Royal Cultural; an event that is aimed at celebrating and showcasing the diverse cultural heritage of the Ngamiland through music, traditional attire, and local cuisine debuted recently in Maun, captivating attendees with a rich display of cultural performances and display.
The event kicked off in the morning and drew a diverse crowd, including elders and children, with the setup featuring performances and stalls highlighting local visual artists, all set against a backdrop that encapsulated the cultural essence of the area, complete with traditional basketry on display.
Attendees donned traditional ‘leteisi’ cloth, a national symbol of Tswana culture, while others sported Ndebele attire, each outfit representing a unique cultural heritage. The atmosphere was vibrant and celebratory, as the sound system blared through the venue, enhancing the performances of various artists.
“This is our first time hosting this event, and it is here to showcase our cultural heritage through our music, embrace our attire, and share our food palettes,” Mmolawa explained.
Among the performers was Dikakapa, who came dressed in leather wraps and armed with whistles, and delivered stirring national hits. Later, Koolkat took the stage with his hit “Seronga,” energising the audience and prompting them to dance and sing along.
However, the highlight of the evening was Dr. Vom’s performance of his national hit song “Tsaya Thobane,” which brought the audience to their feet, moving closer to the stage and joining in the chant of the song’s lyrics.
Throughout the program, Amantle Brown kept the audience entertained with her dynamic sets, building anticipation for the next acts. Mmolawa reflected on the performances, saying, “For me personally, I love the songs and the way the artists, especially in Setswana, use the nuances of the language in metaphor and double entendres that either make you laugh or cry. I think this is one of the gems we have in our music that shines a personal touch and makes me proud of my heritage.”
Despite some initial challenges, such as power that affected the sound system, Mmolawa remained resilient, working tirelessly to ensure the event’s success. She was constantly on the move, finding adaptive solutions to keep the program on track and running smoothly by the evening.
In addition to the cultural showcase, the event also provided employment opportunities for locals. Cooks from Boseja worked diligently to prepare and serve traditional food, catering tirelessly into the night to meet the needs of the attendees.
Reflecting on the event, Mmolawa expressed her gratitude and optimism for the future. “This is my first event, and I have learned a lot from this experience. I am prepared to bring an even bigger and better event next year, hopefully making this an annual affair. I am thankful to all those who attended and would like to invite them again for next year,” she said.
