15 Sep 2015

People’s attitudes and behaviour should revolve around a rich and solid culture and tradition that govern how they relate to one another. This statement adds emphasis on the need to embrace diverse culture for the promotion of tolerance and Botho.

Camel Choir Tsabong is one group that believes music, as an element of culture, is a unifying force in society. In an interview with BOPA recently, former chairperson, Ms Mary Jonas said the story of Camel Choir dates back to April 2010 when a group of singers bound by the love for choral music ganged together to register a choir.

“Tsabong used to and still has one choral choir from Herero ward amongst other 9 wards and that is where most camel choir members came from,” said Ms Jonas.

She explained that the name Camel was adopted as a way to celebrate the animal that is found in the region. The phenomenal group is bound by the love for music; they believe it exists to nourish the roots of a culture. They therefore believe communicating or expressing oneself in line with cultural values and norms unites people.

Music is the best tool to express the joy that comes with the sense of belonging, the pride that one has about where they come from and amazing possibilities of the future.

To them music is indeed a universal language, an important part of life that brings people together.

Camel Choir therefore aims to promote the way of life of the people living in Kgalagadi, celebrate the unique landforms because they believe music is a wonderful resource that offers a better understanding of the world. Jonas says Camel Choir is a team that is passionate about music, as music is also central to the development of the whole person.

She says even during their rehearsals there is that spirit of brotherhood, the sense of belonging, a family away from home and the warmth just keeps them growing together as a team.

According to Jonas, music and the arts have their unique means of expression, they capture emotions, passions and allow them to explore new ideas.

“Camel Choir believes in the power of music, that it is the vehicle for expressing the inexpressible - even the unbearable.”

She went on to say music helps create strong and vibrant communities, adding that it starts with a group of  people pouring out their hearts in perfect harmony.

Camel Choir is registered with Botswana Choral Music Association (BOCMA), has competed at the annual music festival that is held every November and has two trophies after scooping position three twice.

Many may know the choir from the President’s Day competitions in which they have always took part since 2010. She says competitions like that of the President’s Day celebrations groom them and they always count on them to correct their mistakes. Because of their perfect blending melodies, Camel Choir has become a household name in Tsabong and surrounding areas so much that one can never miss them at local events and other festivities.

According to Jonas, the money they win from the competitions helps them improve their livelihoods as well as empower them as artistes, adding that they are always motivated to work hard for better results.

Jonas said in the pursuit to help build an educated and informed nation, they once donated stationery to Tsabong Primary School. Camel Choir plans to build a youth centre; a social and recreational place that supports opportunities for youth to develop their physical, social, emotional wellbeing as well as to experience achievement, leadership, enjoyment, friendship and recognition.

“We believe by building a youth centre, we will be able to help mould our youngsters to become remarkable leaders of tomorrow. That youth centre would be a one-stop place for seminars, conferences, festivities tailor made to empower youth,” explained Jonas.

She also said they intend to record their music on CD’s and DVD’s as they want to see themselves performing at a South African choral shows such as Imizwilili  or even host their own with other local choirs in the near future.

“We are here to make a mark; we want to make a legacy for youngsters. Ours is a simple aim to celebrate our being, what we are and what other nations can learn about us,” said Jonas.

The challenge they have is that their number has decreased from 40 to 29 members, which poses a disadvantage to the volume, strength and depth of their singing.

The choir is thus welcoming interested members aged 18 and above. They are also pleading for sponsors as they have a lot up their sleeves that needs financial assistance. Ends