The Master, Comedy Dr to share stage
Phenyo “The Master’ Phaladi, arguably Botswana’s hottest comedic assert has yet another interesting stage appearance to make, this time with South Africa’s Riad Moosa on November 27 at the Gaborone International Conference Centre.
Since his arrival in the comedy scene, Phaladi has impressed crowds near and far with his witty lines and has been in more line-ups locally and abroad than most local acts. Major Moves Events Coordinator, Gaolathe Kediemetse, even confirmed that prior to his show with Moosa, Phaladi will be busy delivering his punch lines in Zimbabwe and Mafikeng.
“The master will be travelling to Bulawayo on the 25th November to headline a show with Clive chigubu before opening for Thapelo ‘Tips Shampoo’ Seemise at Mmabatho Convention Centre on Saturday November 26th. He will close off the weekend with Riaad at GICC,” Kediemetse said.
Just last month in September, the comedian performed at the Savannah Comic’s Choice Awards in South Africa. Phaladi’s 6 year journey in local comedy has earned him a good name in the industry, perhaps even stardom. He has made a mark in the Botswana comedy industry ever since taking part in President’s Day competitions and was spotted by Major Moves Comedy who has since taken him under their wings.
He is among the country’s fearlessly funny comics working today; raging on the absurd, ridiculous, political and just day-to-day life activities. His greatest achievement as yet could be his one man DVD show he shot earlier this year.
The 33 year old Molepolole born comedian has impressed crowds while sharing the stage with comedy greats such as Chester Missing, Tol A$$ Mo and Mpho Popps of MiWay TV ads. He has headlined most of Major Moves Comedy shows as well as toured the country and the region extensively, delivering his clean yet captivating material.
Organisers of the show have hinted that ‘The Master’ was roped in particularly because he is currently making waves locally and regionally.
Meanwhile, the award winning Moosa will also be sharing the stage with Simmi Areff. The pair has done more than 50 shows together and Areff has grown to be known as ‘Riaad’s best friend.’ City Press has rated Areff among top and upcoming comedians in South Africa.
Areff has also shared the stage with popular South African comedians like Trevor Noah, Eugene Khoza, Chester Missing, Conrad Koch, Marc Lottering, Trevor Gumbi, Loyiso Gola and Kagiso Lediga, to name a few. Moosa, popularly known as ‘Dr Comedy’ began his career as a comedy magician and moved on to pure stand-up comedy. He is a qualified medical doctor but is more acclaimed for his comedy. His humour exploits identity politics to the full.
He belongs to a wildly popular generation of comedians who, far from tiptoeing around South Africa's fraught racial politics, dive in headfirst to defuse the hatred with humour.
Currently, he produces the world’s first funny medical educational show #DOC on etv, in which he utilises humour to communicate important and practical health promotional information.
He has starred as Ahmed Kathrada in Anant Singh’s epic Oscar and Golden Globe nominated movie ‘Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom.’
Moosa originally flexed his comedic and acting muscles when he played the lead in the internationally acclaimed movie ‘Material’ (co-written), which continues to inspire audiences all over South Africa and film festival audiences all over the world.
He won the SAFTA (South African Film and Television Award) for Best Actor for his role in ‘Material’, which also received SAFTA’s for Best Film, Best Director and Best Supporting Actor in 2013.
The last time Moosa held an African tour, which he dubbed ‘Doctor’s Orders’ was in 2013 during which he performed to over 35,000 people all over South Africa and Africa. It has been termed the biggest tour of his career.
He confirmed his performance earlier this week on Monday through his Facebook page.
The show will start at 1600 hrs and tickets are available from P350 per person through Computicket and Shoprite Stores, OK furnitures, House and Home and Checkers stores throughout the country.
WeekendLife
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.
WeekendLife
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.
WeekendLife
Women in Science: Breaking Glass Ceilings

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.