KTM Choir Raise Funds at Maharaja
Some people seem able to focus intensely on what they’re doing, and as a result perform exceptionally well.
I’ve enjoyed reading life stories of successful people in all disciplines of life, if there is a story somewhere about someone who’s made it, who has risen up, I read and in cases where they are still breathing, visit them.
Last Saturday I didn’t read, I witnessed KTM Choir continue to pride herself as the best choral choir in the country. I was part of close to 400 choral music lovers who graced the KTM Choir fund-raising dinner at Maharaja. Among other dignitaries were Hon. Moeng Pheto and Kgosi Kgari III. From the moment they stepped onto the stage, the choir displayed what they are known for, good vocals, sending the conference centre ablaze with vocal fireworks.
The only thing lacking was the volume, the guests seated at the back of the room had a hard time hearing especially the conducted pieces. Then came Marabi under the directorship of Abram Mokaleng, one would not help but tap a foot or sway their body or proudly sing along irregardless of being vocally handicapped. If you have never heard “Sello sa Malema”, “Bojalwa jo rea bonwa wee!”, “Khoba” etc sang in one breath, I can only advise you to attend KTM performances.
The medley of Setswana folk pieces, which I am informed are Gomolemo Motswaledi’s arrangement, became the highlight of the evening. In 1993 KTM Choir went to Missoula, Montana and Atlanta to attend music festivals. It was at those festivals that the youthful choir under the directorship of Motswaledi made a mark. With most of the founder members (me included) having retired from singing membership, KTM continues to set a mark for choral music in Botswana and internationally.
The director (some say Conductor) Luka Disho has made sure to maintain what Motswaledi started, that is why its no surprise KTM Choir, under his directorship, are heading for Graz, Austria come July 2008 to attend the 5th World Choir Games/Choir Olympics. With artists who are making it big in the music industry such as Puna Gabasiane (Jazz), Boitumelo Pilane (Opera Singer - winner MAD Senior Category 2006), Omphemetse Chimbombi (gospel), Thuso Tiego (gospel) to name just a few, having been members of KTM, this choir does have talent.
I have no doubt this choir will make Botswana and Africa proud in Austria. The only stumbling block is finance. How come sponsors rarely come forward when it comes to this genre? And I don’t only mean big companies, I am talking of individuals, groups, other choirs. Its painful how at every event there’ll be demand for a choir to sing or a traditional dance group to dance and yet there’ll be no one to come forward at a time of need. I watched with awe as the choir manager, Tlotlo Bogatsu, juggled between welcoming guests, pleading for donations and sponsorship for the trip and then jump back into the choir to sing.
Talk of determination - and who would not want to see this choir fly off to Austria. I’m just thinking how it would be if retired members could sponsor a singer or any member of the community.
[Via The Voice]
