20 Aug 2013

Traditional song and dance artists in Ghanzi District have raised concerns over the judging criteria used in the constituency art competitions.

The concerns were raised after both Ghanzi North and South constituencies held  arts competitions finals over the weekend in Ghanzi and New Xade respectively. Some members questioned the competence of the adjudicators arguing that some of the judges were not knowledgeable in the craft and concept.

One of the participants, Excite Bush from Kole said judging was conducted by people who were not acquainted with their dance and song. Bush noted that one should understand the concept of the song first, to be a judge especially tsutsube dance.

Rebecca Hendrik of Nca’anca’ase traditional group from New Xanagas also concurred with Bush. She said their song depicted a healing process.

“A tsutsube healing song starts off in a low note and picks the speed and momentum once the healing is reached,” explains Rebecca. She said they were often expected to perform in a short period something she said affected the results.

Therefore, Rebecca appealed to the authorities at Department of Art and Culture to organise workshops for artists and judges to share skills and ideas.

Principal culture officer, Comfort Moloane explained that the Department of Arts and Culture trained judges. She said they also used BOTA accredited adjudicators. Furthermore, Molaone said judges were guided by the score sheet which had guidelines as voice projection and melody, rhythm, dance and style, the effectiveness of props and or accompaniments as well as general appearance of the group.

She also emphasised that at the competitions, it is song and dance that is judged more and get more points as compared to the display drama that the groups showcase.

From the traditional dance score sheet; rhythm, dance and style element takes 40 points.  Message interpretation which includes voice production and melody element takes 20 points.

Moloane noted that artists are encouraged to observe the score sheet after the competitions to see how they can improve. She said they hope to hold a workshop which aims at increasing a pool of adjudicators in the Kgalagadi and Ghanzi region. ENDS