The event, which is the first of its kind to take place, will bring together some of the crème de la crème of Setapa traditional dance groups in Kweneng. Among the traditional groups that will thrill revelers are Dibini from Semarule, Ramakgatlanyane, Chaokeng, Kgaboduku and Gakgatla.
Setapa is a traditional dance commonly performed in Southern Botswana, especially in Gangwaketse and some parts of Kweneng areas like Gakgatla, known to have the best troupes of Setapa dancers. The name Setapa comes from the Setswana phrase "go tapa tapa" describing the tapping motion of the feet during dancing.
In an interview with Arts & Culture, the organiser of the event, Bosswell Mpofu, explained that the main objective of the event is to attract tourists to Gakgatla village as well as youth empowerment.
“We believe that this will also make Gakgatla a tourism destination of choice as it has a rich heritage history. It will also contribute to the economic development for the youth in areas such as Semarule, Ramakgatlane and Kgabuduku, which are settlements around Gakgatla village,” said Mpofu.
Mpofu said revellers will be treated to the best of Setapa on the day as well as enjoy other activities. He stated that Setapa is an old traditional dance, which in the past was associated with thanks giving ceremonies especially following a good harvest. He said the dance was commonly performed on weekends at night during the winter season, with old men dancing in a circle pattern dressed on heavy winter jackets (dijase) and winter hats (mmese) while blowing whistles.
“They will start dancing and singing (go thaa phiri) easily dancing, while ladies clap their hands and sing traditional dance songs such as moselesele moamogwe,” he said.
Mpofu further said they also have art exhibitions, edutainment camping, traditional games, hill hiking, horse riding and quad bikes. He said they will also have the unveiling of cultural heritage sites in Kgabuduku hill area next to the Museum.
