04 Mar 2015

They say music soothes the mind, body and soul, and this we hear often about pop music.

Perhaps we should also try the traditional instrument. Dhakadiri, a traditional instrument found among the Basarwa people. 

This instrument is made of wire string tied to a wooden log and supported by a basin as a base. 

However, according to Qabo Gaoduelwe of Grootlagte, this instrument was once made up of a muscle string from cow leather way before western civilisation came to our mother land. 

Dhakadiri is an instrument that is only played by women because it is believed to have that healing power, says Gaoduelwe. 

She explains that as Basarwa they believe that when someone is at their lowest, especially women who are prone to emotional stress, they play the instrument and their moods are restored. 

Gaoduelwe also says this instrument is played during games, and that, although men are forbidden to play it, they however assist to assemble the instrument so that it releases the melodies that complement the lyrics sang by the women. 

Through this traditional instrument Gaoduelwe says, they transfer the skills and knowledge to their young women and girls so that they continue to preserve and pride themselves with the culture.

Recently, the Ghanzi Intangible Cultural Heritage committee embarked on a research for intangible cultural heritage elements in the district, and Dhakadiri was one of the findings as it was found to be practiced, lived and skills were imparted to the next generations. 

Hopefully, this element of culture will be yet another one to be listed with other intangible cultural heritage elements of the UNESCO 2003 convention, as was the practice of making traditional pots in the Kgatleng District which was listed in 2010. 

This is a wish and desire for Gaoduelwe and others from the Basarwa community who pride themselves in this culture of playing Dhakadiri.

She says they wish to travel the world and showcase their Dhakadiri culture, but not before the delight of showcasing the amazing instrument to other Batswana in various districts where it is unfamiliar. 

The only time they ever showcased their culture was during Constituency Art competitions in the area, but, she feels that it was not enough, explaining that it only ended there and never proceed to the President’s Competitions, which she reckons was the right platform for their Dhakadiri to be recognized and exposed to Batswana and eventually to the world. 

However, the District Coordinator in the ministry of Youth, Sport, and Culture in Ghanzi Mr Gobonaone Ramoupo says, for a traditional instrument to proceed to President’s Day competitions, which are national, often they look at character countrywide.

However, since Dhakadiri is only still dominant in the Ghanzi District, it will only be promoted regionally at constituency art competitions, points out Ramoupo, adding that although there could be prospects for promotion to President’s Day competitions, in the meantime they encourage groups to compete at Constituency Art competitions level. 

He also cites that other traditional performances such as Ditlhaka, found in the South East in gaMalete and setapa sa Sekgalagadi, are still at constituency level because of their local characters. 

However, hope is not lost for the women of Dhakadiri for their instrument to be finally competing at President’s Day competitions, seeing that the Sebirwa dance from Bobirwa was once only also at constituency level but eventually rose to become national.

Therefore, only patience is needed for women in Grootlagte and D’Kar for their Dhakadiri to be recognized at President’s Day competitions as they wish. ENDS