ALCOHOL AND DRUGS PROHIBITED AT MORIJA FESTIVAL

The sale of alcohol and narcotic drugs will be prohibited during the annual Morija Arts and Cultural Festival this year, says the spokesperson of the Festival, Mr. Mokoenya Chele.

Mr. Chele told Lesotho Today that the three-day festival, which starts tomorrow, will be gratified by a demonstration of cultural attire, handicrafts, cultural music, African myths and legends as well as traditional games.

Also invited to grace the ceremony, are groups from the international world including the Alliance Francaise Jazz band from France, a South African Jazz group named Voice and, a Zambian group. According to the spokesperson, the Zambian group comes from the Malozi tribe that has its origins in Lesotho and, whose language is similar to Sesotho. He added that the group has been invited with a view to reconnect the tribe with Basotho.

Ndlamo dancers

The celebration kicks off tomorrow with choral music school competition, and a music mix intended for both adults and the youth. The second day begins with the official opening by His Majesty King Letsie III followed by the traditional art of horse riding (horse tripling) and traditional dances of Mohobelo and Mokhibo. There will also be Famo and Jazz music entertainment. On Sunday, the last day of the festival, there will be a church service led by the Lesotho Evangelical Church after which a gospel concert will follow.

Mr. Chele pointed out that this year,  the preparations committee had not been assured if that Swazi traders who have taken part in the previous celebrations will be present.

He said the slogan for this year's festival is 'Lesotho My Home', which is intended to remind Basotho to work in Unison towards building and developing the country while at the same time reminding those who have migrated to other countries for employment to come back home. He noted that this slogan has been formulated with realisation that the Basotho culture is eroding.

More Information about Morija Arts and Cultural Festival is here: http://www.morijafest.com/festival/festival.html

30 September 2004