In an interview with Arts & Culture, the event founder and coordinator, Dops Baipidi said the cultural occasion will be hosted in Botswana, consisting of African countries mainly to share and exchange culture.
“Africa is the cream that the world needs and we have rich unique cultures that need to be taken out to the world, not forgetting our tourism sectors that is why Lobebe is there to make sure that we first learn about each one’s culture at the same time having international visitors who can help expose it to the world. We will mainly be exchanging culture through, song and dance,” he stated.
He further said they would also have both local and international artists from eight different countries such as Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zambia, Namibia and Mexico. He added that they would also have Botswana traditional dishes at large that will be explored by their international visitors. Moreover, he stated that they would have four masters of ceremonies (MCs) where two would be locals and two international MCs.
Baipidi explained that that event is going to be held annually saying that their intention is to have artists from all African countries participating in the future. Baipidi indicated that they were likely to have more international artists coming to the event as it has gone viral in the international scene already.
He alluded that they were facing sponsorship challenges.
“Lobebe Lwa Setso Cultural festival is being marketed already to the international world. Chiefs, Member of Parliament (MP) for Thamaga-Kumakwane and councillors from the area will grace the event. Our wish is to have more sponsors or partners on board. In most European countries, people are aware of our event. It is, however, so much important for every artist to know that by partaking in our festival, they will also be marketing themselves which is very important for them to be prepared,” he said.
Moreover, he explained that Lobebe Lwa Setso would grow in different African countries adding that they would have a programme that would run all year round, just about Lobebe Lwa Setso stationed in different African countries. Tickets are sold at P150 standard, family package for P500, VIP for P800 and the VVIP for P1,500. The event will start at 8am as the official opening and parade of all groups.
