The Shrink, Biggles and Boggles’ first offering
WeekendLife
New kid on block Biggles and Boggles will publish its first its first local book, The Shrink early next year. Biggles and Boggles is the brainchild of Bridget Buzwani, a former freelancer with publishing company Black Crake Books.
The release of The Shrink will mark the company’s first major project. Having worked with Black Crake Books owner, Nick Green, a Briton who had his sights on developing literary works in the country, Buzwani might very well be the right woman for the job. Green was based in Maun for some time before giving up on his dream. As if carrying the torch from her former employer, Buzwani wants to publish Batswana writers and turn them into authors of note.She is using her own book, which she says she has been working on for years now as a launch pad.
“I have been writing the book for a few years now. It is actually an adaptation of a comic concept that I had come up with and yet again a well- meaning friend advised me to write the comic as a story, wrap it up into a novel,” she said. In an interview with WeekendLife Buzwani said when she started writing the book she had realised that kids and adolescents find it hard to talk to their parents. They basically don’t have anyone to talk to, to help them tackle their social problems, so The Shrink is that bridge.
Tebogo is the main character in the book which is due in 2018. She is a shrink at Mogwana high and the problems the kids face are all real. Buzwani is currently working with local schools on a mission to engage the pupils on the book. Buzwani says her strength as a writer is in fiction. “I have played around with poetry, you know that rhyming kind till I started more grungy poetry, it helped me get through a few rough patches in my life,” she said. In the book she also doubles with short stories.
“After being encouraged to write a full book, I found I enjoyed it. I enjoy writing fiction. I majored in Journalism at University, but didn’t really enjoy writing hard core news. Really love making up stories.” Biggles and Boggles was conceptualised in 2007 when Buzwani was still at University and over the years the company evolved from just being a fantasy to being a reality. “The name is merge of two side of me; The dreamer and optimistic playful side is ‘Biggles’ and the pessimistic, strict and rigid side that if run by roles is regulations is ‘Boggles.” The company’s major focus is publishing books, mainly fiction. Its target audience is the youth of Botswana.
Buzwani said it is every writers dream to get published. “These days it is hard to find a good and reliable publisher that will turn your dreams into a reality. We are invested in making you a published author. Your passion is our passion. Your dream is our dream,” she said.
WeekendLife
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
WeekendLife
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.
WeekendLife
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.