19 Jul 2016

On July 17 at Sir Seretse Khama Barracks (SSKB) in Mogoditshane, thousands of people flocked to sooth their minds and emotions with various forms of traditional song and dance including dikhwaere and the now famous polka dance.
Arriving there one did not need to be informed about what was going on inside BDF’s big entertainment hall as the mood outside was able to tell it all.
Getting inside the auditorium hall, one could tell that people were enjoying themselves to bits as the level of noise from the hyper-charged crowd was uncontrollable.
If indeed the nation was not a happy one as reported in some sections of the media, the excitement and happy mood inside told a different story as groups and individual artistes took to stage in turns.
Toast of the day this time around was the Seperu dance from Northwest and it did not come as a surprise when Shiqhakao group from Gumare was declared number one followed by Mavuashire from Ikoga, then Diyathoteng also from Ikoga and Tiwazani from Gumare at position four.
The Shiqhakao group seemed to have come prepared and ready for any challenger as they stood their ground majestically changing their moves and steps to the delight of the crowd.
The group also looked physically fit and among others it prided itself with handsome young men and women, some of whom could challenge the top 12 Miss Botswana 2016 finalists, who were also present at the event.
Another catch at this prestigious event which for the first time in its history clocked a record running time of 12 hours was the famous Phathisi dance which is predominately found in Kweneng District and like a laid down ritual, Dipela tsa ga Kobokwe from Molepolole scooped first position.
The boys’ artistic leg moves were almost super natural and the nation prides itself in having good artists like them who can leave some shedding tears of joy. ENDS