Mafikizolo for Mascom Live Sessions
WeekendLife
The Mascom Live Sessions will end in a high note, as South African Afro-pop powerhouse Mafikizolo will headline the last session of the much loved sessions.
The multiple award-winning South African duo of Theo Kgosinkwe and Nhlanhla Nciza as the surviving members of the band will be in Botswana for the first time this year in December, to send off scores of their fans to a good close of the year as they are expected to sample some of their new offerings, notably “Kucheza”.
Since its release, late October, Kucheza has performed no less than any other Mafikizolo offering, topping the charts in that country. The single provides a taste of what their fans could expect from their 10th studio album due for release early next year.
The single release follows a four year break without the duo releasing a studio album. Kucheza is a Swahili word that means play, the single was served in their usual style, mixing Swahili with English.
The group is celebrating 20 years in the industry and the upcoming album will feature 20 tracks to commemorate that milestone as well as a special feature for their third member, Tebogo Madingoane who was gunned down in 2004, according to media reports.
Even though they have been in the industry for two decades, Kgosinkwe and Nciza keep on reinventing themselves, and have so far managed to keep stay relevant in the cut throat industry.
Though their compelling dance grooves still hint at the tribal rhythms tied to South Africa’s older indigenous musical traditions, the band sports sounds and music videos that are as sophisticated as any international act, and they have the fan base across Africa to attest to that. Other than that, they have pulled crowds in international shows overseas.
In recent years, they have proved their intent to remain relevant, retain their fan base and perhaps even win a new one. They have collaborated with the likes of Uhuru, Diamond Platinumz and Davido. Mafikizolo has sold several million units in South Africa alone and has a closet of trophies to match. They recently returned from a US and Canada tour.
Whenever they perform, Mafikizolo makes it a point to take the audience to church, and their local performances have been no different. The group always has their dancers travelling with them, who are always dressed up for the occasion, as do the two.
While watching them perform their new offerings, perhaps, as celebration of their 20 years in the industry, they might take back the fans right to 1996 to the sounds of ‘Lotto’, through hits like ‘Emlanjeni’ and ‘Ndihambanawe’ which won them affection across Southern Africa.
Thabang Garogwe of ‘Ke a gana’ fame will also perform at the event billed for December 9. Although Garogwe has not released a new album recently, his Ke a gana continues to receive airplay locally. He recently performed at the Hamptons Jazz Festival.
The Botswana Craft hosted Mascom Live Sessions this year and have brought to the stage music greats from within Botswana and Southern Africa, notably Ringo Madlingozi and Oliver Mtukudzi.
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BOTSWANA TO HOST MISS WORLD 2026
Even though Botswana has over the years been performing extremely poorly at the Miss World competition, the country has confirmed that it will be hosting the beauty festival in 2026. Initially, the country was to host Miss World next year, something it failed to confirm before deadline. Director at Miss Botswana, Benjamin Raletsatsi, says Botswana will be ready then to host all participants. Miss Botswana Top 25 finalists left the boot camp yesterday. Quite shocking though, Miss Botswana team is still failing basics as responding to media inquiries on time yet it is dangerously hoping to host an event of high status
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DJ Sway ‘saved’ the YAMAs
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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Chef Gustos walk of shame
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.