CULTURE

WhatsApp Image 2025-07-24 at 09.02.21 (1)

July 24 2025

Mophato Dance Theatre hosts Borwa Inyaya

Localthreads.online CULTURE, Entertainment, Lifestyle 0

Mophato Dance Theatre tells Botswana story through soul

WhatsApp-Image-2025-07-24-at-09.02.20-1-1024x682-1160x591 Mophato Dance Theatre hosts Borwa Inyaya

An enthralling theatrical experience is on the pipeline, as Mophato Dance Theatre, in collaboration with Kreative Koncept Kola, presents a special double bill of their acclaimed productions, INYAYA and BORWA.

These performances, slated for July 24th, 25th, and 26th, 2025, at Maitisong Theatre, are more than just a means to raise funds for their participation in the upcoming World Dance Festival in South Korea this September; they are a profound celebration of passion, storytelling, and artistry.

This highly anticipated return of INYAYA and BORWA promises to be a captivating journey through memory, silence, longing, and change. Organizers describe the double bill as a convergence where “tradition meets transformation, and history breathes through every step.”

As a statement from the remarkable ensemble aptly puts it, “This is a powerful reminder of the stories we may have forgotten, yet that shaped who we are as Batswana.” The event is a vibrant celebration of heritage, offering a powerful reimagining of Botswana’s rich past through the evocative power of movement.

Both narratives delve into the whispers, conflicts, unspoken truths, and inherent tensions between tradition and transformation, serving as a soulful invocation of the past, where history acts as both anchor and compass.

Adding to the excitement, Miss Botswana 2025 First Princess, Selwana Motsemeng, will grace the stage as part of the ensemble, ready to unveil her impressive dancing skills. Motsemeng, a truly multifaceted young woman, shared on social media that both works are deeply “rooted in real life events and reflect the resilience, growth, and identity of Botswana.” She added, “This production is a tribute to how far we have come and we are happy to share these stories of hope.”

WhatsApp-Image-2025-07-24-at-09.02.20-683x1024-575x730 Mophato Dance Theatre hosts Borwa Inyaya

Over the years, Mophato Dance Theatre has become a household name, renowned for its repertoires that tell stories vital to the community. Their past successes include productions like Thari, Pula, Pula The Musical, Teemane (Our Diamond Story), Kgosi Kgolo, and Lore.

All these compelling works have been masterfully choreographed by the talented duo of Andrew Kola and Kalima Mipata. Kola, who grew up in Gaborone West (famously known as G-West), began his dance journey at an early age, eventually forming Mophato Dance Theatre, which has since cemented its place as a cornerstone of Botswana’s cultural landscape.

The group is celebrated for its distinctive signature style, seamlessly blending traditional dance with contemporary flair. Under Kola’s visionary leadership, Mophato Dance Theatre has made significant contributions both locally and internationally.

They have led choreography for major national events, including the Bot50 Independence celebrations, the Africa Youth Games, the Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) Awards, and the Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) Awards, among many others.

Beyond Botswana’s borders, their artistry has shone on global platforms such as the Shanghai Expo in China, and through a notable collaboration with Jeremy Haven on a production aimed at promoting the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

As the curtains prepare to rise, INYAYA/BORWA promises to be an unforgettable night, a time to reflect on Botswana’s rich narratives and create cherished memories for years to come. Mophato Dance Theatre continues to be instrumental in preserving culture in a truly breathtaking manner, proving that some stories are best told through movement.

July 4 2025

Basket weaving in Botswana redefines culture

Localthreads.online Art and Culture, CULTURE 0

Basket weaving as a breathtaking art of culture

Culture really is such a phenomenal phenomenon. It is beautiful, inspiring and evolving. Most people create cultural activities and products from what exists around them. From just bare materials found in nature, the end products are breathtaking.

Weaving is an age-old tradition passed down from mother to daughter, a symbol of pride in a rich culture. Baskets are a popular craft product in Botswana, mainly woven by women of the Bayeyi and Hambukushu tribes in the Northwest part of Botswana. Some of the villages include Shorobe, Etsha, Maun, Seronga, Gumare and Shakawe.

Along the shores of the might Okavango River, many livelihoods depend on basket weaving; crafting supports the entire family and supplements an incomethat allows them to feed, clothe, and educate their children.

Crafthood endeavors to support this movement by hosting quality control and product development workshops and facilitating access to markets. In doing so, this ensures that weaving culture is preserved and will continue to evolve in the future.

Each basket patter has a unique story and different types of baskets serve different purposes; closed baskets with lids are used for storing harvests of grain and sorghum, while open bowl-shaped baskets are used to carry items like threshed and pounded winnowing grain.

Tears of the giraffe is one pattern of baskets found in Botswana. The giraffe cannot be hunted easily; however, one of these creatures could easily feed an entire village when caught by a traditional hunting band. While their long legs would usually allow them to outrun the hunters, good horses and dogs exhaust a giraffe’s stamina. Unable to run anymore, the giraffe would lie down as the hunters closed in with arrows and bows, crying a final plea for life.

Another pattern of a basket is the roof of the rondavel, representing the traditional thatching pattern used by the Wayei community. During their assimilation by the cultural majority of the Batswana, these indigenous peoples were forced to become serfs and construct their own accommodation. Using their artistic nature to create this trademark roof patter, the distinct nature of the thatching served as both a form of identification and an outlet of expression.

When walking behind a group of cows, women noticed that the urine of the animals fell in a back-and-forth pattern, as they were herded, thus inspiring the urine trail of the bull pattern.

Arguably the most popular pattern, forehead of the Zebra is a literal interpretation of a Zebra’s face. It specifically highlights the star-shaped marking on their foreheads. On the other hand, the knees of the tortoise patterns are inspired by the gentle V-shape created by the tortoise’s knees as it walks. The Elephant trunk, also known as Night and Day has evolved into a basket pattern.

Culture enthusiasts say that this pattern is inspired by the Ying Yang symbol; however, modern interpretations state that it is meant to represent an elephant trunk drinking water.

June 12 2025

Samantha Mogwe’s soulful journey of letting go

Localthreads.online CULTURE 0

Music lovers must concoct hearts because the undisputed queen of Botswana’s R&B and Soul, Samantha Mogwe, has just dropped a masterpiece that’s set to serenade their deepest emotions. Forget ordinary everyday tunes; Samantha’s latest single, “Can’t Make You,” isn’t just a song, it’s a breathtaking, soul-stirring odyssey.

For years, Samantha has woven sonic tapestries that guided many through the labyrinth of love and introspection. From the tender embrace of “Transition to You” (a timeless duet with the late, great Sasa Klaas) to the rhythmic pulse of “Oxygen,” the comforting grip of “Hold,” the profound longing of “More of You,” the vibrant collaboration with Mpho Sebina on “Marang,” and the poignant narrative of her previous “Can’t Make You”, each track is a testament to her unparalleled artistry. She doesn’t just sing; she feels every note, every word, and invites music enthusiasts to feel it with her.

And now, the highly anticipated “Can’t Make You” arrives, a phoenix rising from the ashes of expectation. Forged in the hallowed halls of Oasis Studios, this isn’t just a follow-up; it’s a profound declaration.

Featuring the ethereal vocals of Sandisele Ncube, the track plunges into the raw, often uncomfortable, depths of unrequited love and the audacious courage it takes to reclaim your own narrative.

Imagine a sonic landscape painted with lush, emotive brushstrokes. That’s “Can’t Make You.” Michael “Moks” Mokgatitswane’s stirring keys lay down a foundation of rich, soulful emotion, creating a masterful blend of heartfelt lyrics and melodies that linger long after the final note fades.

It’s a testament to the vulnerability of loving someone who can’t mirror your affection, yet it simultaneously champions the triumphant strength found in honoring your own worth.

“I can’t make you love me if your heart’s not here to stay,” Samantha’s voice aches with a universal truth, “I can’t make you love me if you plan to walk away.” These aren’t just lyrics; they’re echoes of countless unspoken goodbyes; a vivid painting of longing intertwined with acceptance. Sandy Ncube’s masterful production, coupled with rich vocal harmonies, elevates the track to an unforgettable listening experience.

Samantha herself describes the song as “the painful but necessary realization that love cannot be forced. It’s about letting go of what doesn’t serve you, even when it hurts.” She beams when speaking of her collaboration with Sandy, calling it “incredible to say the least.” “It was a very comfortable experience that allowed me to dig deep and feel every single note that I sang. His creativity brought the emotion of the song to life in ways I couldn’t have imagined,” she shares.

“Can’t Make You” is more than just a song; it’s an unguent for the soul, a gentle reminder that some departures are simply destinies. It’s available now on all major digital streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Audiomack. Don’t just listen, immerse yourself.

Samantha Mogwe, with a career spanning over a decade, continues to be a beacon of musical excellence. Her ability to seamlessly weave contemporary sounds with timeless storytelling has solidified her as one of Botswana’s most celebrated musicians. Her music isn’t just heard; it’s felt, inspiring and connecting with hearts across the globe. Dive into the exquisite world of “Can’t Make You” and let Samantha’s artistry move you.

IMG_5799-681x1024-956x1254 Samantha Mogwe’s soulful journey of letting go

June 11 2025

The Art Lab: A Creative Sanctuary in the heart of Gaborone

Localthreads.online Art and Culture, CULTURE 0

THE ART LAB: A CREATIVE SANCTUARY IN THE HEART OF GABORONE

Botswana’s creative industry is ever developing, and The Art Lab stands as a bold, beautiful anomaly, a space that dares to believe in the transformative power of imagination. Founded by artist and community builder Loretta Mekgwe, The Art Lab is more than just a studio; it is a sanctuary for creative exploration, emotional restoration, and inclusive education.

Mekgwe’s vision was born out of both frustration and hope. “The Art Lab emerged as both a protest and a promise,” she says. In Botswana, she noticed a striking absence of accessible, judgment-free spaces where people could create for the sake of healing, learning, or simple joy. Rather than wait for such a place to exist, she built one with open doors, open minds, and open hearts.

Inside The Art Lab, art is not limited to the skilled or the trained. Children, elders, professionals, and first-time painters all find common ground here. Whether through brush strokes, storytelling, movement, or even quiet reflection, each session becomes a journey inward. “I hope they leave feeling seen, heard, and gently reconnected to themselves, like they’ve remembered something ancient and true within.”

IMG_5766-1-1024x1024-600x600 The Art Lab: A Creative Sanctuary in the heart of Gaborone

IMG_5763-1024x1024-690x498 The Art Lab: A Creative Sanctuary in the heart of Gaborone

The impact is deeply personal yet profoundly communal. Visitors often leave lighter, more confident, and creatively affirmed. It’s not uncommon for someone to shed tears of joy or rediscover a forgotten dream in the middle of a painting class. And that’s by design; The Art Lab isn’t just a space to make art; it’s a space to be art.

What makes Mekgwe’s work truly revolutionary, however, is its commitment to accessibility and community engagement. She firmly believes that creativity is a birthright, not a privilege. “When art becomes exclusive, we lose vital voices, stories, and truths,” she explains.

By anchoring her practice in skills-sharing, dialogue, and collaboration, she ensures the ripple effect of her work reaches far beyond her studio walls.

In a world that often feels rushed and rigid, The Art Lab offers a rare invitation: to slow down, to play, and to remember the quiet power of expression. Through her work, Mekgwe is not just cultivating artists, she is nurturing a more connected, compassionate society.

IMG_5762-1024x1024-690x498 The Art Lab: A Creative Sanctuary in the heart of Gaborone

June 11 2025

Banana Club redefines a moment for Botswana’s creative renaissance

Localthreads.online CULTURE 0

3-1 Banana Club redefines a moment for Botswana’s creative renaissance

Under the vaulted ceilings of Shepstone Gardens, among a kaleidoscope of artistic voices from across the continent, one booth stood still in its intimacy and then, stood out. Banana Club, a curatorial platform rooted in Gaborone, Botswana, made its debut at the RMB Latitudes Art Fair 2025 with a solo presentation that resonated so deeply it sold out completely before the final day.

The exhibit featured miniature oil paintings by Katlego Twala, the current artist-in-residence at the Banana Club Artist Fund. Quiet in scale but immense in feeling, Twala’s works explored the delicate and unspoken emotions between mother and son in a contemporary Botswana home. Rendered in classical realism, each piece flickered like a frozen moment, tender, fragile, and achingly honest.

“This moment was more than a commercial success. It was a landmark for Botswana’s contemporary art ecosystem. It affirmed the urgency of creating space for artists like Katlego, whose work challenges, softens, and invites,” said Banana Club Founder and Curator, Tanlume Enyatseng.

Twala’s presentation felt both personal and universally profound. Painted in the stillness of photographic realism, the works captured those fleeting, wordless moments that define relationships: a glance, a touch, a silence. Visitors were pulled into a contemplative space, one where care, masculinity, and memory were not statements but questions, gently laid before them.

“The experience was eye-opening. I had the chance to share the stories behind my work with a diverse audience, sparking meaningful dialogue. I believe many people left with a deeper sense of introspection,” reflected Twala.

Beyond collector acclaim, the fair served as a creative pulse-check for the continent, and Botswana’s beat was strong. Banana Club’s breakthrough moment is no anomaly; it’s part of a powerful groundswell. The collective has, in recent years, emerged as one of Botswana’s most fearless artistic voices, prioritizing inclusivity, critical discourse, and the nurturing of visual culture in underserved communities.

Through its Artist Fund, Banana Club offers residencies, mentorships, and exhibitions, scaffolding that has proven transformative for many early-career artists.

In alignment with the Banana Club success, RMB Botswana has deepened its commitment to supporting the arts, spearheading Botswana’s first national focus at RMB Latitudes 2025.

This bold step was inaugurated with a one-night-only exhibition in Gaborone, featuring a curated walkthrough by Ora Loapi’s Lerato Motshwarakgole, alongside art investment talks and creative showcases, all designed to reframe how pplayers experience and invest in art.

For Harriet Mlalazi, Director at RMB Botswana, the event was more than just an exhibition: “It was a turning point for Botswana’s place in the global arts ecosystem. Supporting the arts is both a duty and an investment in our cultural equity and future.”

Banana Club was not alone in Johannesburg this year. The Botswana showcase at RMB Latitudes 2025 brought together an ecosystem of visionary curators and collectives, including Ora Loapi, a Gaborone-based curatorial and archival initiative recovering Botswana’s visual histories.

It also featured TBP Artist Collective, a multidisciplinary group working through Selemela, the Pleiades constellation, as a metaphor for collective creativity and cultural harvest. ReCurate, a conceptual agency exploring liminality, transition, and the tensions of postcolonial identity as well as The Space Botswana, an artist hub based in Maun, fusing community dialogue with spatial experimentation were also part of the art extravaganza.

Together, they echoed the fair’s theme of Co-Production, the powerful idea that cultural futures are shaped not by individual genius alone, but by shared voices, reciprocal learning, and radical collaboration.

As part of the International Galleries Platform, Botswana’s artists are finally being offered equitable access to global stages, access that had previously been hindered by cost and logistical barriers. The result then became a more inclusive, layered, and representative African art economy.

Banana Club’s solo sell-out is not just a feather in one artist’s cap. It’s a testament to what is possible when vision meets infrastructure, when talent is supported with intention, and when institutions dare to believe in homegrown excellence.

Through its Artist Fund, Banana Club offers residencies, mentorships, and exhibitions, scaffolding that has proven transformative for many early-career artists.

In alignment with the Banana Club success, RMB Botswana has deepened its commitment to supporting the arts, spearheading Botswana’s first national focus at RMB Latitudes 2025.