Jwaneng based cultural group, Chakafala, say it will not be long before their natural talent runs to waste.
Blaster, Skipper and Seabelo performed at the Majwe Mining joint venture “Academic Excellence Awards” for school students at the weekend at new community hall in Jwaneng.
The group excited the audience with their traditional songs and poems. Among the audience was the area Member of Parliament, Reggie Reatile and Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration Mokgweetsi Masisi.
“People take our talent for granted,” said the group’s leader Blaster, adding that usually their clients always try to get a free performance from them.
“Some will even give us P50 for our performance,” he lamented and said thet were worth much more.
“It will not be long before we go to waste,” Blaster said, calling on those with financial muscle to come to their aid and manage the group.
Residing in the neighbouring Sese village, Chakafala started taking interest in cultural traditional music during their primary school years. This interest reached its peak during their secondary school.
Kebabone Poshi also known as Blaster says he gets inspiration for his poetic adventures from the renowned Kaboyamodimo Sekokotla and Ponatshego Mokane.
“I used to listen to these folklore poets on the radio and they inspired me,” he said, rueful of the day they passed away.
Serowe born poet Mokane hanged himself in Mahalapye years ago, leaving a yawning gap in the local artistic poetry.
Blaster seemed to fit quite well on Saturday, displaying similar spontaneous artistic poetry overtures.
His audience from the high table, including Masisi and Reatile, dug into their pockets to encourage the budding talent.
Several P100 and P50 dropped onto the podium where he rendered his impromptu poem.
But it was Chakafala’s Mokaloba o a nyala cultural song which stole the hearts.
Leading the group, Blaster and his men danced to the song to as the rapt audience, entranced by the dance moves and rhythms, watched in awed silence.
Thumping the dance floor hard with their feet, heads swaying from side to side, followed by spurts of energetic nodding and accompanied by the blowing whistle, the group were a marvel to watch.
Chakafala also regards Shumba and the cultural traditional singer Ditiro as their role models. The Ke bone mosadi ga Ngwaketse singer is currently doing some time in prison for rape.
The group has also collaborated with Asley Gops on Khutsanyana and has even worked with Maxy on Re Batswana.
Mokaloba oa nyala album released February consists of Mabele, O kgobile kgetsi and Choppies amongst other tracks.
Mabele emphasizes the importance of traditional beer especially Chibuku which is crucial in the success of weddings and ceremonies.
The reputed Choppies supermarket has created many opportunities for the unemployed Batswana and has even spoilt customers for choice and receives its fare share of praise in song.
“Although the album is not doing well the sales are promising,” Blaster said.
The group is currently working on production of a DVD scheduled out sometime in November.
Chakafala earns a living through staging performances and rushed through the interview, eager to go to a performance slated for another ceremony at the Mpule Kwelagobe Centre.
They want to create money for the upcoming festive season as soon as possible.
“We like to go around the country during the festive season but we could not because of financial problems,” Blaster said, calling on local groups interested to engage them on tour during the season.
Recently Blaster featured on Lobebe traditional Btv show, displaying his talent.
