated that as a group likewise they have a social responsibility to the people of Old Naledi and they engage in activities of volunteerism and uplifting the community.

He said if all goes well, they will buy two minibuses to transport the disabled and the elderly in the community.

“The determination and passion of this group is amazing, everywhere we perform people are left speechless and these performances paved way for our international exposure together and this was made possible by Olivers”, he said. ENDS