Molosi signs book deal in New York
WeekendLife
Known for his extensive repertoire of work in the arts, Donald Molosi, the author of ‘We Are All Blue’ book, has signed a deal for his second book with The Mantle in New York. The book will be released on 28 February and it is termed ‘Dear Upright African’. The book advocate for the African classroom.
Molosi is a local actor, writer and playwright. He debuted off-Broadway in 2010 as Philly Lutaaya in ‘Today It’s Me,’ making him the first Motswana to perform off-Broadway in 2011. Molosi won the Best Short Solo Award at United Solo Theatre Festival for his performance as Seretse Khama in Blue, Black and White. In 2013, Molosi returned off-Broadway to perform Motswana: Africa, Dream Again. He played supporting roles in the following historic films, ‘A United Kingdom’ in 2016 and ‘Given’ 2009.
As a playwright, Molosi has published a collection of his original off-Broadway plays, which include ‘We Are All Blue, Blue’, ‘Black and White’ and Motswana: Africa, Dream Again in 2016. He shared with WeekendLife that Upright African shares his personal journey when schooling in the African continent.
“I spent half of my school time in government school and the other half in private school. I feel equipped to discuss both personal experiences. The book will be launched in Germany in April first week after its initial launch in New York,” he said. He further hinted that the book will also have an on-air launch on the show that he runs on GABZ FM called Upright African. “I am using various platforms to convey the urgency of this issue. The African classroom is currently a place that undercuts the potential of the African child and that must change,” he said.
“Where we, as a movement, cannot reach people by radio then we will reach them on a more international platform like this book. Failure to usher an education revolution is not an option in our lifetime,” Molosi added. Some of the stories that Molosi shared on the book is observing how corporal punishment was administered in government schools and the immediate impact that it had on the student.
“I share my story about being in a private school in Botswana and not learning enough about my heritage. I share stories of my horrifying experiences in a government school as well. At the end of the book I share recommendations of what can be done by African government to make sure that the African classroom maximizes the potential of an African child,” he said. The foreword was inscripted by Tsitsi Dangarembga, legendary author of Nervous Conditions. The book has been blurbed by Binyavanga Wainaina, one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People of African Descent.
About Dear Upright African:
Literary Nonfiction, Post-Colonial Studies, Education and African Studies. "Upright African, we need a revolution in education to take our history back into our hands, and to perform it through our eyes for humanity and ourselves. Without question, our African histories are under siege by those who would rather we believed that Africa has no history and that colonialism is over."—From DEAR UPRIGHT AFRICAN
"In this manifesto, Donald Molosi shows us what a decolonized Africa would look like. This matter is vital for people in school today. It is this sort of activism that our continent needs now."—Binyavanga Wainaina. "Palpably outraged, Molosi reminds us—sharing vivid examples—of how the metaphysical and physical engagement of empire with the African continent formed a carefully orchestrated strategy whose end result was to inflict large numbers of Africans, including African elites, with a chronic, debilitating self-hatred. Drawing form his extensive reading on the subject, Molosi offers practical remedies for the devastating crisis he chronicles."—Tsitsi Dangarembga
In New York City.
Please change this to “We Are All Blue,” and “Blue, Black and White,” and “Motswaha: Africa, Dream Again.”
WeekendLife
Creatives taking over 2023
Creativity is seen everywhere and these individuals did something recently that’s never been done before, and some are still killing it. We see creativity on streaming platforms, stages, runways, social media and boardrooms even. Some of them are revamping their businesses, and lately, clothing sale is thriving.
They love concept-driven designs, storytelling and they bring fresh ideas and new perspectives that will leave footprints in the sand. Post the COVID-19 pandemic, these creative minds utilized the drawing board and they became cognizant that monetizing content will actually take them far, which is frank nonetheless.
This is commendable though, but the creative industry will still need support from government in order for it to flourish further. Allocation of resources (funds, facilities and empowerment) should be done consistently, creativity must be raised and at the end of the day, the economy benefits from that kind of investment.
HAN C
Ever since he parted ways with his former manager, DJ Bougee Sid, Mahalapye born-pint sized, multi-award-winning artist, Hanceford Magapatona has been taking up space, unapologetically so. Han C has shown a strong will to take over the entire world, and he is in the right direction. He’s solely organizing the annual Mahalapye Spring Festival, which is taking place next weekend.
The Pepetetsa hitmaker raked some monies from his savings to put together this event. Mahalapye Spring Festival will feature Paige, Ubuntu Band, Khoisan, Amantle Brown and Double Up among others. Even though it didn’t come as a surprise, Han C was nominated at African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) in the US, under Best Male Southern Africa category.
However, the award was snatched by the late South African rapper, AKA. Its not all lost as Han C secured two nominations at the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs): People’s Choice of the Year and Best Male Single.
KOKETSO MOTSWAGOLE
This entrepreneur has turned his dreams into reality, and his promising apparel business is now a fashion destination. Matter of fact, Motswagole weathered the storms to be where he is now because through criticism and social media bullying, he still leads the pack in fashion.
His social media accounts got deleted but through his online store, KM Sales, Motswagole is able to rake in some profits. He initially started selling from his car but now owns a busy store and has employed a number of young people.
KM Sales has been offering fashionable items (shoes, t-shirts, pants) and has been participating in various lifestyle events such as Garden of Drip where it showcases its products.
If there is one young entrepreneur to draw motivation from is Koketso. The business started from humble beginnings, at the time when he worked part time at Ipelegeng as a casual labor. Indeed, good things come to those who wait, or well, work like a slave today, live like a king tomorrow.
KAGISO LUDO DE KLERK
Vee Mampeezy’s ex-wife Kagiso De Klerk clearly did not sit and weep over their dramatic divorce. The famous social media influencer hurriedly picked up the pieces and went hard on promoting business online. She literally took social media influencing to the head and it is working for her.
This year saw her partnership with Shell reach greater heights, and obviously, she is raking lot of pulas from the deal. Kagiso has been making frequent appearances in top events in South Africa such as Bubbles in Spring and Gold and Diamond Experience.
GAONA DINTWE
After a long break from the limelight, renowned media and radio personality, Gaona Dintwe is back. She was missed by many on TV, and she’s back where she belongs, news anchoring on BTV. Gaona has also found a niche in podcasting. She is a host of her own podcast, Gaona Live Conversation, where various people share their stories on camera.
Some of what they discuss is Gender Based Violence (GBV), polygamy and drug addiction. This is highly commendable because even BTV doesn’t have programs that discuss these crucial social issues. The Lentswelemoruti native is also seen in various corporate events where she is engaged as a host.
WeekendLife
DITIRO LEERO ONE MAN SHOW ON THE PIPELINE
Now that one-man shows are made fashionable, traditional dance guru and ex-convict, Ditiro Leero is joining the crusade and he will be hosting his also. The show will be held next month at Zone 4 Farm in Selokolela, but the there are traditional dance music artists who have been lined up to perform at the show. Matshana, Morwa Leka and Maswailathota will be doing their thing and probably bring some heat too. Ditiro Leero will be making history as the first traditional artist to host a one-man show in Botswana.
WeekendLife
MISS BOTSWANA HAVING MANY IRONS IN THE FIRE
With only two months before Miss World 2023, the reigning Miss Botswana, Lesego Chombo is having many irons in the fire, preparing for the much-anticipated beauty pageant. Miss World 2023 will be the 71st edition of Miss World pageant and it will be held in India. Chombo has been spotted toning her body at Jack’s gym, a requirement that is taken seriously at the pageant. She has also been participating in charity events, something that should add to her profile at the Miss World.