Twinkled-toed Mapantsula light up Metsimotlhabe
Chants of ‘Olah Mapantsulaaa’ echoed through Metsimotlhabe on Saturday as, dressed in their finest regalia, the pantsula nation invaded the dusty village for a day of dance and music.
Powered by the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sports and Culture to the tune of P400, 000, the Botswana Pantsula Association’s (BPA) ‘Donty ka Okapi’ grand finale proved a fun-filled orgy of talent and excitement.
Before the dancing began, the day started with an early morning ‘parade for peace’, which involved mapantsula making their merry way from Metsimotlhabe bus rank to the community hall.
Highlighting the walk’s importance, the association’s PRO, Pass’p Otsile explained they were trying to address the stereotype associated with pantsulas, a term traditionally used to refer to young thugs and thieves.
“In the past pantsulas were believed to be people who harass others, stealing from them. So we are teaching people that mapantsula are peace lovers not thieves. Pantsulas do not go around holding knives, thus the ‘donty ka okapi’ theme,” the BPA spokesperson told Voice Entertainment, adding the message of peace does not only apply to pantsulas.
“We teach everyone out there that carrying a knife around is a bad thing as one can end up killing or injuring people with it.”
After the walk it was time for the main event, with ladies first, then male soloists and finally groups taking to the stage to showcase the moves.
The comp featured the crème of the pantsula world, with only those who won at the regionals (Gaborone, Southern, Northern, Kweneng and Central) taking part.
In the end, Serowe scooped the top P25, 000 prize for the groups, with Stshweneng’s scintillating performance enough to claim second place and a P20, 000 pay-day.
For the soloists, Fenar Rannokgwane emerged as the leading lady while Bontle Mzanywa (check out his scintillating performance on The Voice’s Facebook page) was top dog in the men’s category, each dancing their way to P10, 000.
Reflecting on a successful event, Otsile noted this was the climax of a competition that started back in February, with all 51 pantusla branches from across Botswana taking part.
“The aim is to keep our members busy so they do not get involved in the social ills. We also educate them in our meets about the dangers of drugs and substance abuse.”