A Re Yeng Botswana show leaves audience mesmerised
There is no better way to take Batswana back memory lane than showing them their country’s history through just dance and music.
The Kgalemang Tumediso Motsete choir popularly known as KTM Choir and Mophato Dance Crew’s collaboration came at the right time as the duo put up a spectacular show filled with nothing but immense entertainment.
The event was held from Thursday to Saturday nights at Maitisong Theatre and was also a pre-celebration of Botswana’s Independence that is always celebrated on September 30 each year.
During the show, it was evident that both crews worked hard to come up with such a remarkable performance. Seeing a collaboration of choral music and contemporary music, which also included traditional dances such as tsutsube, borankana, phatisi and a bit of drama is something that has never been seen in the local entertainment. The two parties’ ability to pull that off is commendable and a gift that will always dwell in revellers who were obviously mesmerised hearts forever.
The A Re Yeng Botswana show kick-started with men dancing and later singing Ha Pula E Na song that shows the joy of Batswana during the rainy season because it was an assurance of a good harvest at that particular year.
The ladies followed suit scattering seeds as a way of showing how Batswana used to believe in the broadcasting type of farming. Other ladies later joined in dancing traditional dance. Both teams looked stunning in both the traditional and vintage clothing showcasing how people used to dress in the olden days.
There was also a poem about rain that described how rain was important to Batswana as it brought food.
How farmers would store some food for later use more especially during droughts and how it brought peace and harmony in families. The choir went on to sing one of their popular song, Mmammati and others.
It continued showing how a kgotla meeting used to be held more especially when morafe was facing challenges such as animals and birds eating people’s crops.
It later took the audience to the day when big rocks fell on a hill at Goo-Moremi, something that was regarded as a bad omen. There was a narration that the fallen rocks were prophesying the death of the first President of Botswana also the Paramount chief of Bamangwato.
The show proceeded to the crew showcasing how a dark cloud was hanging over the country that particular year leaving the nation devastated and mourning for their leader. The cast was wearing black and singing a song on how the country was left as orphans. They also sang a song about Seretse Khama then later about Botswana.
The event also showcased a story about Lentswe La Baratani with a romantic love song sang.
There was also a poem about rain ‘Serudi sa Pula.’ It talked of the country’s icons and their contribution to the country.
Towards the end of the show, there were different dances and songs but later different dancers dancing different dance genres but all in one stage before the show ended with the National Anthem. Overall, the 70 minutes show was splendid.