Preserve Stampore, Bok legacies

Chippa Legodimo | Friday January 17, 2014 16:58

 

 

The nation was left mourning, and a large cloud of regret descended as some in the society felt the nation had failed its heroes.

Magret Titus, Bok's sister, said at his Gaborone memorial service a few days before the burial that she felt the family did not do enough to help her brother focus.   She said that they could have done more on nurturing his talent and ensuring it benefited him well. Despite their heroics, the two musicians' talents had not brought them wealth. While Stampore had at least managed to build himself a modest two and a half house in Molepolole, Bok died a pauper living in abject poverty without a decent house.

He had somehow conceded defeat on the challenges of life and only relied on handouts, social welfare grants and the little he made from playing his beloved instrument.

The two men's brilliance on the guitar made them legends of this generation and as such part of Botswana's musical heritage.   They contributed immensely to the development of music in Botswana.

For decades, they had kept the nation entertained at various events and on radio, igniting both excitement and dreams of emulation.  They instilled a sense of cultural pride among the young and old.

They left behind a legacy, as some of the finest talents to emerge from our shores and there is every reason to preserve their legacy. Botswana Folklore Association (BFA) has made it clear that they will push for the two to get the recognition they deserve even in death. The association's dream is to have some institutions named after the two giants.

The association's president Joseph Dikgomo said since they have no powers they will lobby for government and other stakeholders to support the move.

'I would say this is a dream we believe can become reality if as a nation we share the same view that the two were not just musicians.  They were influential personalities who deserve to be honoured,' Dikgomo said.

BFA was formed in 2009 with the aim to advocate for the country's awareness and preservation of folklore music, instruments and their players.

'As we speak, we have started collecting information to compile profiles of our most notable folklore musicians.  This information should be readily available for those who might need it in future.  The legacy of these two men is something the country can pride itself in and we cannot afford to let it die with them,' Dikgomo said.

He added that BFA was not only concerned with the older generation of these traditional musicians.   He hoped young people would be inspired to carry the button forward.

According to him, the association had until the end of last year registered 250 members and more are coming.

'It has been an accepted view that folk musicians are confined to drinking spots where they entertain for a few coins.  It is our vision to change all that. Already we have managed to help Solly Sebotso secure a slot to perform at the Botswana National Sports Council awards, taken a few of our members to perform at an event in Cape Town and we hope more will follow,' Dikgomo told Arts & Culture.

The association has also organised workshops for their members and entered an exchange programme with their Swede counterparts.

'The whole idea is to ensure that folklore music and instruments do not vanish and for that to be sustainable there must be new artists coming through. It should not just be about the history created by Stampore, Bok and others. We should have other stars many years later,' he said.