A Cultural Odyssey: Reviewing Rangoato Hlasane's "Kwaitoscapes"

Rangoato Hlasane's doctoral submission, "Kwaitoscapes - Reading The Histographic Narratives in Visual Cultures by Black Youth," stands as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary storytelling and artistic expression. Described as an "interdiscursive video," the duology comprising "Sesasedi Sa Tsodio" and "Sa Koša Ke Lerole" is a mesmerizing fusion of visual and sonic elements, immersing viewers in a rich tapestry of cultural narratives.

Photo Courtesy of Rangoato Hlasane. 

At its core, "Kwaitoscapes" unravels the enigmatic tale of Tsodio, a figure deeply entrenched in the collective consciousness of Sesotho-speaking communities. Through a masterful blend of mural paintings, landscape art, voiceovers, musical humming, drum beats, proverbial wisdom, dance performances, poetry, and more, Hlasane breathes life into Tsodio's haunting journey. From the mystique of Tsodio's ghostly encounters to the interplay of contrasting traits like laziness and hard work, visibility and invisibility, the video invites viewers on a thought-provoking exploration of identity, memory, and cultural legacy.

The intertextuality of "Kwaitoscapes" serves as a bridge between past and present, tradition and modernity, echoing the echoes of iconic musicians like Ernest Rammutla and Lebo Mathosa. As the video pays homage to cultural icons such as Credo Mutwa, Sol Plaatje, and Queen Modjadji, it enriches the narrative with layers of meaning and symbolism, inviting viewers to reflect on their own cultural heritage and societal dynamics.

Moreover, "Kwaitoscapes" transcends the confines of academia, as evidenced by its impact on over 4000 students in Limpopo Province. Through initiatives like the Motlamogadi Bioscope Screening, powered by the Samanthole Institute of Creative Arts and sponsored by the National Film and Video Foundation, the video demystifies conventional notions of filmmaking, inspiring a new generation to embrace creative arts as a means of expression and social cohesion.

In conclusion, "Kwaitoscapes" is a compelling testament to Hlasane's artistic vision and scholarly inquiry. As the haunting echoes of Tsodio's tale reverberate through the ages, the video serves as a poignant reminder of the richness of our cultural heritage and the importance of introspection and dialogue in shaping a more compassionate and cohesive society. With its call for continued public screenings, "Kwaitoscapes" invites us to reflect on our collective past and chart a path towards a more harmonious future.

For the very first time, ‘Sesasedi sa Tsodio’ and ‘Sa Koša Ke Lerole’ will screen back to back at Chimurenga Factory: 157 Victoria Road, Woodstock, Cape Town. 

Date: 15 March 2023 from 7pm.

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Chepape Makgato is an independent artist and chief curator at William Humphreys Art Gallery in Kimberley, Northern Cape.