Meet The Mentors
As the Royal Bafokeng Institute (RBI) Arts Festival 2024 approaches, we are thrilled to introduce the exceptional mentors who have been guiding learners on their artistic journeys. These talented individuals are accomplished artists in their own right, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise in various disciplines including fine arts, film, music, dance, theatre, and spoken poetry. Over the last couple of months, the mentors have dedicated over 93 hours to working with learners, nurturing their raw talent and exposing them to both the theoretical and practical fundamentals of each art form. Their guidance is instrumental in preparing the RBI Arts Festival’s young artists for the Prelude event, billed for 13 and 14 July 2024 and the main festival later on in the year.
Here are the distinguished mentors who are at the helm of preparing for this exciting festival:
Fine Arts Mentors
Tshepang Maelangwe
Tshepang Maelangwe was born in Phokeng and went to Tlhabane Technical and Commercial High School. He started his art career at Tshwane North College, working alongside the likes of Vusi Zwane and Thami Maswai from Rockers Drift and the late Mr. Motlhabane Mashiangoako. He achieved the position of finalist in two national art competitions, namely, the PPC Young Concrete Award (2009) and the Sasol New Signature (2012). His experience includes working at the Pretoria Art Museum as an Education assistant and tour guide, and exhibiting at various platforms in Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Potchefstroom galleries and museums. Internationally, he has participated in a show in Turkey and is due to be part of an upcoming show in Hong Kong.
Tebogo Maise
Tebogo Collet Maise has obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine and Applied Arts from Tshwane University of Technology. She has skills in various art forms such as sculptures, drawing, ceramics, and prints. Maise relocated to Johannesburg in 2015 to pursue her art career, where she met and worked with William Kentridge, who has influenced and molded her artistic style. Although Maise is more passionate about sculptures, through the years she has been focusing on drawings where she uses mixed media such as cloth, ink, charcoal, and coffee. Her work focuses on questioning and examining the concept of identity, gender norms, culture, and socio-political ideologies. She is interested in the radical movement of non-binary and gender fluency. To achieve these, Maise uses the female body as a vehicle for her art.
Kamogelo Molokoane
Kamogelo Molokoane is a fine artist and tattooist whose love for art started as early as primary school.
Paul Mbuqa
Paul Mbuqa is a self-taught artist with a passion for creativity and dedication. He obtained skills in charcoal drawing, acrylic and watercolor painting, and mosaic art through workshops offered by Bokgone Arts and Culture. He exhibited his work for the first time at the RBI Arts Festival in 2023. He aims to inspire and guide young artists, nurturing creativity, self-expression, and a love for visual arts.
Film Mentors
Oratile Makgale
Oratile Makgala is a documentary filmmaker and photographer who went to Kitsong Schools of the Royal Bafokeng. He later studied media practices at Boston Media House and went on to work as a video editor at the South African National Indoor Cricket, Kiron Interactive, and BMH Radio as a content producer.
Music Mentors
Dineo Katane
Dineo Katane, otherwise popularly known as Dee Afriq, is from the village of Phokeng. She pursued her music career after joining Mmabana Arts, Culture, and Sports Foundation in Mahikeng, where she developed her skills as a performing artist. She released an album called “Mosadi wa Mo-Afrika,” which is available for download from digital platforms. She has traveled as far as Jordan in Asia, attended the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, and shared stages with artists such as Zonke, Ringo, Zahara, Somizi, and Jordanian artists. She has also participated in local events as an artist or MC.
Dance Mentors
Goitseona Modise
Goitseona Modise is a young, dynamic, energetic, and engaging dance professional and performer. He is well-versed in a variety of dance forms and techniques such as Amapiano, Ten-step, contemporary, and hip-hop dance styles. Through working as a mentor for the RBI Arts Festival, he is passionate about teaching dance while implementing dance strategies and creating a passion for the art form.
Onkarabetse Motsepe
Onkarabetse Motsepe was born and raised in Phokeng and started his dancing career in 2018 after receiving professional training from Happy Feet Ballet and the South African Body of Dance. He specializes in Classical Ballet, HipHop, Amapiano, and Afro Dance.
Theatre Mentors
Andrew Rapoo
Andrew Rapoo is a distinguished filmmaker and theatre practitioner from Rustenburg, and a proud son of the Bafokeng Nation. With a career marked by significant achievements, Andrew has staged and performed plays at the prestigious South African State Theatre, the largest theatre in Africa. He has also produced and written movies that stream online, showcased at Ster-Kinekor, and aired on Mzansi Magic. His work reflects a deep commitment to storytelling and cultural expression, making him a prominent figure in the South African arts scene.
Edwards Makgale
Edward Makgale is a theatre master with a passion and love for the arts. He graduated from “Artema” at the North West University Potchefstroom Campus. He has vast experience in working and training youth, including in arts and sports. He has worked as a stage actor, trained by legends such as the late Mr. Selaelo Maredi, Jerry Tsie, and Genius Letsholo.
Lizzy Ranta
Lizzy Ranta is a performing artist. She studied drama at Mmabana Tlhabane and later studied arts management at the North West University, Potchefstroom Campus. Lizzy is a scriptwriter and a storyteller who has performed for several years at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival and featured in the Bafokeng short film and stage play. Her highlight was being featured in a comedy show, Comedy Cabin, produced by Desmond Dube.
Victoria Makhupula
Victoria Makhupula will use her strengths in Setswana traditional dance to inspire learners to produce a Setswana musical theatrical production.
Stanley Letebele
Stanley Letebele is a graduate of Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation, having performed in more than 12 stage productions and passed through the hands of many respected directors, among them Selaelo Maredi, Ian von Memerty, Walter Chakela, Danny Jasson, and the late Pogiso Mogwera. Letebele is a well-rounded performer, a former drama tutor at Bafokeng Youth Centre, artistic director of Legae Arts Institution, and was part of Motsweding FM’s radio show ‘Takalani Sesame’ as ‘Moshe’. Stanley has won awards for acting, storytelling, poetry, and public speaking. He directed Bojanala Schools Setworks and produced two films, namely, Neighbouring and ‘Ntate Modiri’s Nightmare’. He also wrote and directed plays such as ‘Bana Ke Bokamoso’, ‘Beyond Childlessness’, and ‘Malalapipe’ among others, and they all performed at Grahamstown National Arts Festival.
Spoken Poetry Mentors
Irish Dinokana
Irish Dinokana is a gifted theatre performer, poet and scriptwriter having been part of the RBI
Arts Festival since its inception in 2023.
In Closing...
The mentors play a crucial role in shaping the future of learners participating in the RBI Arts Festival Programme. Their expertise, passion, and dedication provide learners with the skills and confidence they need to shine at the RBI Arts Festival 2024. We are excited to see the incredible transformations that will unfold under their guidance. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey towards celebrating “The Art of Everyday Life” at the RBI Arts Festival 2024.