18 Jun 2026

Dikeletso Nkgaswa, better known by his stage name, Motitinti, a setswana slang term for doing something brilliantly or hitting the mark, is a giant of spoken word and poetry.

Through vivid imagery, rhythmic flow, and elevated language, the poet evokes deep emotions, utilising personification and alliteration to paint powerful pictures with words. 

His connection to poetry transcends the physical realm. When on stage, he establishes a solid connection with his audience, leaning into his poetic license to captivate listeners.

While performing arts rarely guarantee 100 per cent approval from every audience due to varying tastes, Nkgaswa’s narrations consistently defies this norm. 

He commands respect and keeps the crowd engaged from start to finish.

By getting the audience to enunciate rhymes and clap along, he masterfully turns passive listeners into active participants.

Being eloquent in Setswana, his poems are a major asset to the nation. 

They play a pivotal role in preserving robust oral traditions, fostering national unity, and safeguarding rich proverbs.

In an interview with BOPA on Tuesday, Nkgaswa reminisced that his poetry journey began during his early primary school days at Tshekedi Primary School in Standard Three, back in 1994.

His talent was unearthed and nurtured by a schoolteacher, who tasked him with performing a famous Setswana recitation known Leboko la Nkwe during the school’s prize-giving ceremony. 

His well-crafted, spoken-word piece left the audience spellbound, transforming the room with its rhythmic cadence, emotional weight, and goosebump-inducing delivery. 

The school headmaster gave him a modest tip of P5 as a symbolic gesture and a token of encouragement.

Now 41, Nkgaswa has become a household name in Serowe and the undisputed king of poetry. However, his journey was not without challenges. 

After transferring to Tebogo Primary School in Selebi Phikwe, stage fright and performance anxiety nearly destroyed his passion.

He halted his poetry and concentrated on Borankana, a popular traditional dance, which he performed up until his time at Moepong Junior Secondary School.

Eventually, a teacher, the late Sejomo Gaseitsiwe rediscovered his talent. Upon transferring back to Serowe to complete his Form Three at Boipelego Junior Secondary School, he met the late Mmereki Marakakgoro, a Moral Education teacher. 

Within two months, Nkgaswa was selected to recite a poem and write a script for some school event and it exceeded all expectations.

Nkgaswa continued his artistry through Form Five and continues to recite Setswana poems at high-profile events today.

His rich portfolio includes performing at the thanksgiving and appreciation ceremony for Kgosi Sediegeng Kgamane who served as Regent of the Bangwato from1988–2022. 

He has also performed at the Ministry of Health’s drug, alcohol, and behavioural awareness campaigns in Mahalapye, as well as weddings.

Nkgaswa is not walking this journey alone and has joined forces with Tsintsirwana, an ululator of repute whose real name is Queen. 

The duo met at the Serowe District’s Heritage, Poetry, and Ululating Competition a few years ago and their artistic prowess continue to blend perfectly well today.

Having traversed the ups and downs of his profession, Nkgaswa emphasised that perseverance and passion were the key for success. He believes there was need for more poetry awareness, as the art form was often undervalued. 

He also advocates for infusing poetry into the school syllabus to promote and preserve cultural traditions.

Nkgaswa also has an album titled Pitsa ya Lekgotla, which seeks to preserve heritage and culture through traditional folk music and is currently working on his second offering, Mmabanyana.  ENDS