14 Jul 2025

It was a case of do or die at this year’s Francistown National Arts Festival, where individuals and groups vied for slots in the regional competition of the annual event.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation.

Perhaps the most mesmerising category was that of traditional dance, specifically Hosana, a vibrant expression of the Kalanga culture typically performed to invoke Ngwali, the Kalanga God of rain, during the ploughing season.

The stage became a battleground for three groups; Dikgosi Tsa Ngwao and Tse Di Tona Tsa Kalawo, hailing from Francistown West, and the Francistown Cultural Assembles from Francistown South, led by the charismatic former councillor Ontiretse ‘Zuma’ Bakaile.

As the three groups took to the stage, the Chedu Choga community hall swelled with spectators and each performance was a dazzling display of talent, with footwork and drumbeats converging in perfect harmony.

The performance elicited cheers from crowd, who yearned for more, but the 15-minute limit imposed on each act meant they had to leave the stage too soon.

In a fierce contest, two of the three groups would emerge victorious, securing their spots in the regional competition as Francistown Cultural Essemble advanced unopposed.

Ultimately, Tse Di Tona Tsa Kalawo triumphed with a score of 68 per cent, with their song Buyani Bo Mbezi, a celebratory tribute to the much-anticipated rains.

Meanwhile, Dikgosi Tsa Ngwao captured second place with 64 per cent, performing Chela ne nkombe, a traditional plea for rain.

However, all was not lost for Dikgosi Tsa Ngwao as they also advanced to the regional competitions as the competition requires position one and two to advance to the regional competition

The DJ category added another exhilarating dimension to the festival. Kebareng Sembuwa, known as DJ Star Lady, surged ahead to clinch the first position with 63 per cent, leaving her competitors, Comfort Kamanga, alias DJ KMG, and DJ Howard Ishmael, DJ Crox, trailing behind with scores of 60 and 59 per cent, respectively.

The beat-driven atmosphere illuminated not just the skills of the DJs but also the collective enthusiasm of the crowd.

The backtrack category brought its own thrill, with Phatola Stars from Francistown East leading the pack at 70 per cent, followed closely by young talent Bokamoso Molokwane at 68 per cent. 

The audience savored the lively performances that brought not just music, but stories and memories to life.

Instrumentalists also had their moment to shine, with Chilume Mbengwa from Francistown West taking top honours with a 74 per cent score.

Maikano Tirelo and Ipeleng Loki followed suit, each infusing their performances with unique flair that echoed throughout the hall.

Speaking at the start of the event, area Councillor Thapelo Mosenya, a digital selector, pointedly addressed a pressing concern, the financial struggles many artistes face.

“Most artistes die poor,” he lamented, urging both seasoned performers and emerging talent to manage their earnings wisely and reminding them that the creative industry held immense potential for sustainable living if only they could channel their resources effectively.

The competitions unfolded under the theme: Recognising our Cultural Diversity and Celebrating the Freedom of our Expression. ENDS