Cresta Bosele culture and food festival hosts inaugural Dikwaere showdown
BATTLE OF THE CHOIRS
Cresta Bosele hosts Dikhwaere showdown
Culture and fun lovers are getting ready to immerse themselves in the vibrant heart of Botswana’s cultural heritage as the Cresta Bosele Annual Cultural and Festival makes its highly anticipated return on Saturday, August 30, 2025.
This year’s event, running from 5:00 PM until late, is set to be a spectacular celebration under the theme “Ngwao Maruping, Go a Boelwa, ” a powerful call to appreciate Setswana roots and a heartfelt ode to the nation’s rich traditions.
Headlining the festivities is a groundbreaking new feature: the first-ever “Battle of Dikhwaere.” This competition will bring together traditional choir groups from Selebi-Phikwe and the surrounding areas to showcase their captivating harmonies, creative artistry, and fierce rivalry.
The winning group will not onlay take home the prestigious 2025 Cresta Bosele Battle of Dikhwaere Trophy but also a cash prize of P3,000, with second and third place receiving P1,200 and P800, respectively. Cresta Bosele is calling on all Dikhwaere groups in the region to seize this historic opportunity to make their mark.
Following the choir showdown, the festival will keep the energy high with live cultural music performances by Botswana’s beloved Cultural Spears, the dynamic Mahempe, and the energetic Tumza.
These artists were chosen by public vote on Cresta Bosele’s social media platforms, ensuring the lineup is exactly what the people want. Local MC Mr. Hippo will guide the evening’s proceedings, weaving a tapeastry of music, dance, and cultural storytelling. Attendees can also look forward to indulging in traditional Setswana cuisine and participating in cultural games and activities that offer a true taste of local flavors.
To fully embrace the spirit of the event, guests are encouraged to attend in traditional attire, with a special prize awaiting the best-dressed individuals. Tickets are priced at P250 for adults and P125 for children, with a P50 cooler box fee. Attendees are advised to bring their own camp chairs for comfort.
In a move to uplift the community, the festival will also feature a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative focused on education. Cresta Bosele has launched an essay competition for all Standard 7 students in Selebi-Phikwe primary schools, inviting them to write on the festival’s theme.
The school of the winning student will receive exam preparatory materials, funded by a portion of the event’s proceeds, to assist with PSLE exam preparations. Lorato Tebogo, Head of Marketing and Communications for Cresta Marakanelo Limited, emphasized that the festival is more than just an event; it’s a “unique platform to celebrate Botswana’s vibrant heritage while fostering community pride.”
“Through our ‘See Botswana Differently’ campaign, we invite everyone to experience the depth and beauty of our culture in an authentic and joyful setting.”
Ferdinand Sebinyane, General Manager of Cresta Bosele Hotel, highlighted the “Battle of Dikhwaere” as the main event, predicting it will become a cherished annual tradition. He concluded, “The Cresta Bosele Cultural and Food Festival 2025 promises an unforgettable night of culture, connection, and celebration.”
