AFRIMMA: Nnunu’s lessons from America
Back from Dallas, Texas in the United States where she was nominated for the African Muzik Magazine awards (AFRIMMA), Afro- Jazz sensation Nnunu Bolemo Ramogotsi reflects back on this highlight of her musical career, rubbing shoulders with African superstars and what it takes to bring home an AFRIMMA award, Writes DAVE BAAITSE.
When she dropped her 2012 marvellous and most decorated album ‘Mmasonoko,’ it surely catapulted her to stardom, making her one of the top voices of Jazz music in the country. Ramogotsi has sure strummed the right chords, eventually becoming a brand associate for the industry in the corporate world. She would later travel the world; Europe became her “second home” performing mostly in Sweden and Germany. Her 2016 AFRIMMA nomination came as no surprise to her, especially under the category Best Female Artist in Southern Africa-she instead saw it as yet another opportunity to conquer Africa and indeed the world through her music.
She just returned from the awards a few days ago, where she rubbed shoulders with the likes of Nigeria’s Davido, South Africa’s duo of Lira and Zonke to mention just a few. “These are the continent’s biggest awards which bring together African artists under one roof and I was very excited,” she said.
Ramogotsi is a versatile artist who has gone all out to explore her talent, she once featured Hip- Hop artist, Dramaboi in a song titled ‘A reyeng’. The song became an instant hit and featured in Dramaboi’s album which topped the charts. African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) is the sole award ceremony in the Diaspora that caters to all musical genres including but not limited to Afrobeats, Assiko, Bongo, Decale, Funana, Genge, Highlife, Kwaito, Lingala and Soukous.
The third edition of the AFRIMMAs which was held in October 15, 2016 was an explosive affair with preparations and consultations made early to make it a grand occasion. AFRIMMA is committed to writing the African music story on the world map. While Namibian, Chikune won the award for which she was also nominated, Ramogotsi in no way doubts her talent or her capability of bringing back such an award. In fact, she believes the reason Botswana has difficulty with winning at the awards which are on their third year running is because they lag behind in voting, and that this might be influenced by the small population.
Albeit returning without the award, Ramogotsi said she made a lot of contacts and she is looking forward to collaborating with many influential artists across Africa including the winner. Her nomination was guaranteed by her video of the song ‘Mmasonoko’ which was produced at a budget close to P 85, 000. She did not rule out the possibility of collaborating with big names more especially the Nigers who happen to dominate the African music industry.
According to Ramogotsi, to be nominated for the awards takes a lot of courage and hard work. A nominee’s music has to be taken under a vetting process, she said, adding that “one has to be influential and active in social media” and their music has to be of good quality. “The artist has to be consistent with her work and has to have done a lot of collaborations with other big names, ” she added and gave an example of Mafikizolo who have now taken a new approach to their music. Mafikizolo have now added a bit of Nigerian beats and tempo in their new songs.
While Ramogotsi said it is not easy breaking the ice as a jazz artist, she is happy that she has managed to break into the scene. Even though she did not disclose more, she is currently working with one of the big groups from Uganda on her upcoming album which might be released sometime next year. They met at the AFRIMMAs and the group is more interested in her music and they agreed to work together on collaborations. This was after they performed together in Galveston in Texas after the awards and her upcoming album looks to be nothing other than a magnum opus featuring some of Africa’s crème de la crème.
Ramogotsi is a member of The Women of Jazz, a trio band that consists of her, Kearoma Rantao and Punah Gabasiane- Molale. She is also a member of the Re Batswana Ensemble and has contributed a lot in the local music industry. She said the founders of AFRIMMA who once visited Botswana believe the country has a lot of talent and that there is a lot yet to be done. On their second edition, the awards honoured the country’s President, Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama with a Transformational Leadership Award for his contribution in the arts industry.
“Personally as an artist, I think Botswana should affiliate to the AFRIMMA, those people like our music, more especially the traditional music. Other artists such as Vee who was nominated last year and again this year had the opportunity to perform at the AFRIMMA stage and they were impressed,” she said. She asserted that this, to her was an eye opener and called on local artists to come together and unite and work as a team to bring an AFRIMMA award home next year.
She also alluded to the fact that as artists, they have a lot of challenges and government should come to their rescue. Earlier this year when they met with Minister of Youth Sports and Culture, now Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Thapelo Olopeng, he advised them to work together and form an arts council that will be the voice of artists. Olopeng warned them of forming a lot of associations that end up clashing and not serving their intended purpose.
Ramogotsi even suggested that the trouble with getting finances sorted when it comes to making trips across the world for awards like the AFRIMMAs would be easier dealt with, should there be a council formed as minister Olopeng advised. For her trip to the US, she managed to get sponsorship from Sprint Couriers for a return air ticket, but for meals and travelling within the US, she had to make ends meet.
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.