Connect with us
Advertisement

Multichoice portal connects African storytellers

The Multichoice Talent Factory Networking portal went live after the digital hub was launched as the premiere destination for connecting Africa’s creative industries on the 19th of March 2019.

The launch saw a lot of excited creatives flocking the portal to ensure that they are linked-up with other creatives around the African continent. MultiChoice Africa’s flagship Pan African shared value initiative was thrilled to announce the launch of the MTF Portal on www.multichoicetalentfactory.com. The Link allows all creatives to sign in and create accounts where they are able to load their content and share it with the world.

“The online portal is the third touchpoint of the initiative following the launch of three regional MTF Academies in West, East and Southern Africa, a 12 months film training programme aimed at upskilling the next generation of passionate young film creatives launched in October 2018,” said the Public Relations Officer of Multi Choice Botswana Thembile Legwaila Ndzinge. The MTF Masterclasses launched in January this year to upskill industry professionals.

The interactive online portal is aimed at profiling and connecting Africa’s industry creatives and bringing pan-African talent and opportunities together in one place. The digital portal will allow filmmakers across the continent to network, find talent and showcase their work. “Access to the portal is through registration on www.multichoicetalentfactory.com which will serve as an authoritative source of industry news, supported by MultiChoice’s long standing position of being Africa’s leading storyteller,” she stated.

Ndzinge further said users of the portal who are up-and-coming talent and industry professionals can also network with each other, connect and collaborate. She said the Multichoice Portal will also provide information on the MTF Academies and Masterclasses. The MTF Portal forms part of the investment MultiChoice has made on improving the quality and supporting the production of local content and storytelling across the continent. The MTF Portal will serve both seasoned professionals and aspiring talent in Africa’s film and TV industry.

“With increasing cross continental coverage, filmmakers are looking for networks beyond their own borders. As a producer in Nigeria, it is exciting to know it is possible to co-produce in Angola for example with access to local talent and production partners. The Portal is made for mobile and is therefore accessible to any filmmaker anywhere in the world,” says Cheryl Uys-Allie, the Director MultiChoice Talent Factory. For Berry Lwando, MTF Academy Southern Africa Director, the establishment of portal was the next step for the industry.

“Our progression as African storytellers has been so rapid over the years that the timing couldn't be more perfect for the establishment of the portal. Our industry’s professionals have always been able to connect with one another but not as ideally as the industry has demanded,” Lwando shared. “With the portal, we can seamlessly access our talents and knowledge and share them across the world with one another. It's an incredible time to be working in creative African film and television.”

The launch of the portal in Botswana allowed all local actors, story tellers, filmmakers and everyone from the creative industry to sign in the same day. Joining other thousands of creatives across the African continent. The portal allows all Storytellers in Africa to state their profession. They can sign in as either individuals or as a company but even so the portal is flexible and also allow creatives to sign both as a company and as an individual.So far the portal attracted majority of filmmakers and all content maker around Africa as a whole.

Interviewed by WeekendLife, the producer of the most celebrated television drama now showing on Botswana Television expressed his excitement for the portal. “The portal will make the work of producers easy with getting the right people locally and internationally. I can do international business now very easily,” he explained

Continue Reading

WeekendLife

BOTSWANA TO HOST MISS WORLD 2026

6th December 2023

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

Continue Reading

WeekendLife

DJ Sway ‘saved’ the YAMAs

22nd November 2023

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.

 

Continue Reading

WeekendLife

Chef Gustos walk of shame

22nd November 2023

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.

 

Continue Reading