Tswana music

During the colonial era, Tswana folk music was discouraged because it was considered a hindrance in the proper development of the region and people.

The performance of much of the Tswana traditional music is related to the agricultural season of the year.

The seasons are as follows: Traditional Tswana communal music is characteristically largely pentatonic, of diversive symmetrical meter performed with much expression and rhythmic bodily movements.

Sengwana- This bow is calabash-resonated, stick-struck, and has its cord divided unequally so as to produce a 2 tones, a minor third apart.

The effect of variations in tone quality is made by the performer raising and lowering the calabash opening against their chest.

Tswana Dancers 3