PACRAs Shine The Spotlight On North West Talent

The inaugural Provincial Arts and Culture Recognition Awards delivered a high energy, engaging and entertaining show broadcast on Soweto TV this evening.

Hosted by musician, rapper and TV personality Stoan Seate of Bongo Maffin fame, himself a child of the province, the show had all elements for riveting viewing, suspension, music mash-ups, and star power of the celebrities from the province.

It 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.

A smorgasbord of local talent also dazzled. 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 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 over 40 years on the 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 MEC Galebekwe

Complete list of winners