Culture of Botswana

There are different ethnic groups in the country of Botswana, among them are the Tswana (Barolong, Bakwena, Bangwato, Batlokwa, Bakgatla, Baphuthing, Bataung, Bangwaketse, Batawana, Bahurutshe, Balete); BaKalanga (BaLilima, Baperi, BaWumbe, BaNambya); Ovaherero (Baherero, Ovambanderu); Wayei, Bambukushu; Veekuhane (Basubiya in Setswana); Khoe & San groups; Batswapong and Batshweneng.

1 Ladies' Detective Agency, a series of popular mystery novels by Alexander McCall Smith (born 1948).

[citation needed] Norman Rush, who served as a Peace Corps director in Botswana from 1978 to 1983, uses the country as the setting for all of his published books, which generally focus on the expatriate community.

She lived in Serowe, and her most famous books, When Rain Clouds Gather, Maru, and A Question of Power are set there.

[citation needed] In 2008, a mystery novel (A Carrion Death) by Michael Stanley introduced Detective David "Kubu" Bengu of the Botswana Criminal Investigation Department.

The artistry of these baskets is being steadily enhanced through color use and improved designs as they are increasingly produced for commercial use.

Other notable artistic communities include Thamaga Pottery or Botswelelo and Oodi Weavers, both located in the southeastern part of Botswana.

The oldest paintings from both Botswana and South Africa depict hunting, both animal and human figures, and were made by the Khoisan (Kung San!/Bushmen) over 20,000 years ago within the Kalahari desert.

[citation needed] Tswana music is mostly vocal and performed without drums; it also makes heavy use of string instruments.

There has been a push in recent years to focus on revitalizing the Botswana music industry instead of purchasing foreign releases.

Gumba-gumba is a form of modernized Zulu and Tswana music, mixed with traditional jazz; the word gumba comes from township slang for party.

The television show Strictly Hip Hop, hosted by Draztik and Slim (both of the Cashless Society Crew and co-founders of Unreleased Records), has done much for the Botswana scene.

An African version of rhumba popularized in Central Africa has taken a strong following in Botswana and has produced highly acclaimed musicians such as Frank Lesokwane of Franco and Afro Musica, Jeff Matheatau, Chris Manto 7 and Alfredo Mos and Les Africa sounds.

The music has however started to gain some momentum, partly due to the youth's exposure to mainstream media like MTV, Channel O and the internet.