Botswana Musos Preen in Tourism Summit Performance

In the performing arts, there is no better way to stand up for yourself than to show up and show off. This is exactly what the small selection of artists booked to entertain guests from across the continent did at BotswanaCraft on Tuesday night. The Africa Tourism Leadership Forum 2022 was held in the capital city as a three-day affair aimed at bringing industry players together to share insights and imagine future progress. [ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type="show" ihc_mb_who="1,2,3,4" ihc_mb_template="1" ] The forum was hosted by the Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO). Understanding that cultural expressions are as much a point of attraction as buildings and wildlife, delegates were treated to an evening of celebration. Hosted at an institution that has, in itself, been a long-running staple of the city, the Botswana Cultural Night was an intimate, curated affair. Guests were greeted by the stylings of Ntireleng Berman. Berman is a vocalist and guitarist with a wealth of experience within the country’s borders and beyond. His set was, fittingly, a nod to the string instrumentalists and storytellers whom many in the country may have grown up hearing on Radio Botswana but whose names remain unknown to them. This excavatory homage to Botswana’s legends was Berman’s way of feeding his hunger for the stage. “I feel better when I get to express my art because the majority of my life is based on my art,” he admitted. Inspired by the confluence of Africans in Botswana for the forum, he chimed that he not only wanted to showcase his best but also hold space for the likes of George Swabi, Stampore, and Stika Sola who have “paved the way for someone like me to do what I love”. The burden of production was shared between pan-African tourism strategic development and strategic destination marketing advisory firm, Africa Tourism Partners, BDO, the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), South African business management consultancy, Millvest, and Botswana Tourism Organisation. The Mayor of Gaborone, His Worship Austin Abraham, acknowledged this collaboration and the evident successes in his address as the metropolitan host. Batswana in the audience were fast joined by their peers teetering about their seats as the lively Khara Khoen Cultural Troupe took to the stage with a Nama Stap performance. The dance form which seems to not involve much virtuosity was animated with splendid character by the troupe members in their brilliant costuming. Speaking to William Cloete, Chairperson of the group, he highlighted that the majority of the group are unemployed youth and unemployed graduates from North Western Kgalagadi. Being a part of the collective therefore allows them to make a living. Asked about whether they have a performance schedule for the end of the year, Cloete lays out that “since we’re not a big clan, we call upon the elders and have lunch with them and share gifts with the less privileged”, a noble nod to the social responsibility of leaving no one behind. Picking up the tempo and inciting waves of ululation were Dipela Tsa Ga Kobokwe with a phathisi selection. The athleticism involved in the dance form certainly provided a moment of exposure to a different side of what could otherwise be framed as a steady nation. The shrill whistles, robust claps and boisterous leaps had many abandoning the comfort of their tables to join the performers who were equally welcoming. This enthusiasm laid fertile ground for an artist who could arguably be given the title of “The Voice of Botswana.” Maxy Khoisan Mmagauta has enraptured generation upon generation, and the delegates were gifted with a selection of works from her that span her career. Maxy’s resilience was on full display as she didn’t let any glitch or hiccough disturb her delivery, much to the delight of the audience who then turned into a veritable supporting act in and of themselves. With nearly two decades in the industry and over 13 studio albums and collaborations with record-breaking artists like Master KG and Makhadzi, Maxy still maintains a humility that sidesteps the individualistic pandering for fame of today. On how the next generation of Maxys may learn from her journey, she says sternly: “I didn’t make myself who I am. I chose to honour those who birthed me and those who raised me.” She added that through the teachings of her recently departed mother, she has continuously sought to bring “light, water, fire and earth to the living”, and in this way she has written her script through honouring her innate calling. In a poetic sandwiching between folk guitarists, the night closed off with an international performing act, Sereetsi and the Natives. Following four acts and dinner is a difficult task. However, Tomeletso Sereetsi and his band roused a convivial mood to lay the night to its rest. Moving from newer works such as “Petere” (a song about a man muddied in relationship commitments) to their debutante offerings, Sereetsi’s silken voice pierced through the karaoke-esque participation of the audience. The departure of delegates from Gaborone is not to be something to be long dwelled upon if the cultural night is anything to go by. For the wealth of artistry that was showcased, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see someone like Maxy add another regional booking in likeness to her recent performance at the Dubai Expo. The horizon continues to hold promise for those who dare to show up and preen. [/ihc-hide-content]

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Botswana Musos Preen in Tourism Summit Performance

For the wealth of artistry that was showcased at Botswana Cultural Night, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see someone like Maxy add another regional booking in likeness to her recent performance at the Dubai Expo

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Botswana Musos Preen in Tourism Summit Performance

For the wealth of artistry that was showcased at Botswana Cultural Night, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see someone like Maxy add another regional booking in likeness to her recent performance at the Dubai Expo

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