PACRAs shine the spotlight on talent

THE inaugural Provincial Arts and Culture Recognition Awards (PACRAs) delivered a high-energy, engaging and entertaining show.

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, made a special appearance alongside a host of presenters that included veteran broadcaster Alpheus Koonyaditse, Motsweding FM’s Ltk Komanisi, Keabetswe Kototsi from Encore and 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.

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 40-year career 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.

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