The annual event is meant to celebrate the culture of Bakwena as well as highlight the role played by their late Kgosi Sechele I’s defence of Batswana tribes at the battle of Dimawe in 1852.
The festival, which has been an integral part of Bakwena’s rich culture and history, returns for its 14th edition. Spokesperson of the festival, Tlamelo Letlole told Arts & Culture that preparations for the event are in full swing.
He explained that the event would be held at the stadium but not its usual place at Ntsweng Heritage Site due to the ongoing construction. Letlole said just like in the past, they will have a walk called Dithubaruba Heritage Walk on August 27, which is a curtain raiser for the main event.
He also said the walk, which will commence at Ntsweng Heritage Site will give patrons an appreciation of the new museum and allow them to learn about Bakwena’s cultural heritage. He explained that on the day of the festival, the festivities will start with Dikgafela tsa Sekwena by the elderly men and women otherwise referred to as Magosana a Sekwena in the morning.
Then, they will be the official opening of the festival officiated by Kgosi Thabo Maruje III of Masunga, followed by what is called Ditumediso, which encompasses the introduction of all groups that will form part of the day’s proceedings. “We have invited Bakwena in the diaspora to this year’s event. They will partake with performing groups as this is also a cultural exchange event,” he explained.
He said the event will be graced by Bakwena from Lesotho, Namibia, Zambia, Lesotho, Phokeng, Batlhaloga ba Kgosi Kgabo Moloto III and Bakwena of Molopa. From the local shores, some of the tribes that will attend include groups from Thamaga, Balete of Gabane, Baherero from Dikgatlhong, Batlokwa from Kopong and Mantsie, Basikwa of Kopong as well as Basarwa and Bakgalagari of Kweneng West.
There will also be performances of contemporary cultural music by local artists such as Dr Vom, Dikakapa, Mma Ausi, Mmurubele and Culture Spears. Patrons will also enjoy the cream of Sekwena traditional dance music by the award-winning Dipela tsa ga Kobokwe, Bana Ba Kwena and Kwena Madiba while there will also be healing dance of Sesarwa and Bakalaka groups.
There will also be a performance by a group called Mabutswapele from Mogoditshane who will serenade revellers with Dikhwaere songs. Men will also gather at the Kgotla to feast on a traditional meat dish called mokoto. The men will also drink bojalwa jwa Setswana from Dikgafela offerings. The women on the other hand will be eating meat called ngati in Setswana.
The people will also relive the past through beliefs, language, dress, food, music and dance, poetry and rites of passage like botsetsi and marriage. In the evening, Malootsa Dilepe will entertain the crowd with the Setapa dance performances. It is during this time that dancers or dibini will take turns on stage on compete for the ultimate top prize of a goat.
