14 Mar 2017

Triggered by the non-existence of a proper traditional group in the village, some Shoshong youth took that opportunity and formed a troupe called Dikgeleke tsa Setso, formerly known as Shoshong cultural group.

One of the founding members Baitshepi Kadisa said in 2015 they found it fit to form a group because they reckoned there was traditional dancing talent and gift in abundance in the village yet with no platform to showcase it.

In an interview with BOPA, Kadisa said the majority of the founding members were part of other groups in Mahalapye and around the country, but felt since home was where the heart was, they decided to come back home and form Dikgeleke tsa Setso.

He said currently they have close to 50 members, a number which includes primary school going children something which sets them apart from other groups.

He explained that their troupe specialises in four dance moves, namely Sesarwa, Phathisi, Setapa and Selete. However, he said they were in the process of practicing Hosanna dance.

Like any other dance group, Kadisa said they have challenges, citing situations where some members of the community are still adamant that performing arts can not be transformed into a source of living or income.

He added that some people can book them for performances but complain of their fees which results in them negotiating for a lesser fee.

He also mentioned financial constraints as some of their members are not residents of Shoshong which means they have to transport them from and to their places of abode. Kadisa said they draw inspiration from the love they have for traditional dance and also their ambitions about their group.

“When the traditional dance bug got you, it got you and there’s no stopping. You can even dance wherever you always are and that is how much we love traditional dancing,” added Kadisa.

He also said there are fully fledged groups in the industry which they look up to and even aspire to follow their footsteps.

He mentioned groups such as Kasane- based Matsosangwao and Mahalapye -based Phate ya Setso.

As for the makings of a traditional dancer he mentioned traits such as posturing during dancing and discipline.

Furthermore, Kadisa said they have the respect they deserve from the community, especially since the introduction of the presidential and constituency arts competitions.

He also said the youth of today are proving to be keen on traditional dances but there is always a room for improvement.

He mentioned that the introduction of monthly traditional dance festivals in villages could be one of the measures used to entice young people to traditional dancing.

Kadisa said they have entered the constituency arts competitions four times and they have been champions twice and runners up twice as well.

He however praised these competitions as they help in preserving the culture of traditional dancing and also they help in the growth of the performing arts industry.

He said their troupe’s future plans include adopting theatre and poetry under their folder which was something they were excited about.

He advised other performing artistes, upcoming or established, to wholeheartedly love their art, having a burning passion and also to have a proper mindset so that they could help grow traditional dance. ENDS