Kola takes Pula! The Musical to SA
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Sunday December 22, 2024 06:00
Kola has been invited to showcase at the second annual Kosha Summer Festival; a dance, music and African Culture event held at Vereeniging, South Africa. The event, hosted by Luthando Arts Academy, will be held today. Kola will be showcasing his beautiful and most loved musical delivery dubbed, Pula! The Musical. As the director and lead choreographer of the musical, Kola has proven that storytelling rooted in Botswana’s rich cultural heritage can transcend borders and captivate audiences across the world. “With over a decade of experience in theatre and performance, Kola has dedicated his craft to preserving and showcasing Botswana’s traditions while pushing the boundaries of theatrical innovation. Pula! The Musical, a groundbreaking production that merges music, dance, and storytelling has not only thrilled audiences in Botswana but also made waves at the South African State Theatre, earning critical acclaim and sold-out shows,” says Kabelo Rapinyane. He explained that Kola’s artistic philosophy was deeply tied to the idea of cultural export. Rapinyane added that Kola believes that Botswana’s untapped stories, expressed through music, dance, and drama, hold the potential to position the country as a global cultural force.
He said through productions like Pula! The Musical, he introduces the world to Botswana’s heritage while challenging local artists to think beyond national borders. Kola is said to be using theatre as a tool for progress as he views the arts as a vehicle for addressing social issues, fostering economic diversification, and inspiring the next generation of creatives. Rapinyane further stated that by employing over 65 cast members and 10 crew members, Pula! The Musical serves as a testament to the transformative power of the creative industry.
“Kola’s work is not just about the stage, it is also about building a sustainable theatre ecosystem in Botswana. From training actors and choreographers to encouraging government and private sector investment in the arts, he champions a vision where Botswana theatre thrives as both a cultural and economic pillar,” said Rapinyane. “In him, Botswana has a storyteller, a cultural ambassador, and a visionary who proves that the arts are not just a reflection of who we are but a pathway to where we can go. Through his leadership, the world is beginning to see Botswana not just as a land of diamonds but as a land of stories, artistry, and boundless potential,” he stated.