YAMAs Are Here. Is your Wardrobe Ready?
WeekendLife
Away from the stage performances of popular hits of the year by our local artists and other regional players, the dancing, and the electric atmosphere – is the fashion. Red carpet. Lights. Camera. Action!
Botswana’s greatest music showcase is also a big fashion statement. After all, the gods did favour Batswana with divine looks. How could one forget our gentlemen in black tie theme, fine tuxedos 007 style and ladies with well defining evening gowns in the past YAMAs? Add fashion to such lively performances by the industry’s best and visiting celebrities you have a night to remember.
It is believed fashion has historically been created to be practical. However a major change happened in the past 100 years or so. Rather than worrying about one's fashion being deemed “useful”, people began to see fashion as linked with the current musical trends. This is not a random occurrence either, the reason being that fashion and music became so inextricably linked as music became a method of showing individuality, political beliefs, and ideas rather than just normalised entertainment.
This year’s theme for the YAMAs is RETRO 5 promises to be the most exciting yet. We asked our local designers, fashion experts, radio and TV personalities, artists and social influencers what their take on the theme RETRO 5 is. Mothusi and Tumi Nthutang went to the extent of sending their own images in the theme to explain the beauty and creative flair.
Mothusi and Tumi
“Its up to you…. Someone born in a particular year’s Retro may be different from the next. What’s Retro for you may not be for someone else, for instance some may rock the 90s, 50s and so forth. Give us an old school feel and remain within the glitz and glamour paradigm. It could be Diana Ross. Bright colours, the metalics define the Retro theme.”
Han- C’s Manager Boogie Sid
“Retro 5 in fashion means going back to the late 70s, 80s and 90s type of fashion, something funky and edgy with a little Bobby Brown touch to it if you know what I mean. As for music, it means going back to when it all started, that funk music we grew up dancing to. For Yarona FM it might mean going back 5 years to when they first started with the YAMAs. Han C will definitely be on theme. We are looking for a long-term designer for him. But as for me I will definatly be wearing something with a spark of Bobby Brown to it”.
Fifi Mathambo – Social Media Officer and influencer
“At first the Retro 5 theme sort of threw me off to be honest. It’s such a time and style specific period in fashion and not everyone is in tune or fully understands what was happening back in the 1940 – 1950s-time period. As for what I’ll be wearing, I think after spending a lot of last year wearing Jubilee XXV, from fashion shows, to Global Citizen and most recently Afro Punk, we’ve had seamless collaborations that made features international publications and so I’m excited to see what the brand will come up with this time around for the YAMAs”.
Gabz Diva – Radio Presenter and Hostess at Cigar Lounge
“Retro 5 I think for me it means the 90s era when Yarona FM started operating as a radio station. Am not a fashion fanatic so I will leave this to the fashion experts. I will definatly be at the YAMAs and will be wearing my own design. The jewelry I will be putting on will be by Fashion Hoop-up, make up Nomlu Beau, accessories by Single Fab Spaz while my stylist for the night will be SimplySoulfulB”.
Bouncy – YAMAs nominee
“Retro 5 to me it feels bigger, better, colorful and a platform to allow greatness (which is ME ofcource) to unfold. Its amplified and I love it. Tsholo Dikobe of Khoi Exclusive will be my stylist for the night. As for a designer, I haven’t found one yet but am looking for the most talented designer to dress me for the YAMAs”.
Katlego Moatshe – Jubilee XXV Designer
“The theme Retro 5, my interpretation of it is varied but I’m more inclined to old school glamour. Glitzy and fun… Yes Jubilee XXV is designing outfits for some of our influencers and we will know by end of this week if we will be gracing the event”.
Candy Tselayakgosi- Just Candi Owner and Image Consultant
“What are the odds that Just Candi Boutique’s clothing line for this season is spot on with the Retro theme? Huh! I mean the late 80s and 90s fashion is coming back with a bang and as a boutique owner it’s my responsibility to dress my customers with the latest trends. Am not dressing anyone to be precise but everyone is welcome to come to the store to be dressed for the night. We have a lot of retro fashionable outfits in stock. With Just Candi Boutique you don’t have to worry about dressing like the next person. I assure you, you will uniquely shine and sparkle the night away”.
Gabby Mochudi – Style Architect and Influencer
“Retro 5 to me means the different millennials of retro like the 90s, 80s and 70s. I believe that the word retro really means vintage, like the fashionable vintage. I will be gracing the event. Since am a style architect I will be doing my clients hair, make-up and style their outfits. My designer is Nabi of Hibah Tikvah Design. She understands that I like to be different and definatly stand out ha ha.
Last year I was at the YAMAs and I was spot on when it came to the theme as both my hair and outfit were spicy red. I believe since Bonang Matheba will be the hosting the YAMAs that alone raises the bar fashion wise as she is a fashionista. Am excited really about this year’s YAMAs”. There seems to be different interpretations at the time. The one denominator is the touch of glamour and class, apply that to the retrospect of the past. Let the red-carpet kings and queens shine!
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.
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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.