Bonang Matheba to anchor YAMAs 2019
WeekendLife
The next edition of Botswana’s greatest music showcase Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs) is set to be more than just about music accolades, hype, fan-fare, fashion and lifestyle. Retro 5, the 2019 event will be hosted by South African goddess Bonang Matheba alongside Loungo Pitse.
The theme for next year is about exploring artists’ personal brand trademarks for growth in the home market and beyond. Over the years, YAMAs have pulled all stops and played a meaningful role in the development of vibrant and commercially viable industry, in what has been coined ‘the event of the year.' For 2019, King B, Botswana and Yaraona FM’s Famous Brunch sensation, and Queen B – South African global brands’ ‘magnate’ and socialite will host the night of glamour.
It is expected to draw local and regional artists to the much awaited music showcase at the GICC on the 2nd of February 2019. Over and beyond well-choreographed scenes and polished performances, there will be a twist. Internationally acclaimed artists will work behind the scenes in empowerment workshops for skills transfer with Botswana’s artists.
“Retro 5 is about reflection and rebirth. We realize that there is life beyond the stage. Before the last spotlight goes off or the prime days come to an end, artists have to identify and categorise opportunities at their disposal for further growth and personal development. Through the 2019 YAMAs we are rolling out a springboard for growth beyond our artists current exposure. It’s about expanding their current networks, commercialising them and being exposed to personal growth strategies, amongst other plans. By sharing ideas with artists in these strategic platforms and workshops, artists who have achieved this internationally, we begin to make a difference beyond the awards,” says Kelly Ramputswana Yarona FM Station Manager.
She emphasised that over the years the YAMAs have contributed and supported local music entrepreneurship and the industry at large. “Running workshops for both regional, internationally-acclaimed and local artists to interact in the ideas exchange workshops will be help expose both local and international artists on the length, breadth and strength of diversity when designing personal brand architecture, increasing fan base and having a sustainable business for growth and exposure in the music industry.”
This year ATI walked away with three awards being; best single hip/hop motswako, best single male and Song of the Year while Bouncy C won best single female and best R&B song award. There are 18 categories for the 2019 YAMAs. They vary from song of the year to people’s choice/artist of the year. Yarona FM will be celebrating almost two decades of air play and having been the first private commercial radio station in Botswana. The voting lines are officially open. A list of nominees and their voting codes can be found on Yarona FM social media.
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.