Miss Independence Bobirwa aims to preserve culture
Culture gives people an identity and helps build their character. The cultural values shared across communities or social groups give them a sense of belonging and that is what Miss Independence Bobirwa beauty pageant aims to do.
In an interview with Arts & Culture, the pageantry founder, 23-year-old beauty with brains Matshelo Madome said they realised that their culture was slowly perishing therefore, found it imperative to preserve it. While many people use different ways such as poetry, cultural events, and traditional song and dance to preserve culture, she decided to use beauty pageant to preserve Sebirwa culture.
“This is the first year we are hosting this beauty pageant. I realised that many pageants were hosted in towns such as Gaborone and others. Girls in rural villages just like us are therefore denied a chance to showcase their talents. This has affected many of them because since we announced that we are hosting the pageant, many girls registered but changed their minds two days later because of low self-esteem. The aim of this pageantry is to empower Bobonong youth and promote Sebirwa culture,” she explained.
The pageant has eight contestants. She explained that there were no specific criteria used to choose finalists. She said they were not looking at body shape and height. However, she indicated that they were looking for young women aged between 15-30 years of age. Contestants are strictly young Babirwa.
The Bobonong native also said their beauty pageant will have five parades. This includes an introduction parade where contestants would be walking down the ramp showcasing Sebirwa dance in their traditional dance attires.
They will also introduce themselves to the audience and judges. In the other parade, contestants will be showcasing traditional outfits they designed and explain what they mean to them and what inspired the designs.
The other parade will be giving local fashion designers an opportunity to showcase their talents by designing and dressing contestants. As it is a norm, there will also be an evening gown parade. Moreover, Madome said they invited different artists and DJs from Bobonong and the surrounding villages to showcase at the event. She added a locally renowned traditional dance group, Re Tla Re Ke Dipitse, will also be showcasing Sebirwa cultural dance group.
She also said they faced some challenges such as lack of finances. Madome said they could not manage to secure sponsorships to make the event as big as they wanted. However, she said local businesses such as Melka Media Production sponsored them with photography during the pageantry, Phago and Sarai Guest Houses promised to sponsor with ac- commodation and undis- closed cash while Re Tla Re Ke Dipitsi cultural group teaches contestants Sebirwa dance.