FlashFlair and Couture at Masa Fashion Show
WeekendLife
The much anticipated Masa Fashion Show came to a climax on Saturday 2nd November 2019 to great acclaim. It was a movie, as the hotel partnered with heavy weight brands to crank up the heat for Botswana’s biggest fashion expose.
Being the most influential fashion show in the whole country, Masa Fashion Show showcased local designer’s upcoming line of clothing, accessories and this was where the latest fashion trends are made. Models were up and definitely meant business, as they walked the catwalk dressed in the clothing created by local designers. Clothing was illuminated on the runway using various forms of lighting and special effects. Statements were made in accordance with designer’s collection and what they want, and the audience could interpret what the designer was trying to communicate with his…or her collection.
Not only that, everybody knows that the fashion crowd is full of attention seekers that like to dress up. I could see folks lifting up their cameras and these attention-seekers were more than happy to have their photo taken. Talking about flash, there were photographers everywhere. Every fashion designer loves to see stunning photos of their designs in glossy magazines, social media platforms or just anywhere, so it was only about finding the right spot and shoot.
Masa Fashion Show was the right platform to see what will be trending in the next season, and if you are a fashion enthusiast, that was the right place for you to have been at. There are actually hot collections for the next season, and to be up with the times, it’s only imperative you catch up on their social media pages, to get to see who was showcasing there. I know for sure, they have all that information.
The fashion show was not only a fashion event, it was a whole party. If you can’t get tickets for the show, at least get into the parties. It’s paradise. All these fashion professionals gathering, enjoying drinks at the most incredible hotel in town, and you want to be left out, think twice about that one. It is all wrong. The whole essence is to have unlimited fun, under relaxed ambience, with flash and lights all over.
The couture was on just on another level. Gabs folks came dressed for the occasion; they actually put together looks that made my head turn. None of them failed, and by the look of things, dressing for this event was fun. Layers, prints, bold colours and statement items were the order of the day, they got the job done. These kids levelled up and coordinated outfits for a killer Instagram shots, as it is the case for our now generation. They had fun with their outfits, they didn’t overthink them. That is Ok because this was their opportunity to dig up those statement pieces hiding in the back of their closets, say vintage dresses, jeans and couture I have never seen before.
One thing about fashion shows is that it affords you a chance to blend clothes. You get to test your new combinations, and it is fine to stand alone, somehow someone is inspired by your unique look. Some went wild with their bold prints, some draped their jackets over their shoulders, some slouched them under their elbows and that on its own was awe-inspiring. Next time you think of attending a fashion show, think outside the box. Wear something that you don’t wear on a regular day, wear bold colours because they will make you stand out in a crowd of fashion enthusiasts and something daring will add cherry on top.
The fashion show saw 15 seasoned designers showcase their couture garments to Gaborone’s fashion elite as well as novices eager to consume talent. The designers, models and make-up artists left many mesmerised by what they saw. The show-stopping highlight of the evening was the surprise performance by the award winning KTM Choir.
Speaking at the fashion show, Masa Square Hotel General Manager Hayden Bowl said ‘’As Masa Square Hotel, we have always believed in family and tameness. Collaboration with others has made this project possible- and indeed beyond just tonight but encompassing the entire fashion show campaign and developmental aspects. We have collaborated with fresh and relevant parties who are at the cutting edge of their industries. Our annual fashion show has evidently grown into the hearts of fashion, corporate and even tourism professionals and enthusiast over the years and we therefore have a responsibility to make sure we set the bar higher with each year’’
He further said in the bigger scope of things, the Masa Fashion Show is a way of shining a spotlight on the captains of various industries and talented upcoming artists in order to promote unique Botswana heritage that is a vibrant blend of African metropolitanism. More importantly, he noted that they intend to grow off the unique Botswana experience for people and the world to enjoy.
In a game changing move, the renowned Masa Fashion Show was hosted on the streets of the Western Commercial Road and 1st Commercial Road in the CBD. Jan Malan, Director of Umzingeli productions and producer of MFS 2019 brought this to life through collaboration with local greats Ngwao Brand Architects, who are well renowned for their impressive portfolio in the Botswana corporate and entertainment spaces. The hotel hosted for the first time ever a pop up market the following day, to afford designers a spotlight to showcase their garments from the night to potential buyers and customers interested in acquiring anything they liked the night before.
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Thabiso Maretlwaneng certified Master in filmmaking
“IT’S TIME FOR US TO ARCHIVE BOTSWANA HISTORY INTO BIOPICS FILMS”
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Dr Lame Pusetso comes to writer’s rescue
Multi award winning author of fifteen (15) books, Dr Lame Pusetso has put together a platform to empower local writers. Dr Pusetso is a President and Chairperson of the Executive Board of Kasapa Society.
She is also the Managing Director of Poeticblood Publishers and an owner of an online bookstore dubbed Mind and Soul Bookstores. Dr Pusetso has reiterated her commitment to helping upcoming authors, writers and poets in establishing their crafts and capitalizing on them.
In an exclusive interview this week, she said that she has put together a platform dubbed Botswana Literature Awards, which have fourteen categories.
When quizzed on what the awards stand for, Dr Pusetso said “writing as a form of art in Botswana is a skill that many have and have always been exploring. As a publisher, I have met different writers from all walks of life and some indicating that there isn’t enough motivation to keep going.”
In Botswana and according to the writer, there has been a limited representation of appreciation of authors. This is despite their efforts year in year out.
The whole intention of these awards really is to honor and recognize the hard work that local authors put in, when doing what they know best (writing).
“This is a way of appreciating their creativity and we will be doing this across all genres. The awards also act as a motivational tool to young writers who still have dreams of becoming best selling authors. Quite frankly, their works are of great importance and we cannot afford to let that slide like that.”
Dr Pusetso emphasized that all the winners will walk away with an award, a certificate and complimentary gifts to take home. “The two winners of Best Overall Author and Best Young Author will in addition receive book publication deals which includes book distribution and marketing for a year.
She gave a clearer picture of how authors can be a part of the literature awards.
“The awards are open to every author from the age of 7, must be a Motswana, and their book should have been published before or by 2022. For authors with more than one book, they are allowed to compete with only one book for one category, and different books for different categories.”
The young writer pinned hope on institutional collaborations, in order to stage the second edition of the awards next year, saying “We believe with these awards, the different institutions and stakeholders will show interest in helping nurture the literature scenario in Botswana.”
“It will also give authors hope and light to keep writing and penning down their stories for the benefit of all. We anticipate to host the next edition in 2024 with assistance from all interested parties.”
THE LITERATURE AWARDS CATEGORIES
Dr Pusetso stressed that there are fourteen (14) categories, and they are: Religious or Faith Based Book, Poetry Book, Children’s Book, Multi-lingual Writer, Best Collaboration, Setswana Novel, English Novel, Motivational Book, Best Young Author (7-13), Overall Best Author, Best Theory, Best Online Writer, Best Media Writer (Honor Award) and Honor Award (Long Serving Best Author).
EXPLAINING SPECIAL AWARDS
Best Media and Honor Award, Dr Pusetso said are not based on submissions but nomination by the committee. “For Honor Award, we want to appreciate the individual who has inspired the Botswana writing scenario over the years and even assisted numerous authors as both a writer and a community leader.”
The Best Media Writer award is meant to appreciate a journalist who is actively taking part in appreciating and helping authors in marketing, advertising and affording them a platform to showcase their works through their writing skills.
Meanwhile, the Botswana Literature Awards will be held on the 29th April and they are partially sponsored through the literacy grant. This is a grant under the Botswana National Library Services which falls under the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sports and Culture.
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Women’s Awards hit the ground running
The second edition of the much-anticipated Women’s Awards Botswana will be going down on the 27th May 2023 in Gaborone at Travel Lodge. The organizers of the prestigious awards have announced finalists, with three nominees per category.
Women’s Awards Botswana is established to empower women and celebrate them from all walks of life and across sectors. The awards raise awareness for women to be granted equal participation, particularly in decision-making positions, as one way of breaking the gender bias.
They also seek to celebrate the outstanding achievements of women from diverse industries in Botswana. Taking a closer look at the categories, He for She award celebrates and shines a light on men who stand and support women.
These are men who advocate for inclusion of women, men who stand against GBV and men who promote any service that can better women life. Her Abilities award looks into women who have shown determination to keep moving and achieve any goal they have set for themselves, regardless of their disability.
Other awards are self-explanatory. They celebrate women in arts, culture and entertainment, agriculture, creativity, innovation and technology, tourism and hospitality, community impact as well as organization supporting women.
ORGANIZER SPEAKS ON CRITERIA USED
When speaking in an interview, Founder and Director of Women’s Awards Botswana, Bofelo Zebe, said in their first edition, they had fifteen categories, which was enough for a piloting project.
“But we left out many industries or lines of work. After the event, we received reviews and suggestions, and there was an intensive evaluation that led to us increasing the categories to eighteen for this second edition.”
He said the nominees were voted in by the public, adding that the finalists were judged by a panel with the support of votes from their supporters.
When shedding light on what winners take home, Zebe indicated that there is an award trophy, certificate and goodie bags for all categories but “we are working to have financial sponsors jump on board so that winners and nominees can receive monetary incentives. We are also busy at work trying to retain our previous sponsors.”
THE 2023 WOMEN’S AWARDS BOTSWANA NOMINEES
HE FOR SHE AWARD
Desmond Lunga, Tlhabo Kgosiemang and Christopher Seagateng
BEST WOMAN IN ARTS, CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT
Ditshupo Mosoboloko, Thanolo Keutlwile and Seneo Mabengano
HER ABILITIES AWARD
Koketso Seleke, Goabo Kgasa and Mumsie Odirile
SPORTS WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Naledi Marape, Ouname Mhotsha and Keamogetse Kenosi
WOMAN FASHION DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
Montle Rantatana, Lesedi Matlapeng and Trudy Bakwena
BEST WOMAN IN AGRICULTURE
Nomathemba Masuku, Basadi Molelekeng and Keolebogile Keabetswe
BEST WOMAN IN CREATIVITY, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Marang Mbaakanyi, Didintle Moreki and Thandeka Palai
BEST WOMAN IN TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY
Masego Keleadile, Wapula Matshambane and Tshepo Phokoje
YOUNG WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Bridget Gothaang, Waone Makobo and Kimberly Matheakgomo
WOMAN OWNED SME BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Suits Africa, Nomlu Nail Bar and Sunflower Desserts
BEST WOMAN OWNED BUSINESS
Prezlin Clothing and Dawn Bell Academy
FEMALE MUSIC ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Mpho Sebina, Dato Seiko and Priscilla K
BEST ORGANIZATION SUPPORTING WOMEN
Sekao Foundation, The Fighters Support Group and Single Mothers Living with HIV
BEST WOMAN WITH COMMUNITY IMPACT
Lebopo Bulayani, Nanzelela Chaitezvi and Kebadile Wasenda
MEDIA WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Poppy Sello, Keikantse Shumba and Kedi Lezozo
FAVOURITE PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
Marang Selolwane, Palesa Molefe and Masi Sithole
BEST WOMAN IN LEADERSHIP
Naseem Lahri, Neo Bogatsu and Lily Rakorong