Shumba to Moses
WeekendLife
The Exodus hero Moses, sometimes tagged The Biblical Moses, the recipient of the Ten Commandments in the Bible, and a Hebrew prophet who was the leader of the Hebrew people when they left Egypt, is the influence behind Moses Malapela commonly known as Shumba Ratshega in music circles.
Malapela has decided to swap his trademark ‘parental advisory’ traditional music lyrics for the pulpit and he is now Prophet Moses and he operates a church in Mogoditshane. His stage name Shumba means Lion, and he is anticipates powerful sermons delivered through his vociferous lion-like voice. Shumba Ratshega popularized by several of hit songs including “kgweetsa nkuku” has announced his calling as a prophet and has opened a church in Mogoditshane Block 9 called Heaven Harvest Ministries and he now goes by the name Prophet Moses.
As a musician, Prophet Moses specialized in traditional songs. He first made headlines with his album titled 'Ntopolele Bichana'. He has eight albums to his name. In an interview, Malapela makes it clear that he has always known that he had the call from God to impact lives and he has finally decided to respond to it. He further shared with WeekendLife that he has quit the traditional dance music and is now pursuing the will of God over his life which is to minister healing, deliverance, reconciliation to God and Prophecy.“I am out of the traditional dance music until our Lord Jesus Christ comes,” he asserted. “God told me to go and reconnect His people with Him, to reveal the truth and the secrets of God,” he further said.
As much as the ‘Makhirikhiri” hit maker loves his music, he feels he does not have a choice but to pursue the will of God over his life. The Prophet says he was told to go and tell the flock of God that the Holy Spirit does not dwell in a sinful body and that God hates sin and he is more than determined to voice out the word of God to people. One major thing that he explained made him turn away from worldly music is his drive not to end up in hell and like many other Christians he wants to enjoy eternal peace in heaven. “I realized it is better for me to go to heaven than to end up in hell,” he explained.
Although Prophet Moses’ decision to dump traditional music for the pulpit has raised eyebrows, Malapela, formerly “Shumba Ratshega’’, says that he is not shocked that a lot of people are doubting. He is more than convinced that God called him and that he did not want to preach but God called him. “I did not want to do this but it is the grace of God over my life, God called me to preach the gospel, it is a season to preach through the Spirit not what you know,” he shares. Nonetheless, the man of God has turned away from his type of music and is now pursuing gospel music and he will be travelling to Serowe, Maun, Orapa and Paje to bid them goodbye and also to announce to them about the path he has chosen and his new faith in Christ Jesus.
Prophet Moses is not the first artist in Botswana to denounce the performance stage in favour of church sermons and prophecy. Botswana’s king of kwaito “Vee Mampeezy” took the same path after announcing that he had a call from God over his life to be a prophet, now “Prophet Vee” moves accurately in the prophetic and his music transitioned and is touched with an element of gospel. The “matshidiso’’ hit maker, Kgotla Kgaodi is another artist who transitioned to become a pastor and he has his own church and is a reformed man. Joel ‘Ntsoro’ Keitumele also gave up his comedy stage for the pulpit also answering a call from God.
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.
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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.