11 Dec 2016

Setswana culture is best expressed in music and dance

That is why some artistes such as Phillimone Marope of Motlhabaneng in the Bobirwa area use segaba to express himself.

In that way he produces incredible sweet melodies that resonate well with the lyrics to communicate his message
Speaking in an interview, Marope said he never knew that one day he could become one of the elite artistes.

He said he was inspired by a friend to play segaba, the instrument he initially found difficult to play.

“Although it was hard, I never gave up nor looked back until I become who I am today,” he said.

Marope, who says he started playing segaba seven years ago, acknowledges that the traditional instrument is not as easy as it looks to play as it requires technical skills to operate, adding, that is the reason a lot of people, especially the youth have shifted to traditional dances and dikhwaere genres.

He said fingering technique is one of the aspects that are required to operate segaba.

Unlike playing segaba, Marope says composing songs to go with his instrumentals is a walk in the park.

He sometimes plays at weddings and kgotla meetings free of charge in a bid to market himself.

Marope praised the President Day Art competitions, saying that they are a life saver as they have helped him to upgrade his talent and boost his livelihood.

Marope added that the money he got from the constituency level competitions have also come handy as with such he is able to buy some few household necessities.

His dream is to qualify for the Presidents’ Day Art competitions, national level. ENDS