26 Jan 2014

An energetic and talented Gabane-based group, Magakwa has found solace in traditional dance music and has produced a DVD comprising of eight dance performances and a comedy titled Tsuana Part 1.

In an interview, the founder of the group, Kagiso Ranku explained that the name Magakwa originated from a Setswana meaning of white, hard rocks found on hills. Ranku said the traditional group was formed in August 2013 by a group of four young and talented men, Lame Pilato, Karabo Motswidi, Kabo Ranku and himself.

He said the aim of forming the group was to empower the youth and keep them away from bad practices such as alcohol consumption.

Magakwa worked in partnership with a South African based traditional troupe named Lekadiba which assisted Magakwa in producing a traditional dance series on DVD on December 25 last year at KFlow Productions.

The two groups went to Rustenburg, South Africa, where the DVD was officially launched on December 27.  Ranku said the main traditional dance genres in the DVD focused on Setapa, Tsutsube, Phathisi and Selete.

It also contains eight traditional dance performances on Setapa, Tsutsube and Phathisi and also features a comedy titled Tsuana Part 1 which carries the message on youth’s ignorance on culture.  

For his part, another member of the group, Pilato said their DVD has received support from South Africa. He noted that the group emerged victorious at the constituency competitions thus scooping first and fourth positions.

Ranku said the group performed in music festivals and charitable events with other local and international artists. He cited the 2013 cultural exchange music festival hosted by the South Korean Youth at the University of Botswana where they shared the stage with Korean pop singer Rio Montana.

“Money generated through activities and performances is shared equally amongst members. This is to keep the youth away from deviant behaviour,” said Ranku. Pilato noted that most of the group members were unemployed.

He said even though striving for success and growth, the challenge was lack of funds. Currently, Magakwa has 25 members.

Ranku said the group was currently working on producing a video focusing on challenges faced by the youth among them HIV/AIDS and alcohol abuse.

The video and DVD produced by Magakwa would prepare the group towards participating in President’s Day holiday arts and music competitions next year, he said. Ranku raised concern on fading culture and called upon the youth not to hide their talents, but instead use them to sustain themselves. ENDS