All-Female Steelpan Ensemble
A "First" in Botswana's History

Friday 23rd February, 2007 will long be remembered in the lives of 14 new students of Rainbow High School in Gaborone, Botswana.

The group made history by performing before their peers in the school's weekly assembly.  They did this after only six weeks - following their registering for steelpan music as an extra-curricular activity.  All but two of the budding pannists had played the traditional marimbas at primary school level.

What was unique about this steelpan ensemble was that the outfit consisted of girls only, and was led by the diminutive 12 year-old Susan Ramogodi.  None of the pannists had even touched a steelpan prior to pursuing a student career in Form One at Rainbow English Mediun High School in this landlocked/diamond-producing country.

All the players are between 11 to 13 years of age and include Susan Ramogodi (Captain), Cynthia Meshack, Realeboga Ntsole, Taboka John. Tshepiso Sibozi, Akua Duah, Bedu Dema, Laone Sikala, Kalah Banneel, Khumo Tselayakgsi, Titi Jeffery, Lengwe Sinkala, Poe Tselayakgosi and Isabella Ramatlhapane.

They are now the only female steelpan ensemble in Botswana.

Hollis Clifton
WST Africa correspondent/Pan tutor