30 Oct 2017

Kgatleng District which is well known for their rich traditional songs of dikhwaere launched their inaugural Kgatleng Dikopelo Cultural Festival in Mochudi on Saturday organised by Baikopanyi Choirs Association (BCA).

Speaking at the launch Bamalete deputy Kgosi Tsimane Mokgosi said he was honored to be part of the event because Kgatleng is the mother of  dikhwaere culture.

He said from time immemorial Bakgatla were known across the country as the centre for rich traditional Tswana songs which was played many times on Radio Botswana.

He further said because of the ability to compose strong messaged songs, it gave birth to many traditional choirs across the country as others began to copy their style of song and dance.

Kgosi Mokgosi further said it was therefore important that the Sekgatla Culture be preserved and used to make a living for those who engaged in dikhwaere.

He applauded BCA for organising the event which aimed at preserving the dikhwaere culture for future generations.

He urged the committee to have perseverance and patience as there were some challenges faced to run the organisation. He encouraged them not to be demoralised but have the courage to embrace and protect their culture.

Kgosi Mokgosi also encouraged Bakgatla who came for the festival to support the Baikopanyi initiative in order for them to carry their aims and visions of preserving culture.

The Baikopanyi Choirs Association chairperson, Bathusi Gouwe said the main objective of the festival was to rejuvenate and revive the original vibe of dikhwaere culture in Kgatleng.

He said the time has come for Bakgatla to benefit from dikopelo as they were called in Kgatleng and earn a living from them.

Gouwe said dikhwaere came from a long way and many had not benefited from them despite their talent and the association intended to make use of this culture to develop the lives of Bakgatla.

Giving an overview of BCA, Tiego Modikwa said the association came as a re-birth from quarrels and misunderstandings they had in the past,therefore the event marked its first launch being free from bad negativity.

Modikwa also said the association aimed to help choirs in Kgatleng to formally register in order to make things easy for them when seeking sponsorships.

Giving vote of thanks, BALA president, Mpho Moruakgomo appreciated Gouwe and his committee for organising “such a historic event” which would benefit Bakgatla to learn more about their culture and how to preserve it.

Moruakgomo urged people who attended the festival to explore their capabilities and work on their crafts as arts and culture could be a source of income. BOPA