BEST OF BOTSWANA - Volume 3

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KTM Choir Diphalana The Kgalemang Tumediso Motsete (KTM) Choir was founded on 20 January 1993 by then Director Gomolemo Thatayaone Motswaledi, who also composed and arranged music for the choir. • Meeting and exceeding the expectations of our customers at all times. Values • Commitment • Excellence • Teamwork • Creativity and innovation • Discipline • Passion • Professionalism

The choir was named after seasoned musician, composer, scholar, educationist, theologian and politician, the Late Kgalemang Tumediso Motsete – the man who composed and wrote the Botswana national anthem, Fatshe leno la Rona. It is now a 75 member group of people aged between 18 and 35. The KTM choir was established for a number of reasons which are clearly outlined in the constitution of the choir, being: • To contribute to the development of Botswana’s music culture; • To enhance the quality of music in Botswana; • To act as a role model to choral singing and music professionalism; • To assist in the revival and updating of Setswana traditional music in both raw and arranged forms; • To provide young people with an opportunity to learn, appreciate and develop their talents in music. A unique choral repertoire, idiom, tone and style are the choir’s pride. Their main focus

is promoting and performing Botswana Choral Idiom and aim to develop a strong choral music culture in Botswana as well as encourage youth participation. KTM Choir participates in charity events in contribution to the Vision 2016 pillar of being a compassionate and caring nation; such as organising the annual Graduation ceremony and Christmas party for children with disabilities at Legodimo Trust in Otse. The choir also shares the national and global plea for fighting the HIV/Aids pandemic and works hand in hand with CUAHA (Churches United in the struggle Against HIV/ AIDS). This nation needs a people of this quality of vision, measure of commitment and sense of purpose. Vision The vision of the KTM Choir is to be a world-class leader in choral music through effective interaction with the community and stakeholders. Mission Statement The choir’s mission is to continuously contribute to the development of choral music. The choir will achieve this by: • Identifying, nurturing and developing youth talents in Botswana; • Providing young people with an opportunity to learn, appreciate and develop talents in music; • Interacting with, and educating, the community through music; • Assisting in the revival and updating of Setswana traditional music both in raw and arranged forms: exhibiting Botswana’s music culture to the world and;

Achievements Participated in International Choral Festivals in the USA (Montana Festival in Missoula and Dekalb Festival in Atlanta Georgia) in 1993; represented Botswana at the SADC Music Festival in 1995; performed a light oratorio by John Witty - From Manger to Cross in 1994; performed a famous Congolese/Zairian Mass Missa Luba in 1995; performed a major local production Leisong by Gomolemo Motswaledi accompanied by a Roodeport (South Africa) based Orchestra; national tours and conducted choral clinics. The choir has also occasionally taken part and won in all the national competitions it has participated in and are the current national champions in the community choir section in the annual BTU (Botswana Teachers Union) Competitions. It is the only choir that has been invited several times for world choral Olympics but unfortunately has been unable to attend. The choir has a number of albums with the current hit being “Molodi wa pina”. The choir takes pride in this product as they managed to merge choral music and contemporary music. Currently the choir is under the Artistic Directorship of one of the best composers Botswana has had in many years - Luka Disho. The strength of growth in the choir depends on the commitment of its members, especially the singing members – including its supporters. This membership is responsible for taking KTM to enormous heights as a great force in Botswana - remaining the best.

Ben-thema Primary School, African mall P.O. Box 361ABF, Gaborone Manager: Mr Herman Morule, +267 71355463 Secretary: Ms Aleyo Tlale, +267 72489919 Email: contactus@ktmchoir.com Website: www.ktmchoir.com Best of Botswana

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