Miss Botswana 2019 journey begins
WeekendLife
Development Advance Institute (DAI) — the new organisers of the country’s flagship pageant — Miss Botswana, have announced that this year’s edition grand finale will be held on the 17th of August.
DAI, under the tutelage of former Botswana National Youth Council (BNYC) Executive Director, Benjamin Ralatsatsi came on board last year, but the ambiance of the pageant remains the same. Miss Botswana experienced a roller-coaster ride in 2018 as it did in previous years, attracting insurmountable controversy, as only three queens contended for the grand prize. Notwithstanding the verity that the pageant was marred by bad publicity, the organisers have promised to cleanse the pageant and restore it to its glory days.
Amid disapproval, last year organisers were determined to take the bullet to save Miss Botswana, and now that the water has settled, the nation awaits another bout. It remains to be seen whether the organisers will get a thumb up for a job well done or they will be subjected to another diatribe. From 27 May- 14 July, the organisers will embark on countrywide journey to scout for the eligible queen. The pageant is participation is a preserve of gorgeous ladies, aged 18-25.
DAI Director, Raletsatsi explained to WeekendLife that they needed to operate in a clean house which is why they had to face issues at hand before starting, so they can build everything on a clean slate. “We had to make sure that issues are sorted. After we crowned the queen, she was our project and she has been our project. So we have done everything and we are doing it again because we believe Batswana women are the most beautiful in the entire world,” he explained.
Since inception of their five-year strategic plan to revamp and rebrand Miss Botswana, the organiser believes that Miss Botswana can be used to create employment by engaging different people from other sectors. “We believe the creative sector can be used to diversify our economy. We want the creative industry to remain a great part of our journey even in this year like they did in the previous journey. Young creative Batswana came through to dress the queen, do her makeup as well as staging the evening grand finale,” he said.
The country search is said to ensure that every woman in the country is given an opportunity to participate. Auditions will be held in Maun, Ghanzi, Palapye, Selibe Phikwe and then Gaborone. “This is the history of Miss Botswana and this is how far we are going to go,” he explained.
The reigning queen Moitshephi Elias said there are people that held her hand through the journey which made it possible to reign without any challenge. She cited local creatives who supported her even at the Miss World Grand Finale which was held last in China. “Thank you for holding my hand through this journey if I had to pick a team again I will definitely pick you again,” she said. Former Miss Botswana who was crowned in 1996, Joyce Manase-Ntau, has expressed desire to launch Miss Botswana 2019.
“The crown is not for the queen but for the whole country. To revamp Miss Botswana and to bring it back to its glory days as part of a five year plan will take the most from everyone. This is an industry that needs all of us to support,” she explained. “I wish them the best in their strategic five year plan, that they may be successful eventually. And to that lady who wins, they should be awarded accordingly.”
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BOTSWANA TO HOST MISS WORLD 2026
Even though Botswana has over the years been performing extremely poorly at the Miss World competition, the country has confirmed that it will be hosting the beauty festival in 2026. Initially, the country was to host Miss World next year, something it failed to confirm before deadline. Director at Miss Botswana, Benjamin Raletsatsi, says Botswana will be ready then to host all participants. Miss Botswana Top 25 finalists left the boot camp yesterday. Quite shocking though, Miss Botswana team is still failing basics as responding to media inquiries on time yet it is dangerously hoping to host an event of high status
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DJ Sway ‘saved’ the YAMAs
DJ Sway, the daring and ambitious on-air presenter of Yarona FM, played a crucial role in saving the radio station’s music awards, known as the YAMAs. The event was initially dry and disorganized, but DJ Sway, who co-hosted with Pearl Thusi, injected life into the show. However, things took a turn for the worse when Pearl Thusi abruptly left the stage, leaving DJ Sway to carry on alone. Despite the unexpected setback, DJ Sway rose to the occasion and captivated the audience, effectively putting an end to the drama caused by Pearl Thusi.
In an exclusive interview after the YAMAs, DJ Sway revealed the behind-the-scenes chaos that unfolded during the event. He acknowledged the script editors, Phalana and Hope, who worked tirelessly to reedit the script and adapt it to a one-host format. Despite the last-minute changes, DJ Sway remained composed and focused, thanks to the support of his colleagues, such as Owen Rampha, Katlego Rakola, Tshepang Motsisi (DJ Easy), and LB.
When asked about his initial reaction to the unexpected turn of events, DJ Sway admitted to feeling saddened by how things ended. However, he credited Pearl Thusi for giving him a much-needed confidence boost during his moment of doubt. She reminded him that he was destined for greatness and that he didn’t need big stars to succeed. With her words of encouragement, DJ Sway regained his composure and approached the rest of the show with the same professionalism and charisma he displays on the radio.
To overcome the challenges he faced, DJ Sway relied on his radio skills and calm personality. He engaged with the audience as if he were speaking to a single person, pointing out individuals in the crowd to create a more intimate connection. He also expressed gratitude for his backstage team, who provided support and ensured the smooth running of the show.
DJ Sway expressed satisfaction in being seen as the saving grace of the YAMAs. He believed that he fulfilled his role as a host and brought joy to the Yarona FM board, his family, and his fans. Despite his success, DJ Sway’s journey has not been without hardships. He has experienced the loss of his mother and sister, which has left a lasting impact on him. While he continues to grieve, he seeks solace in therapy sessions and relies on his father for emotional support.
DJ Sway’s dedication to his craft and ability to overcome adversity make him a remarkable figure in the radio industry. His vibrant personality and deep knowledge of music have made him a perfect fit for Yarona FM. Despite the challenges he has faced, DJ Sway remains determined to make a positive impact and bring joy to his listeners. With his talent and resilience, there is no doubt that DJ Sway will continue to thrive in his career and leave a lasting legacy in the world of radio.
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Chef Gustos walk of shame
Chef Gustos, the renowned hitmaker, recently experienced what can only be described as a walk of shame at the 8th edition of the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs). Despite being nominated a whopping seven times, he failed to secure a single win. Ouch!
The night was filled with surprises, drama, and controversy, but the biggest winner of the evening was Han C, who walked away with three awards, including Best Pop and Best Male Single for his hit song, “Sebinki.” Han C graciously announced that he would be donating P10,000 from his winnings to his fellow nominees, promoting a spirit of togetherness among artists. What a noble gesture!
Meanwhile, Chef Gustos found himself on the losing end of several categories, including People’s Choice Artist of the Year, which he had won in the past. He seemed unfazed by the loss, stating, “People know that ‘Away’ was big, but they won’t stop me.” It’s clear that Chef Gustos is determined to continue making music, regardless of the awards he receives.
However, he did express his frustration with the outcome, suggesting that the awards may be corrupt. He declined to comment further, citing the need to protect his brand and maintain good relationships with corporate clients. It’s understandable that he wants to avoid any potential damage to his future prospects.
In fact, Chef Gustos went so far as to request that Yarona FM not nominate him for future YAMAs. It seems he wants to distance himself from the disappointment and focus on his music without the pressure of awards. Perhaps this decision will allow him to create freely and without the burden of expectations.
While Chef Gustos may have experienced a walk of shame at the YAMAs, it’s important to remember that awards do not define an artist’s talent or success. His fans still appreciate his music, and he continues to have gigs with corporate clients. So, despite the disappointment, Chef Gustos remains optimistic about his future in the industry.
In the end, the YAMAs may have been a letdown for Chef Gustos, but he’s determined to keep moving forward. He won’t let a lack of awards dampen his spirits or hinder his creativity. And who knows, maybe next time he’ll come back stronger and prove that he’s deserving of recognition. After all, the true measure of an artist’s success lies in the hearts of their fans, not in shiny trophies.