Letter from the USA
WeekendLife
Botswana’s Miss Africa USA Pageant speaks
“They say you can take a girl out of the village but you can't take the village out of her. This statement relates to me in so many ways. Despite living away from home for so long, I've always had strong ties with my beloved Botswana, and I feel they grow stronger by day. That is why I decided to share my roots with the world however I can.
Last year, I went on to represent our Botswana in the Miss Africa USA Pageant, and I'm very honoured to have been the first Motswana representative in the pageant's 11-year history, right when we were celebrating our Golden Jubilee of independence. In honor of my country, and as part of raising the flag, I dedicated myself to taking violin lessons just so I could be able to play my National Anthem on stage, and I did it! I specifically chose the violin because it's very uncommon to hear my national anthem particularly on this instrument. Looking back, I realize that this is the best gift I could've asked for, both to myself and to my nation. We made it to the top 10 and was crowned with "The People's Princess" Award.
For the traditional section, I chose to embrace my roots on stage through a combination of dance and act, which I would admit was a highlight of my night. Please have a look at the attachments for my storyline. And for a live performance, please check https://youtu.be/LMfquDft0-o (from 4:15).
I've always felt that in everything we do, we should represent who we are and where we come from. Living in this city of endless possibilities, it's my aim to share my roots with the world in every possible way. I love diversity, because it amazes me to see how we all do things differently, yet some of it turns out to be the same. And this I would say has been my motivation for starting my international community group "Fly Thy Flag", which encourages us to take pride in who we are and where we come from.
With Fly Thy Flag, I've brought together people of different nationalities to interact and learn about one another's culture through a Brooklyn Bridge Walk, a Flag Themed Brunch, a Picnic where everyone brought a national dish from their respective countries, and a games day that brought our childhood games to the playground. I look forward to holding more events that portray cultural diversity and unity at the same time! As for my part, I proudly carry and raise my BLUE, BLACK and WHITE flag at every event and will continue to do so.
I'd like to say I live by one of our very own African sister, Lupita Nyongo's quote that "No matter where you come from your dreams are valid." It's my wish to one day be able to share this with my community. Coming from Kanye and currently residing in NYC, I believe that the future is bright! I believe that whatever we put our minds to, we can achieve!!!”
Best Regards,
SAME KOONEENG
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.