NKASHI CLASSIC!
The annual Nkashi Classic 2023 will finally take place this Saturday, with local heavy weights sharing the stage.
The renowned Koolkat Motyiko of ‘Seronga’ fame, four-string guitar legend Stiga Sola and the singing sensation Charma Gal will be performing alongside each other at this year’s event hosted by the Botswana Wild Bird Trust (BWBT) in Maun, at Sedia Hotel.
Nkashi Classic is a mokoro (dugout canoe) race that started back in 2018 in Maun. The aim of this event is to create awareness of the importance of the Okavango Delta river system and to honour the traditional heritage of the indigenous people living along and utilizing the system.
Storytelling Manager at National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project also National Geographic Explorer, Thalefang Charles told Vibe that the highly anticipated Nkashi Classic 2023, comes after the release of the award winning film Nkashi: Race for the Okavango, and has attracted many polers this year. “It has attracted polers from across the Okavango and beyond to showcase their skills, determination, and dedication to be crowned
‘Okavango Delta’s Fastest Poler’,” he said, adding that Nkashi Classic blends the thrill of sports, the richness of cultural heritage, and the spirit of community in a unique and unforgettable experience along the Thamalakane River.
“The event will serve as a platform to honour and embrace Botswana's diverse cultural heritage through music performances, arts and crafts exhibitions,” he added. He also emphasized that BWBT will also be hosting an Edutent with virtual reality headsets, a virtual Nkashi Classic game, as well as conservation education talks during the fun filled family event.
Koolkat Motyiko is excited for this opportunity and told Vibe that attendants at the event should expect a performance like no other from him as he will be performing with dancers on stage for the first time. “I usually perform on my own but this time around I have a surprise,” he said, noting that he is happy for this opportunity as he joined the music industry with the vision of composing music with native languages in Botswana and take it to the world.
“Being a Performer at this year’s Nkashi Classic marks as a celebration in that regard for me. It is privilege to be sharing my live with the community of Maun who watched me starting from selling My CDs in Maun infront of shops and selling merchandise to finance my music,” he said. “My performance will mark a celebration of the progress I have made thus far, as well as the unending support I have received from Batswana and several organisations,” he said, adding that he cannot wait to share the stage with Stiga Sola and Charma Gal as they are some of the biggest artistes in the country.