CHIPABO hosts first annual children arts festival
Ulla Setswalo | Tuesday September 1, 2015 15:14
The official opening was held at Mantlwaneng Theatre at Westwood International School from 1930-2200hrs. The night started on a high note as the children were in high spirits. Children of Arts’ organisations from neighbouring countries such as Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia participated in the festival. CHIPABO is a non-governmental organisation, which specialises in arts education and development for children and the youth.
Children Association of Performing Arts Zimbabwe (CHIPAWO) manager, Chipo Basopo told the audience that as an organisation they are happy to be in Botswana for the first time to experience the unity of the arts industry in the SADC region. She said they would keep supporting this festival as it showcases talent and empowers the children. CHIPABO children took the stage in the opening act. The cultural dances and story telling by the children between ages of 5- 15 years showed creativity and talent.
Among the children who left the crowd eating from the palm of his hand was Mafitlhakgosi’s leading young dancer. The crowd could not get enough of him as they cheered continuously for him.
CHIPABO Arts educators later took the stage to show the young ones how it is done. Their plays, story telling, poems and dances were thrilling. The visiting nations loved every minute of the cultural dances.
Gabriel Modise of Btv was spotted at the festival while talented award winning musician, Kabo Leburu serenaded the crowd with his hit songs that he sang in a number of languages. The opening show ended with the act from creative artists of Ras Logic and Matimpole arts crew. They showcased the culture and heritage of Botswana through music, dance and story telling. The stories told were legendary tales such as chiwele and others.
The performances at the festival were so professional, well coordinated and versatile. It showed that the children were well trained and loved what they do as they oozed with energy and smiles.
According to the festival co-founder and coordinator, Edward Mandy Moroka they were inspired by the opportunities it offers such as interaction among the youth, cultural exchange and skills development.
Moroka further said they want to target the children and everyone at large as their audience and in the end make the festival an annual event.
Participating organisations included CHINAMIBIA (Namibia), CHIEZA (Zambia) and CHIPAWO (Zimbabwe). CHIPAWO is the first ever organisation to be established and its success led to the opening of sister organisations across the southern Africa region.
To wrap up the festival, activities moved to the National Museum Little Theatre where all countries represented put on various performances. The official closing of the festival on the 30th was held at Mantlwaneng.
Through the festival, CHIPABO aims to preserve indigenous cultural communication tools and also give children a platform to share their creative skills, ideas and experiences.