Based : Botswana
Culture Spears is an iconic Tswana traditional music and performance group from Botswana, celebrated for bringing indigenous sounds and rhythms to national and international audiences since the early 2000s.
Originally formed by Kabelo Mogwe with fellow musicians and dancers, Culture Spears quickly gained prominence with their breakthrough hit “Kulenyane,” a traditional‑inspired track that became one of the first of its genre to receive widespread radio play on urban stations — breaking barriers for traditional music in contemporary markets.
The group’s music blends traditional Tswana rhythms, dance, and storytelling with modern performance flair, crafting a sound that resonates across generations. Songs like Kulenyane, Khudu, Korone, and Kulanche have become cultural staples, and the band has earned multiple awards — including Song of the Year and Best Video at the Botswana Music Union Awards.
Culture Spears also holds one of the highest honours in 🇧🇼 Botswana’s music industry, receiving the Presidential Award of Merit for their cultural impact, and they were invited to perform for former South African President Thabo Mbeki in 2008 — a testament to their regional influence.
Despite changes over the years — including lineup shifts and members exploring solo projects — the group continues to evolve. In recent years, Culture Spears has embraced the digital age, livestreaming performances and engaging younger audiences on social platforms like TikTok and Facebook to keep traditional Tswana music vibrant and relevant.
Their international appeal remains strong: Culture Spears regularly tours in neighbouring countries and across Southern Africa, performing at high‑profile events and festivals. In 2025, they were announced to appear at the SA Gospel Experience in Polokwane alongside notable regional artists, highlighting the cross‑genre and cross‑border resonance of their music.
Today, Culture Spears stands as both a guardian and innovator of Botswana’s rich musical traditions — honouring ancestral sounds while connecting them to contemporary audiences across Africa and beyond.
