Pre-Independence Celebrations Underway
Maureen Odubeng | Monday September 22, 2014 15:40
The Botswana 50th Anniversary of Independence Celebration Unit under the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture, hosted a free show, which attracted a large audience. The spectacle had a number of activities including traditional song, dance, instruments (segaba, katara, and setinkane), dikhwaere, polka dance and comedy.
The show provided a rare opportunity for those who might not be able to attend music shows: Due to the reason that most of them are hosted at night, or financial circumstances. Saturday’s event was held right in the middle of the centre.
Revellers were having a blast, as some danced, clapped and screamed in excitement cheering the performers. A Polka group from Khawa in the Kgalagadi District thrilled many, and prompted some to imitate their dance, while others watched their performance in appreciation.
Local comedian, Oefile ‘Mawee’ Mokgware, did his best to make the crowd laugh at his jokes.
Young acoustic guitar player, Batlaadira Radipitse, thrilled the audience with his skill on the strings and singing. He managed to get the crowd to dance a little, as he brittly strummed his acoustic guitar and sang at the same time.
The unit’s deputy coordinator, Bopelo Gaothusi, told Showtime that the event was one of the many to come as part of the pre-independence celebrations lineup, which serve as a build-up to Botswana Day.
He said the activities are meant to create hype and excitement amongst Batswana. He said they will continue with activities after this year’s celebrations, in preparation for the country’s 50th anniversary next year. Botswana will be celebrating 49 years of independence on September 30, 2014.