National Arts Festival competitions produce stars – Rakgare
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Sunday July 21, 2024 06:00
Speaking at the NAF awards ceremony in Gaborone, Rakgare said previous NAF winners have successfully taken Botswana’s artistic prowess to international markets. He mentioned artists like Lebogang Keitshokile, who exports his sculptures to Germany and Beauty Mareetsane, known for her exquisite ostrich eggshell products, exemplify the global reach of local talent.
Rakgare also said the Ngwao Boswa Basketry, represented by Khumo Setabosha and Mbure Tohenwe also continue to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage. “In the modelling world, Thabang Mmolotsi and Emmanuel Kayenda have made remarkable strides, being signed by Boss Models in South Africa. Fashion designers such as Lesedi Matlapeng and Botho Chaledgwa have graced prestigious platforms such as the London Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, and Lagos Fashion Week, further solidifying Botswana’s presence in the global fashion industry,” Rakgare said. “Our performing arts sector also shines brightly, with talents like Solly Sebotso, a former street performer who now graces corporate events as a professional guitarist. The Dipela-tsa-ga-Kobokwe dance group, born from the NAF, has become a cultural sensation, engaging in cross-border exchanges with South African groups,” he added. Rakgare said the NAF has become a beacon of hope and inspiration in Botswana’s calendar. He explained that the idea to hold the competitions in various locations across the country has allowed communities to participate in and enjoy the diverse cultural expressions. “This strategic approach promotes the value chain in the creative sector and boosts related industries such as tourism, hospitality, transportation, communication, catering, security, marketing, and advertising,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the NAF recorded over 15, 000 participants during this year’s competitions, reflecting an increase from the previous year. According to President Masisi, the NAF participation grew from 12, 033 in 2023 to 15, 469 this year. The once popular President’s Day Competitions experienced a drop in participation on their return after the break owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s competitions were held under the theme, ‘The Creative Economy: Botswana’s Economic Future Redefined’ or ‘Tlhabololo Ya Itsholelo Ka Dikgwebo Tsa Botaki Le Bodiragatsi’. The president said the theme resonates deeply with Pillar 1 of the country’s national Vision that underscores the collective responsibility to nurture and develop the creative industries, recognising their potential to drive economic growth and diversification.