04 Jul 2017

Former Radio Botswana journalist, Mogatusi Kwapa has called for prudent use of prize money by winners of the President’s Day Celebrations Competitions.

Kwapa, who was speaking during traditional instruments competition at Maitisong last Friday, said beneficiaries should use the money to improve their lives and talents instead of gobbling it up on commodities that does not better their lives.

Kwapa further urged artists to improve their talents and artistic prowess.

However, he warned them to guard against adding too much flavour as that may likely destroy the traditional mellowness of the song.  

He said the fact that some traditional artists were now going international was a good development.

Thus, he thanked President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama for having introduced such competitions, which are now on their 10th year.  

Kwapa, who was known for Radio Botswana’s Dipina le Maboko programme, is a prolific poet and a linguistic of repute.

He further urged those who do not make it to the finals not to despair but instead keep of trying hard.

Meanwhile, under Segaba category, Ntsoane Ramontsho from Sojwe in Kweneng District scooped first position with his song titled Gabokgonwe, earning himself P10 000.

His stage presence was felt and gave some dance moves to his song, which proved to be a darling to many.  

Second position went to Bararo Molete of Lehututu, while position three went to Tengano Moleele of Tonota earning themselves P9 000 and P8 000 respectively.

Meanwhile, Mokgweetsi Kabomo of Gaborone obtained first position under Setinkane category and this was due to his soft song and his dress code coupled with stage presence as well as synchrony between the beats and the words. 

The title of the song was Shadishadi, a lovely lady.

Position two went to Moviri Motero from Etsha 6, while position three went to Godfrey Moeng of Gaborone.

In the Katara category first time comer Tirelo Maikano from Francistown surprised many when he scooped position one right under the nose of the legends of the show Solly Sebotso of Letlhakeng and Monaga Stika Molefi of Maun, who got position two and three respectively.

Maikano’s song was entitled Monna wa koloi ya Dyna, whom he said was giving his sister sleepless nights.

As Kwapa had earlier said nobody was a loser as everyone walked home with cash prize top show and fourth prize was P7 000 with fifth prize at P6 000.

Sixth prize got P5 000, Seventh prize was P4 000 and eighth prize was P3 000.

All in all the night was marvelous as many braved the chilly Friday night to come and enjoy themselves.  ENDS