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Saturday, 02 December 2023

2016 Top 10 public figures

WeekendLife

 DM Creative Brands compiles the list


Branding has been a hot topic lately, and Daily Motion Creative Brands (DMCB) end close off the year with a selection of the top 10 brands for 2016. The list, according to DMCB was compiled with local public figures that have made great impact as far as branding is concerned in mind.
Letlhogonolo Moremi, Brand Manager at DMCB told WeekendLife Editor, Dave Baaitse on Tuesday this week that, as a Imaging consultancy firm, DMCB has worked with the likes of Kaone Kario and other great personalities before.

 

The Top 10 public figures’ list was first published last year and this is the second edition. “Perhaps the greatest tragedy of 2016 was watching a “brand” become a buzzword thrown around carelessly without the sense to question what really goes into creating and maintaining neither a brand nor the effort to implement the answer,” Moremi said.   


Moremi said while many of us pour over the likes of Bonang Matheba and Cassper Nyovest wishing our industry would look as good and be taken as seriously, we neglect to consider the excruciating efforts they commit to creating the faces we see and envy so dearly. The #DMCBTopTen is an initiative by Botswana’s premiere youth-owned brand management firm to foster a culture of seriousness in the way our public figures in all industries present and manage their image. DM Creative Brands is a brand management consultancy firm specializing in brand-management for public figures and talent management.


This list was compiled by the DM Creative Brands team with the assistance of special curators from various industries. The adjudication was based on a consideration of the individual’s personal style (in relation to the individual's brand identity), consistency and quality of social media feeds, Communication & PR and general visibility with respect to their niche audience. Tweet @DMCB_BW with the hashtag #DMCBTopTen2016, the audience’s voice is always necessary after all.


Motswafere


The number 1 Brand this year falls nothing short of a revolution in the making. Challenging societal constraints by mere existence at the least, this multitalented starlet resiliently charters new ground while maintaining consistent and quality of image worthy of the title. It is no falsity to say the brand Motswafere has been the closest to flawless in 2016.


Mmina Gaebonwe


Ms Gaebonwe is in so few words, the quintessence of #BlackGirlMagic. In a world where broadcasting the glam in one's life is the click of a button away, this art student and lifestyle connoisseur’s effortless brand consciousness sets her as a cut above the rest. She has consistently shown nuanced understanding of social media diversity and the art of maximizing each platform as a medium of communication. The gorgeous jet-setter easily sets the standard for premium style and lifestyle. She is without a doubt one to watch.


Brilliant Kodie


Kodie’s meteoric rise in 2016 was a testament to the possibilities of dreaming and achieving. His highly personalized brand of PR which although a tad rogue at times, endows him with a powerful para-social factor; making him a relatable figure to the young Motswana creative. The Adidas ambassador maintains a painstakingly clean and seamless visual content through his blog, Facebook and Instagram content. He does indeed set the most admirable standards.


Tumie Nthutang


Arguably one of Botswana’s foremost stylists, this young trailblazer has left no stone unturned in portraying what it means to be a brand with global vision. Consistently poised yet unbelievably human both online and offline, Ms Nthutang’s meticulously structured brand is definitely a benchmark of note to aspirant creatives. In an industry that thrives upon elitism, her “botho” centered brand is effortlessly executed while maintaining her place is a fashion guru of note.

Ammo Ski Mask
Rounding off the top is one of Botswana's most prolific rappers and hip-hopreneurs.

 

The self proclaimed "Sauce Daddy" is definitely a man with the sauce, hopefully far from ever being lost in it. While his personal style is not exactly revolutionary in and of itself, few were be able to lead the trend as effortlessly as he did. A scroll through his feeds is a testament to the consistency and seriousness which the entertainment industry deserves, and the anti-thesis of the laxity rampant in the status quo. A little more bravado and who knows where he might end up on our next list?


Fify Loewen


Fify Loewen is undoubtedly a front runner in Botswana's photography circles and bloggersphere. Her impressively curated image seamlessly transitions from the clothes on her back to the words on her page to the minute details on her work. Her amazing contribution to the politics of natural hair and her written works on motherhood have been influential in bringing the apparently vain profession closer to the social context within which it exists. All this without a shred of compromise on the quality of image, a disease which many at the juncture of creativity and social cause fail to elude.


Uyapo Ketogetswe


The visual director, photographer and budding lifestyle connoisseur is the object of desire and the substance of envy for many. Having worked with some of Southern Africa's leading brands, Ketogetswe's business acumen is quite the impressive piece, second only to the effort he exerts in managing his image. Although we would recommend a cleanup job here and there, he is nonetheless a power brand in the making.


Gatsh Fros


The internationally acclaimed duo's style is in a word ICONIC and that's by no means a scam. At this rate, "wardrobe malfunction" is evidently no part of their vocabulary. While their personal style remains above reproach, there is a need for improved consistency on the PR front.
Motso Ratsie 
One of the Brands that showed most growth in 2017. The actress, business-woman and philanthropist’s authenticity is the substance of admiration. While maintaining image standards on her social media pages and print features, Ms Ratsie manages to remain the unpretentious Motswana, temptation many aspirant stars fail to evade.


Ntombi Setshwaelo


The tenth pick for this year is a woman of substance and front line social justice warrior. Setshwaelo is an example of timeless royalty and the quintessence of what we term a brand that may not be on your twitter everyday yet rises to the occasion without exertion. This being the result of deliberate strategy and not hapless fortune. While we love her style and poise, there is quite a few things that could be improved n the PR side of things. Nonetheless, an impressive contender.
 

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WeekendLife

DJ Sway ‘saved’ the YAMAs

22nd November 2023

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.

 

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WeekendLife

Chef Gustos walk of shame

22nd November 2023

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.

 

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WeekendLife

Women in Science: Breaking Glass Ceilings

16th November 2023

Women scientists have made significant contributions to the field of science, yet they continue to face numerous challenges and barriers. Despite their remarkable achievements, women represent only a fraction of researchers globally, and their work often goes unrecognized. The need for scientific role models to inspire the younger generation is urgent. However, organizations like the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO are working tirelessly to empower women scientists and promote gender equality in the scientific community.

The Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO have collaborated for over two years to support and recognize women scientists who have achieved scientific excellence. These organizations have awarded more than 100 laureates, with five of them going on to win Nobel Prizes. These women researchers, who have worked in various scientific fields across different continents, are not only changing the world through their discoveries but also serving as role models for aspiring women scientists.

The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programs annually support over 250 talented young women researchers. Through regional and national programs, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO provide crucial support to these researchers during their thesis or post-doctoral studies. While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to achieve true gender equality in science. However, both organizations remain determined to make this vision a reality.

Recently, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO hosted thirty winners of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science 14th Rising Talents Sub-Saharan Africa awards in Kasane. These awards recognize African women scientists for their outstanding research. During a press conference, Fondation L’Oréal CEO Alexandra Palt emphasized the importance of empowering women scientists in Sub-Saharan Africa, a continent that suffers greatly from climate disruption. Palt highlighted the challenges these women face, including overcoming prejudice, sexism, and harassment, to become accomplished scientists.

The finalists of the awards are scientists, PhD students, and post-doctoral researchers who are advancing various disciplines such as biology, agronomy, physics, mathematics, genetics, and engineering. Their goal is to improve the daily lives of Africa’s people, whether through advancements in health or the environment. These women, such as Dairou Hadidjatou, a pioneer in cardiovascular disease treatment in Cameroon, Esther Uwimaana, conducting research on potential tuberculosis vaccines, and Mwende Mbilo, innovating clean energy solutions in Kenya, are driven by their desire to advance science and society.

The need for scientific role models to inspire the younger generation is crucial. Palt emphasized that Africa currently represents only 2.5% of scientists globally, making it challenging for young girls in Africa to pursue scientific careers when women researchers in their countries are often invisible in the media, scientific publications, and international forums. To address this, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO have increased the number of young talents awarded from 20 to 30. These researchers also receive leadership training to enhance their communication and negotiation skills, as well as their ability to address harassment and speak publicly or with the media.

By highlighting the achievements of these women scientists, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO aim to break the glass ceiling and provide them with the recognition they deserve. It is essential to take urgent action on multiple levels to enable these talented women to emerge onto the public stage and be acknowledged for their excellent work. Only then can we truly achieve gender equality in the scientific community.

In conclusion, women scientists have made significant contributions to science, yet they continue to face numerous challenges and barriers. Organizations like the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO are working tirelessly to empower women scientists and promote gender equality in the scientific community. By recognizing and supporting these women, we can inspire the younger generation and create a world where women in science are celebrated and their work is valued.

 

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