From the gorgeous outfits complimenting the event dress code, the council was launched in style. The men who attended the event looked stunning on suits with sneakers.
Some graced the launch wearing beautifully designed German print jackets while others opted to wear blazers. As for women, they wore different stylish dresses, coats while some went for some formal pants with knitted jerseys, high heels, boots and some even had dazzling hairstyles. The event decoration was also breath taking.
Since the event was held outdoor in the cold winter weather, there were heaters everywhere to keep people warm while participants had options of either having hot beverages or local ginger drink also known as gemere.
The setting was also magnificent. To top it all, there were some beautiful art pieces made by talented local artists to make the event set up even more intriguing. There was also a visual art exhibition that included animators, fine artists, fashion designers, arts and crafts that President Mokgweetsi Masisi and the First Lady Neo Masisi toured. As for the music, the DJ ensured that he treated the audience to soothing music.
Hydro Molefe, a local contemporary Setinkane artist, Dato Seiko and DJ Boogie Sid kept the audience captivated with their beautiful performances. Local talented folklore poet, Moroka Moreri recited a beautiful poem praising the President. Local comedian, Michael Morapedi famously known as Dignash who was evidently excited about the launch of NACB, said even though the establishment of the Arts Council had been long overdue, he was excited that it was finally being launched.
He said if it could have been launched years back, a number of local artists’ lives could have been transformed for the better. He said the country had lots of talent and legends in the creative industry that deserve to be celebrated and documented. When delivering open remarks, the NACB chairman Brian Dithebe said the birth of the council was a true reflection of Botswana’s commitment towards diversifying the economy. He added that it would also unlock potential for the country’s creatives.
He explained that its establishment would also unearth immense opportunities of artists throughout the country. He added that the council intended to drive more involvement in the private sector towards growing the creative sector. He added that through the Arts Council, all creatives across the country would benefit from it.
He said it was the eyes, ears and the voice for the creatives. For his part, President Masisi promised to work closely with the council and ensure that it delivers its mandate of taking local arts and culture together with its creatives to greater heights. He added that Batswana are artists on their own looking at their tradition, lifestyle and outfits for different occasions. “Botswana as a people are artists. When they speak they are animated. Animation is a sub sector for our nation. When they attend an event, they all become artists. Even the lousiest dancers and singers join. They have clothing for every event. They all have rituals for every event. They like to show off.
They celebrate every event with style from birth till the end. All these cultures have to be documented and we have not documented our culture enough. We have not protected those enough. We have to conduct our research and document our cultures that are left out,” he said.
