Culture Spears perfect without Charma Gal
WeekendLife
If you one day happen to see Culture Spears’ live band commanded by Kabelo Mogwe on stage, you will be convinced that there never was any other party that left the group. In fact, Mogwe himself says the group now, as is, is perfect!
Fans of the once embattled group were yearning for its reunion, and have expressed their wish publicly, particularly since the exit of the lead singer Magdalene Lesolebe, popularly known as Charma Gal. When Charma Gal left the group amid a highly publicised divorce from Mogwe, many were of the immediate view that without her, Culture Spears would wilt away. Mogwe himself had stated in the media that he wanted the group to reunite. Two years down the line, with no imminent reunion with the singer, Culture Spears thrives on. The return of one of the founding members, Jelinah Mokgwatlheng aka Selonyana excited fans this year.
In an interview with WeekendLife, Mogwe, who sang praises of the band, and himself for his great command of it, said that according to him, the group is faring well without the return of the other members who have since gone solo. “Of course the fans want us to reunite, and it will make me happy to grant them their wish, but the group is doing well as it is now,” he said.
Introducing a live band was a good move on the part of Culture Spears, particularly considering how many artists locally fail to deliver live performances. While some may argue that it was also a way for the group to “edit” out Charma Gal’s parts in the group’s earlier songs, arguably, Mogwe is doing a remarkable job as lead singer.
“It is funny discussing our live performances. I have always insisted on performing live on all shows, finances can sometimes be a problem but when we can, we always go that route. At the weekend I used the live band at a BOPEU event, and that performance is doing wonders for the group as I speak,” a chuffed Mogwe revealed. “We are getting calls from people that saw us and they want our live band to perform for them,” he added.
Mogwe’s stage performance, along with the rehearsed live band is what appeared to make them a favourite at the cooperate performance for BOPEU last weekend, and if that is how they always perform then they are doing it right. Mogwe has just been appointed SOS Children’s Villages Botswana ambassador and will perform at a tour organised by the association to celebrate its 30th anniversary.
SOS is a children’s rights advocacy group which, among others, provides stable, secure and loving care in a family setting for children; safeguards their well being and provides strengthening programmes help families stay together. Culture Spears has in the past donated to all SOS children’s villages countrywide. As the face of SOS, Mogwe said one of his roles will be to educate Batswana about SOS and make the association visible to many who have not heard about it before.
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.