The spirit of creativity and cultural unity came alive as the National Arts Council of Botswana (NACB) successfully hosted the first leg of the iconic National Arts Festival across various locations in Gaborone over the weekend of 5thJuly 2025, under the theme ‘Recognising our cultural diversity and celebrating the freedom of our expressions’, drawing thousands of artists, performers, and art lovers from across the constituencies.
The festival was held across in three areas, Rainbow High School Hall, Maitisong Theatre and Joy City Park hosting Gaborone Constituencies: Gaborone North, South, Central, Bonnington South and North. The festival served as a vibrant platform for diverse artistic expression, from traditional song and dance, drama, poetry, polka dance, comedy and many more.
“This year’s festival is a celebration of identity, community, and creativity. We saw incredible talent emerge from all corners of Gaborone, and we are proud to be an organization that uplifts the arts at grassroots level. Beyond the performances, this festival represents a powerful platform for cultural preservation, youth empowerment, cultural tourism, and national storytelling. It is a reminder that our heritage is not only alive but evolving as shaped by the voices and visions of today’s artists. Moving forward, we remain committed to supporting inclusive, sustainable spaces where creativity can thrive and communities can connect through the universal language of the arts”, said Otsetswe Koboyankwe, NACB’s Acting Chief Executive Officer.
Standout performances included the Amateur Polka Dance Group, who clinched Position 1 in the Gaborone North Constituency, celebrating the lively heritage of polka through their energy and precision. Equally moving was Dineo Tsa Tumelo and Soul Redeemers who took first place in the Clap and Tap Category in their respective constituencies, capturing hearts with a soulful and disciplined rendition that honoured deep-rooted spiritual traditions.
The success of the Gaborone leg stands as a testament to the enduring power of the arts in fostering social cohesion, national pride, and cultural sustainability. Over the next five weeks, the festival will progress to different constituencies across the country unearthing talent and different cultural artistic expressions, later on progressing to the Regional Festivals and National Carnival.
The National Arts Council of Botswana remains committed to promoting and supporting artists in Botswana through the National Arts Festival and ensuring that artists are the main beneficiaries of the programme.
