20 May 2025

Three choral groups from Botswana, Lesotho, and South Africa will come together to showcase their musical talents at the inaugural Clash of Nations choral concert scheduled for May 31 at the Mantlwaneng Theatre, Westwood School.

The event features Botswana’s renowned KTM Choir, directed by Maestro Philimon Mataela, composer and orchestrator ,  alongside South Africa’s Kopano Chorus under the baton of Maestro Monty Manamela, and Lesotho’s Lesotho Chorus led by Maestro Vumile Nomanyama. 

Each choir will perform in two sessions, promising a display of musical diversity.

Organised by Diamond Melodies, the event  aims to bring together choirs from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region under one roof. 

The initiative strives to promote cultural exchange and celebrate regional talent through the universal language of music.

“Our vision extends beyond entertainment,” said Oarabile Bafitlhile, the project director. We see this festival as a catalyst for economic diversification, benefiting sectors such as catering, hospitality, and transportation through the event’s value chain.”

Bafitlhile emphasised that plans were underway to elevate the festival into a larger SADC regional event, aspiring to gather the best choral groups from neighbouring countries to foster cultural unity and regional cooperation. “For now, we started with three choirs due to financial constraints, but we are optimistic about expanding in the future,” he added.

Each choir comprises 60 choristers, totalling 180 performers, with an estimated 500 attendees expected to attend. 

According to Bafitlhile the gathering offered  opportunities for small and medium enterprises, particularly in service sectors aligned with the event.

The participating choirs will feature Kalanga compositions in their repertoire, alongside the KTM Choir, representing the rich cultural tapestry of the region.

Bafitlhile called on the private sector to support and invest in this regional initiative, underscoring its capacity to enhance the social, cultural, and economic stature of the SADC region. ENDS