On October 14, the Bakwena Community Art Centre brought the vibrant spirit of traditional dance to life as they hosted a spirited dance competition at the Tsetse Tribal Hall. The event, which began at 10 am and continued until late in the day, aimed not only to celebrate the rich heritage of the Bakwena community but also to provide an avenue for local youth to stay engaged and motivated, steering clear of potential pitfalls.
The competition witnessed the participation of several talented groups, all of whom showcased their traditional dance skills in a lively and colourful spectacle. As the rhythmic sounds of drums and traditional music filled the air, the audience was treated to a captivating display of culture and artistic prowess.
The gig was graced by enthusiastic community members and leaders from the tribal office, all of whom shared in the celebration of their heritage. Their attendance exemplified the unity and collective pride of the Bakwena community. Mr Good Good, the Centre Manager, played a pivotal role in making this event a resounding success.
He addressed the audience with a heartfelt speech, discussing various issues negatively impacting their community. His words resonated with the audience as he encouraged them to get involved with the centre, emphasizing the importance of art and cultural preservation to uplift and empower the community.
Thapelo Sekobane, also known as MY-PRINCE, had the honour of serving as the programme director of the day. "It brought me immense joy to be in the midst of such incredibly talented kids who have a deep passion for their art. The enthusiasm and dedication displayed by the performers and the audience were truly inspiring. "It's clear that there is great anticipation for the second annual competition, and I am excited to witness the continued growth of these young talents in the years to come.”
Among the special guests present, the Bakwena Community Art Centre was honoured to host Keamogetswe Sakara from Koster, an esteemed artist affiliated with the community art centre in Koster and a nominee for the Best Upcoming Artist award. The event also featured Rakhiba, a local traditional music artist, who added a melodious touch to the festivities. Lastly, Mr. Phera, a dedicated creative arts teacher from Boikhutso Primary School whose passion for the arts knows no bounds, graced the event with his presence.
The participating dance groups brought their A-game, displaying exceptional talent and skill. The competition was fierce, but the spirit of camaraderie prevailed. After a day filled with energetic performances and cultural pride, the results were as follows: Naledi ya Masa Dance Crew won the competition, earning a trophy and a R500 cash prize. Matsaatsela Traditional Dancers secured second place, earning R300 and R200 cash prizes. Dinkwe tsa Naga Traditional Dance won third place, earning R200 and R200 cash prizes. Batloung Traditional Dance also received a cash prize.
The Bakwena Community Art Centre's Traditional Dance Competition not only celebrated the rich heritage and culture of the Bakwena community but also served as a platform to inspire the youth and foster unity among the residents. It was a day filled with pride, tradition, and artistic excellence, positively impacting all who attended.
