PACRAs shine the spotlight on North West talent
|Published
Stoan Seate hosted the event
STAFF REPORTER
The inaugural Provincial Arts and Culture Recognition Awards (PACRAs) delivered a high-energy, engaging and entertaining show on Wednesday night.
Hosted by musician, rapper and TV personality Stoan Seate, of Bongo Maffin fame, the show was a proud and authentic North West affair, as KB Motsilanyane delivered a sassy and sophisticated performance, while Khuli Chana raised the roof with a rendition of his uniquely flavoured Motswako, a music genre that originates in the province.
North West talent was on full display, as Soweto TV broadcast the awards ceremony. From tap dancers Tony Bee Production, contemporary dancers Foot Expressions, traditional dancers Tsoga o Itirele and pantsula dancers Dallas Oupas, to gospel band Teboho Gooi, jazz group Hats Off Band and poet Thapelo Matikane, and Moji Band.
Revered actress Katlego Danke, a product of North West province, made a special appearance alongside a host of presenters, that included veteran broadcaster Alpheus Koonyaditse, Motsweding FM’s Ltk Komanisi, Keabetswe Kototsi from Encore, Bonolo Molosiwa from YOUFM.
The winners of the PACRAs are drawn from a cross-section of the arts and culture fields, as well as heritage and leadership.
Lifetime Achievement recipients were legendary Setswana balladeer Johnny Mokhali from Ngaka Modiri Molema, community builder and activist Esther Seboko from Bojanala, veteran music tutor and mentor Arcs Moshwetsi from Dr Kenneth Kaunda, and respected poet and publisher Mosiiwa Edigile and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati.
The honourable Galebekwe Tlhapi, the North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, bestowed the MEC Special Award on veteran broadcaster Timotheus Modisane Modise, for his unrivalled career that spans more than 40 years on radio. Modise started at Radio Bop as Spanky DJ. He rose through the ranks to be in the management of Radio Mmabatho, and as a station manager of the then Radio Sunshine. He also worked at YOUFM before rejoining Motsweding FM. Modise was a junior heavyweight champion in the 1970s and a school principal in Soweto, before making a career change.
“The PACRAs have been a fitting celebration of North West talent. We extend our congratulations to the winners, as well as the nominees who were recognised tonight. Theirs are stories of resilience and perseverance to inspire all of us. Thank you to all who participated in making this event a success. We are a proud people. May the province of North West keep rising and shining,” said Tlhapi.
Complete list of winners:
Literature - Tiisetso Thiba
Dramatic Arts - Stanley Letebele
Music - Kopano Ke Matla Youth Group
Dance - Tshepiso Khumalo
Visual Arts - Thabo Mavinjwa
Crafts - Motshidisi Leburu
Film and Video - Nico Jim
Fashion Design - Bookha Creations
Cultural/Living Heritage - Tshediso Mosia
Impact Award - Brown Coin Arts Production
Imagine Award - Poppy Makhoba
Applause Award - Tshepiso Modisadife and TeaKay Ntsepe
Leadership Award - Star FM
Library Award - Delareyville Community Library
Museum Award - Klerksdorp Museum
Arts Culture and Heritage Facility - Atamelang CAC
Lifetime Achievement - Johnny Mokhali, Esther Seboko, Arcs Moshwetsi, Mosiiwa Edigile
MEC Special Award - Timotheus Modisane Modise