Reviving traditions of the Pedi people

FOUR Pedi traditional music groups (Dinaka) gathered in Moletjie, Ga-Setati, to compete against each other and to entertain the villagers recently.

The event is hosted quarterly and is aimed at teaching young people about their traditions. It is also an opportunity for them to be recruited to join the older people in the music groups and, in so doing, keep the Pedi culture alive.

The traditional gathering hosted Dinaka tsa Mushu, ZCC, Maisemane and Mauba.

Kgabo Dipela, event organiser and sponsor, said he was inspired by other cultures to host the event. “There are people who still value their culture, but the Pedi tradition seems to be losing itself bit by bit. This gathering will motivate people to follow their roots and culture. I am proud of my culture and that is why I want to see it grow like other cultures,” Dipela said.

He further said he had been hosting such events at his home until his son Louis opened a bar there and that was when he decided to take the ceremony to the people.

Villagers enjoyed Pedi traditional food and beer, and older citizens were dressed in colourful traditional costumes.

According to Dipela, culture should be taken seriously so older people could pass the knowledge and skills on to the next generation.

He urged other traditional music groups to join the next ceremony, which will be hosted in April next year.

No affiliation fee is required from traditional music groups, but groups are paid after the performance.