08 Feb 2016

The aim of the ongoing Limkokwing University talent search is not only to unearth raw talent, but to  also inculcate some level of pride in the citizens for belonging to one of the different communities that make up the nation.

In an interview, the search’s director, Socca Moruakgomo, stated that the idea behind the search was to bring together people from different tribes in song and dance, with a view to helping Batswana see the need to appreciate each other, despite their differences.

Moruakgomo, a renowned musician, said music, like sports carried in it the power to unite people and make them understand that indeed there was beauty in diversity.

He noted with concern how fragmented some tribes were, observing that this opened a window of opportunity for some people from other cultures to take advantage of these tribes. He said the fact that Basarwa had for a long time been seen as some sort of tourist attractions by some foreigners and the lack of concern by other local tribes about this state of affairs was proof of this fragmentation.

He noted that under normal circumstances, such a situation would not have been allowed to go on unchecked as other tribes in the country would have risen to the occasion to protect the dignity of their fellow country-men.

In addition to helping Batswana to come together as one, Moruakgomo said they aimed to also produce world-class performers who would go out into the world and tell the story of the nation of Botswana; in the process making a name for themselves and using song and dance to provide for themselves and their loved ones.

A positive image by such performers to the world would help to bring about the spirit of oneness among Batswana. Moruakgomo explained that those who will go through will be part of about 100 performers who will undergo a six months training in music and dance in Gaborone beginning February 29.

A member of the team that conducted the auditions, John Marumo, said they were looking for fresh talent and not artistes or performers already in the public eye.

He said there were no restrictions in terms of what one would love to present, and that only those who were neither working nor at school would be allowed to participate as those who go through would need to be free to attend the training camp.

While the auditions started over two hours late, with only 18 individuals and groups registered to audition well after midday, the few who had turned up seemed determined to make their presence felt. Ends