19 Jun 2025

Molepolole based traditional dance group Bana ba Kwena Performing Arts is determined to preserve Tswana culture through Sekwena music.

The troupe formed in 2006 offers an assortment of traditional dance styles danced within the expanse of Kweneng such as setapa, tsutsube, phathisi, and dikhwaere.Bana Ba Kwena decided not to set boundaries, like most groups do, but have styled an all-in-one package of these singing and dance styles.

The group, a combination of the young and the old members,  under the directorship of Karabo Otlhophilwe who said mixing generations was an apparatus that promoted cultural continuity.

Otlhophilwe said the ensemble since coming into existence had competed in the Presidential Competitions since 2008 until it came to a lull.

He said they have competed in the competitions in the Tsutsube category in most instances.

“We are more centered in phathisi as it is the core dancing style of Bakwena. 

We are 49 in number and most of the members are Molepolole youth. 

We have competed in international stages, we entertain across minor and major events such as wedding ceremonies up to international ones and are one of the regulars at Dithubaruba Cultural Festival. 

We have performed in big events such as, I Love Botswana,’ Lucara Diamond Mine’s events, Khawa Dune Festival, Domboshaba Cultural Festival just to mention a few,” said Otlhophilwe.

He also said the group had performed in the United State of America and Switzerland and frequently crossed the border to perform in South Africa.

Bana ba Kwena relies mostly on voluntary efforts, Otlhophile said.

“We are fond of conducting events such as  giving back to the community. We assist the less privileged in whatever form they deserve to be assisted with, as a way of displaying the spirit of love and unity within the community.” 

The group’s vision is to globalise and commercialise Tswana culture with the same mete as Batswana has assimilated other cultures.

Otlhophilwe did not cage that the then Ministry of Youth, Gender Sport and Culture has been their Moses in crossing the seas. ENDS