New drama coming to Btv
WeekendLife
A new drama is coming to our small screens courtesy of Btv. Colours; a 26 episode drama tackles life issues and explores survival techniques in the work place and in life generally.
The drama targets a diverse age group and addresses issues that are dormant across all age groups. The play was scripted by four individuals, Bonginhlahla Ncube, Thabiso Thanthoyakgole, Anita Tau, Tshepiso Babusi and Bose Bondo. In an interview with WeekendLife, the Director of the drama, Ncube explained that the play was inspired by the idea that everyone wants to make it in life.
“The play was inspired by the fight for survival in the workplace. We are people coming from different backgrounds and everyone is trying to survive. Everyone wants to survive at whatever cost. So if that opportunity avails itself and now you are a bread winner, you will do anything to survive. So drama was inspired by that approach in life,” he said.
The story line follows the life of a young man, who has ambitions of succeeding and making it to the top. But his road is full of obstacles, as would be expected; there are politics he encounters along the way and stumbling blocks that threaten his desired destiny. He however proves to be determined to overcome all obstacles on his way
“His academic life is a bit dodgy but he has got the right qualifications. So he must do the job he was given even if he does not have the right qualifications for the job. In the mix of all of that there is a young sister and a young brother. The mother passed away and they struggled after the death. It’s kind of a disjoined family,” Ncube said. Ncube pointed out that the message that the drama also tackles social issues experienced on a daily basis.
“The drama has a full message that touches on the issues of HIV/AIDS, the pulling Down syndrome, love affairs, office fights, family dynamics, and disjoined families, how a young man tries to pull together his family,” he said. One of the script writers, Bose Bondo added that they wanted to also address issues of drug abuse. Ncube highlighted that the drama is on its own class and was not influenced by any local production.
“I wanted to bring in my style of work. I was in North American Film. I believe Botswana has beautiful stories that could be told to the world. We need filmmakers to see our stories,” he said. Ncube however sees potential in the arts industry in Botswana. “There is potential. I auditioned over 400 people and we managed to find what we were looking for. There are on point. There is talent. There is lots of talent, it is just how you use it,” he said.
In an interview with the producer, Samuel Ngwenya, he explained that the arts industry in Botswana is still in its genesis. “Producers haven’t been commissioned to do drama series. The last commission that BTV made was for two popular drama series, ‘Re Bina Mmogo’ and Thokolosi and that was it. Other than, ‘Ntwakgolo. They just commissioned this one and the amount is very small. We were given 3.8 million. The talent is there and it needs to be developed. What I can promise Batswana is that this is a very good story, with the best actors,” he said.
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BOTSWANA TO HOST MISS WORLD 2026
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
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DJ Sway ‘saved’ the YAMAs
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.
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Chef Gustos walk of shame
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.