Madi Majwana returns
WeekendLife
By Dave Baaitse
Simply titled Madi Majwana; Stories from Your Pocket, the long running radio drama is back with season three and has started airing on radio this week, on the 13th February 2017.
It plays on Mondays at 6: 50 am on Yarona FM, Wednesdays at 1: 40 pm on Gabz FM, Thursdays at 4: 35 pm on RB 2 and Fridays at 6: 30 pm on Duma FM. This exciting season will be launched on the 22nd February 2017 in Gaborone and will be officiated by the Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology Honourable, Dr Alfred Madigele in the presence of Barclays Bank senior management, staff customers and partners; senior government officials; members of the business community; young people from different institutions and artists.
Madi Majwana is a theatre production that tells stories of ordinary people and their struggles with money. The series explores many issues on money that people sometimes fail to understand yet never ask detailed questions. In a way it prompts introspection from audiences and dialogue about different societal realities. It encourages people to reflect on their own prejudices which adversely affect social cohesion and has grown to become a vehicle for social commentary.
The first series was undoubtedly a trailblazing success, but season two which was launched last year had exciting additional features that ensured its long term success and sustainability. The production featured ikalanga scenes which made it more accessible to communities in Kalanga speaking areas. A second exciting development was that the production team and crew attended a financial literacy workshop and received coaching so that they become aware of the critical issues of money management and have a voice in the discussions that take place.
According to this week’s statement from Maitisong, Season 3 offers a fresh perspective on the economic outlook. It reveals the hard-hitting realities of those directly affected by job losses in large industries. It further explores some of the topics discussed in Seasons 1 and 2 and introduces other pertinent issues that continue to plague the society. Characters from diverse backgrounds tell their stories as they strive to make a living. Their stories reflect the black, white and grey areas of real life monetary habits, successes and failures.
The return of Madi Majwana: Stories from Your Pocket demonstrates Barclays Bank’s commitment to leave a lasting legacy in Botswana. Over the past four years, Barclays Bank has invested P3, 589, 400 to the success of this project, including a commitment of P1, 200, 000 (One Million Two Hundred Thousand Pula only) this year. This is a significant contribution towards improving society’s financial management, ensuring that they make informed decisions. To date, Madi Majwana: Stories from Your Pocket has reached close to one million people nation-wide.
“The partnership between Barclays Bank and Maitisong is a significant illustration of how a responsible financial institution, that cares about the community within which it operates, could utilise the creative industry as tool for social and economic emancipation. It affirms the arts’ potential to contribute towards employment creation and empowerment,” expressed the statement.
Maitisong further explained that since its implementation, the project has engaged over 150 young people, providing them with income and knowledge to manage it. One of the highlights of the programme has been training 35 young people as Debt Counsellors. They are currently pursuing opportunities for them to receive accreditation they can use to help financial institutions with debt counselling services.
“The economic benefits of Madi Majwana cannot be over-emphasised. It engages youth as voice artists, actors, scriptwriters, production team members, and monitoring and evaluation assistants. The project provides income to four commercial radio stations, enabling them to sustain jobs,” the statement further reads.
The season’s nationwide tour will run from the 23rd February to the 5th March 2017. It will visit major towns and cities including Gaborone, Jwaneng, Ghanzi, Maun and their surrounding areas. Performances will be in public assemblies (di Kgotla), malls, schools, community halls, bus ranks and other common spaces and therefore members of the public are invited to register to attend the launch by sending their full names and surnames to secretary@maitisong.org.
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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.

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.