Vee backs Tlatsa Lebala
WeekendLife
Local sensation, Odirile Sento aka Vee Mampeezy has thrown his weight behind Tlatsa Lebala, after its founder, Kast got a jabbing from Minister of Youth Empowerment Sports and Culture Empowerment, Thapelo Olopeng.
The annual event, which was a success in 2017, has been faced with criticism from various fronts, leading to challenges that hindered it to take place during the initially planned date. The event has been re-scheduled to December 1 at KCI2 Farms. Tlatsa Lebala is a campaign that aimed to grow and professionalise the music and arts industry in Botswana by initiating dialogue and action around the core topics in the sector. The campaign used various media platforms to spark dialogue, primarily social media.
In an Interview with WeekendLife, Vee Mampeezy explained that he is supporting Tlatsa Lebala because it is the only initiative that has a line-up only for local artists and bring together Batswana in one place. “Tlatsa Lebala is a strong initiative so people should focus on the event not the problem,” he explained. He highlighted that Minister Thapelo Olopeng is a father and that a father rebukes and disciplines with the intention to build and not to destroy.
The Local star said Batswana should refrain from criticising. “Batswana are always criticising. Once it was Nijel Amos, then Isaac Makwala and at some stage he himself was crushed. Everyone is being crushed,” he said. He further vowed his support for Tlatsa Lebala.
“I respect and love you big brother at least you are not sitting down and doing nothing, at least you are not robbing a bank or selling drugs, you go out there and hustle for what you believe in and you must know I got your back. Ke motlatsi for life so 1st December I will be there Sir to support a young Motswana who decided to do something with his life. God bless your hustle KAST. Re a Tlatsa,” he said.
Prior to Vee Mampeezy re-affirming his support Kast, the latter was involved in a heated exchange of words with Minister Olopeng. Kast accused Olopeng of being a bully after the minister allegedly snubbed him in his efforts to solicit for ministry’s support. Olopeng in response criticised Kast, labelling him a cry-baby. Not only did the minister lash out his show, the Kast says he is rather not amazed that the minister responded the way he did to him. “I wasn’t surprised. He is a person I know for utterly displaying uncalled for character. He is not a parent and he fails to interact with people in good faith,” he said.
The ‘sejabana,’ hitmaker says the minister has been sabotaging the event since day one leading to things not going well. Although scores of citizens on social media were criticising Kast for not bringing any noticeable impact about his campaign, the star seems to be upbeat about this year’s event. Meanwhile, a 100 per cent local line-up artistes for this year’s festival include heavyweights such as Franco, Vee Mampeezy, Charma Gal and others as well as many more upcoming artistes.
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.