Culture Spears reunion eminent
Every human culture has music in the same way they have language. It is often referred to as a universal language that one can use to communicate across cultural and linguistic boundaries while conveying different emotions-and Culture Spears did exactly that for the world.
The group had come of age, and had mastered the art of enthusing Setswana culture in a track mostly taken from folklore songs; crafting their works into a tour de force compilation appreciated by all, writes DAVE BAAITSE. In 2014, at the height of their music careers, Culture Spears parted ways. The small group that had found a home in many hearts and were darlings of Southern Africa had yet to achieve more accolades in their journey. Having only started 10 years before then, in 2004, the group had in a short span of time bagged various awards and brought much needed recognition to traditional music.
Their music had the power to evoke deep primal feelings at the core of the shared human experience, it not only crosses cultures but also reaches deep into evolutionary past. Incorporated in the modern day tempo, Culture Spears’ music future looked even brighter than any other traditional group of their time.
The only remaining founder at the now struggling ‘Culture Spears’ is Kabelo Mogwe. And for the past three years, fans have been holding their breath hoping for the group to reunite. On social media, various groups and pages have been created wherein fans call for the founding group members to “return home.” This week a throwback picture of Kabelo Mogwe and Thembeni Ramosetlheng surfaced on Facebook, and multitudes of fans reacted to the picture with mixed feelings and desperation for the group to bury the hatchet and get back together.
When reacting to the fans’ wishes Mogwe ‘said he was still optimistic that the group will one day re- unite. He said for the group to have broken up leaving him behind is an unfortunate incident that has killed the bigger brand that was Culture Spears. Over the past two years Mogwe has been struggling with the group to take it back to where it used to be but the move proved futile without the services of founding members in Jelina ‘Selonyana’ Mokgwatlheng, Thembeni ‘Ramozara’ Ramosetlheng and Magdeline ‘Charma Gal’ Lesolebe. Culture Spears under only Mogwe has released one album which did not do relatively good.
Charma Gal, who left the group and pursued a solo career, has been enjoying success after success, albeit in a totally different genre. The Kwaito Kwasa sensation was recently quoted in the media as saying she was not ruling out the group’s reunion, provided the group acted more professionally. The Sekuta hit maker, who has just released a new album Ke ya Mmokolodi shared that she would work with the group again if they got management. At the same time Ramozara was struggling to make end meets with his own solo project which didn’t do well because of lack of marketing and amid lack of financial resources.
With Mogwe still holding it down and dying for a group that he helped form to resurrect, he wakes up every day with ambitions that one day they will re- unite and that the possibility of working together. He says they usually take stage to perform together where opportunities arises. “You see in paper we are still together, they still own shares in this group,” said Mogwe.
However, he said with Charma Gal having recently released another new solo project and Thembeni working on something else it will be difficult to finally work together. He said he is in talks with Jelina Mokgwatlheng, the most liked ‘Selonyana’ who is currently based in Gantsi and they usually perform together in the area. He said he however awaits the others who are still busy with their solo projects to join them.
Recently Thembeni featured in a musical programme on Botswana Television and said it was only a matter of time and they (the group) will be back together at Kulenyane Studios. When speaking to WeekendLife, he shared the same sentiments and added that however there was lot to be done besides just a union. “There are a lot of issues to be resolved on the table before going on stage,” said the concerned Thembeni.
Their reunion will signal nothing but the resurrection of the local traditional music genre and crème de la crème of the traditional song and dance. Theirs is more likely to take off as compared to other groups who have lost all hope of reuniting. Their detractors point out that their return to working together as a stable could yield and rebrand them as the continent’s favourite at this critical time when the genre is facing a decline.
The collapse of Culture Spears followed yet another bigger group that had plunged the traditional music scene and had given many people hope travelling the world. Matsieng, was a force to reckon with, turned the tables. But soon, their conflicting egos got in the way of the group flourishing.Another group, the hunky Dikakapa troupe, also promising, had their journey cut short as well. These groups that raised the country’s flag high with so much patriotism in their performance and a showcase of cultural exchange among other nations. Despite being labelled the pioneers of traditional music, Machesa traditional group were a step closer to achieving more when they brought home a Kora Award.
Queen of Sands, Olebile Maxy Sedumedi is also among the veterans who have made a mark in the genre. However, despite her success she had to also change genres before she eventually disappeared altogether from the music scenes, only making occasional appearances at corporate events and various celebrations. It remains to be seen if she will attempt to bounce back along with all the other groups that have vanished into thin air.
WeekendLife
Radio titans gloss RB2
In a thrilling turn of events, former YFM on-air presenter Petula Khulman, now known as Petula El’Kindiy, is set to co-host the morning show with the station’s current star, Thabo Bolokwe, fondly referred to as T.H.A.B.O. Petula’s radio journey began at Yarona FM and spanned over a year and a half, during which she honed her skills and developed a loyal fan base.
Petula, a Media Studies graduate from Rhodes University, holds a wealth of experience in the industry. Her career took her across borders, from Yarona FM to Gabz FM, and even to a community radio station, Bay FM. She later returned to YFM, where she hosted a show called The Plaground.
Her latest venture, “The Morning Essentials,” kicked off on July 1, 2020. The show, which airs from 3am to 5am on weekdays and 6am to 10am on Saturdays, quickly gained popularity among listeners. Petula attributes her success to her passion for media, music, and dance, as well as her appreciation for her colleagues at YFM.
However, her journey wasn’t without its challenges. In 2023, her work permit was denied by South African authorities, leading to a temporary pause in her radio career. Despite the setback, Petula remains undeterred and is ready to bring her bubbly personality and captivating voice back to the airwaves of RB2.
Adding to the excitement, Khumo ‘Missgeekays’ Kgwaadira is also making a comeback. The popular media personality and businesswoman, who was last heard on RB2 in October 2022, will be back on air from Monday. Missgeekays, who owns a restaurant called Kana Kgang, has been keeping herself busy with various ventures, including a stint as a freelance presenter.
Her return to RB2 is eagerly anticipated, and her fans are thrilled to hear that she will be back in her familiar mid-morning slot. The exact details of her show are still under wraps, but one thing is for sure – with the new lineup, RB2 is poised to make a big splash in the radio landscape.
“With the new lineup, RB2 will be the biggest thing ever. We expect fireworks and amusement from the morning through mid-morning and the afternoons. All the faces that are returning to the airwaves will contribute to the radio station’s growth and a snowballing of listenership,” a source close to the station revealed.
So, get ready for a thrilling ride as RB2 unveils its new look and lineup this coming Monday. With Petula El’Kindiy and Khumo ‘Missgeekays’ Kgwaadira leading the charge, there’s no doubt that RB2 is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever!
WeekendLife
Strawberry Ritual: An unconventional key to virtual interview success
In the modern era of swift communication, where digital platforms have become the cornerstone of professional interactions, mastering the nuances of a Zoom interview is a vital skill for job applicants. The pivot towards remote work has rendered platforms like Zoom indispensable for establishing connections with prospective employers. So, imagine if we told you that a humble fruit could be the secret ingredient to enhancing your self-assurance and excelling in that virtual interview? Indeed, the fruit in question is the strawberry!
“A whopping 59.1% of the workforce prefers remote work over a conventional office setting,” asserts Forbes, a staggering fact that underscores the global trend of working from home. In the UK, Zoom witnessed a dramatic surge in its daily active users (DAU), peaking at approximately 1.7 million around the end of November 2020. This significant upswing in DAU coincided with the onset of the coronavirus outbreak in the UK, as more individuals began participating in virtual meetings for both work and social engagements with their families and friends.
But how does a strawberry fit into this narrative? What might seem like a punchline to a whimsical joke could revolutionize your approach to virtual job interviews. CEO Chantry Somtun of JustBanter shares this ingenious trick that could make a world of difference.
According to CEO Chantry Somtun of JustBanter, consuming a strawberry before your Zoom call could have a profound impact on your performance. The National Institute of Health has discovered that strawberries contain folate, a compound that aids in calming nerves and reducing anxiety by stimulating the production of serotonin, a hormone crucial for maintaining a positive mood and mental well-being. Moreover, strawberries are teeming with anthocyanins, antioxidants that enhance brain and emotional health, making them an excellent choice for those seeking to alleviate stress and anxiety before significant virtual meetings.
So, how can you incorporate this simple yet potent trick into your pre-Zoom routine? It’s as straightforward as savoring a few fresh strawberries 10-20 minutes before your call. If fresh strawberries are unavailable, frozen ones or even a refreshing strawberry smoothie can serve as excellent alternatives. For the best results, consume the strawberries on an empty stomach to ensure faster absorption of folate and maximize their mood-enhancing benefits.
Beyond just soothing your nerves before a critical interview, strawberries offer a myriad of health benefits, such as being rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to overall well-being. By integrating strawberries into your pre-Zoom ritual, you can not only boost your confidence but also support your body’s health in the process.
In a competitive job market where first impressions matter, adopting this unconventional yet effective strategy could be the game-changer you need to distinguish yourself and leave a lasting impression on potential employers. Therefore, the next time you have a Zoom interview scheduled, reach for some strawberries and experience the positive difference they can make in enhancing your confidence and performance.
In a world where virtual connections have become the new norm, utilizing simple yet powerful techniques like the strawberry trick can set you apart and help you navigate the challenges of virtual job interviews with ease. By capitalizing on the natural benefits of this humble fruit, you can elevate your Zoom confidence to unprecedented heights and pave the way for success in your job search. So, why not seize the day? Grab some strawberries, take a bite, and witness your Zoom interview game soar to new heights!
WeekendLife
Mrs Botswana’s ‘MO’ to gender parity
Mrs. Portiah S Mokgathong, an illustrious beacon brightening the corners of Botswana, wields her vision for gender equity and empowerment like a torch, illuminating paths for her community. Standing at the helm of the Anaya-Tlhwatlhwa Foundation, and donning multiple hats as an international personal wellness coach, a savvy business magnate, and the esteemed Mrs. Botswana 2023/24, her mission is to cast rays of change into the lives she touches.
Her strategy for bridging the gender divide is both comprehensive and visionary. Mokgathong, understanding the vitality of lifting women and girls, equally champions the cause of young boys and men. She advocates for a culture of mutual admiration and understanding across gender lines, fostering a society unbound by the shackles of conventional gender roles—a society where balance and harmony reign supreme.
In her magnum opus, a collaborative venture with entities like NAPHA, Men and Boys for Gender Justice, the Botswana Police Service, and Girls for Girls Botswana, lies a quest for familial empowerment. Her goal is to fortify the foundation of families, supporting parents and guardians, sons and daughters alike, equipping them with the capabilities to forge strong intrapersonal and professional bonds.
“My project is family oriented, we want to focus on the family as a whole, we want to help both parents or guardians, men and women and the children of households both boy and girl. I am passionate in doing so because lately women and the girl child have been given a pedestal, they have been given a lot of help and a lot of recognition while men are considered as perpetrators and young boys are neglected, therefore we want to groom both the girl and boy child so that they grow up to be able to interact with each other and when they get to relationships, be it personal or work wise,†she said.
Mokgathong’s reach extends further than mere intervention; she invests in the empowerment of individuals through education, skill development, and the allocation of resources crucial for autonomy and enduring triumphs. By nurturing innate capabilities, igniting the flames of innovation, and promoting entrepreneurship, she sets the stage for marginalized communities to emerge from the shadows of dependency, crafting their own realms of prosperity.
“As we educate a girl child to be strong and independent, we also enable a young man or boy to be able to accept that strong independent woman, ensuring that the equation is balanced. I also want to help stop gender-based violence while protecting our children. When I began my initiative, it was based on GBV and child protection, but it developed into campaigning for the less fortunate and vulnerable,†she stresses.
Her journey, fraught with hurdles, including early disappointments in her pursuit of the Mrs. Botswana title, stands testament to her resilience and indomitable spirit. Gratitude fills her heart for mentors, sponsors, kin, and comrades whose support has sculpted her into the powerhouse she is today.
She says: “People want to be involved with you when you are a top finalist or the reigning queen. When I first started, I was only a person, and it was difficult and time-consuming to generate cash, solicit donations, and obtain obligation, particularly in rural areas. But right now, as the reigning queen it is a bit easier to reach out to collaborators and sponsors and I pray to God that as I am continuing with my project after crowning the new queen it will continue to be so and growth and more people will be willing to invest and help out.â€
Juggling her myriad roles demands the prowess of a maestro, yet Mokgathong thrives by weaving her family into her philanthropic endeavors and mastering the art of time management. She empowers young aspirants to self-reflect, establish objectives, harness mentorship and sponsorship, and gear up for the trials that lie ahead.
As Mrs. Botswana, her ambition soars beyond personal accolades; it’s tethered to the upliftment of her nation through the empowerment of women, the nurturing of men’s talents, and the preparation of the youth for a flourishing future. She envisages expanding the Anaya-Tlhwatlhwa Foundation’s influence, delving deeper into rural engagements to sow seeds of empowerment and hope for generations yet to come.
“For charity work to be more effective, I believe we need to empower other than just giving. We need to empower the less privileged and the vulnerable, with the right skills and knowledge so that they can sustain themselves in the long run. We need to help those who are talented and innovative. I am proud to say my work is doing wonders, the kids that we are mentoring are able to find direction in life, they now know what they want to be as they grow up and they are able to identify subjects they want to study and career they want to pursue. Families that we have been in contact with, families that are from different background are able to identify their skills and they are able to grow and turn them into businesses.â€
In essence, Mrs. Portiah S Mokgathong stands as a pillar of strength and a source of inspiration in Botswana. Her unwavering commitment to fostering gender equality, community upliftment, and personal development lights the way for others. Through her relentless endeavors and steadfast dedication, she renders a profound impact on her community and beyond, etching a durable mark of empowerment and optimism.