Terry Pheto gets BIFA nomination
WeekendLife
South African actress, Terry Pheto has this week been nominated for British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) for her role in the United Kingdom, an incredible true story behind the love story that inspired the world.
The film stars, David Oyelowo, plays yet another notable real-life human being in Seretse Khama, Botswana’s first president from 1966-80, with Rosamund Pike co-starring, playing Ruth Williams, the young white woman who would eventually become his wife, and the inaugural First Lady of Botswana.
According to Naw Magazine, this is a truth universally acknowledged that a man in anticipation of a kingdom must be in want of a future queen, even though it complicates matters when his queen in waiting of choice does not cut the mustard with the colonial powers that be, which is the curious case of Seretse Khama (David Oyelowo), Prince of Bechuanaland (later to become first President of Botswana) and girlfriend, London office clerk, Ruth Williams (Rosemund Pike), brought to the big screen by Amma Asante.
While the two leads shine, the focus is not only on them. While the villains are no more that stock figures, secondary characters are sensitively brought to life with attention to detail, as more than just foils to the leads. Having said that though, one cannot help but suspect that the final acts of acceptance, both on the part of Seretse’s uncle, Tshekedi, on his nephew’s decisions and on the part of his sister, Naledi (Terry Pheto), on Ruth, are perhaps a little to neatly tied up in true Hollywood style.
Moitheri Terry Pheto, born 11 May 1981, is a South African actress best known for her leading role as Miriam in the 2005 Oscar-winning feature film, Tsotsi. This week messages of congratulations have poured in for Terry after the actress was nominated for a prestigious British Independent Film Award.
Terry has been nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category for her portrayal of Naledi Khama in the film, A United Kingdom. She is quoted in one of the newspapers saying "Words fail me. (I'm) so honored to be nominated alongside the most incredible talent in the world. Thank you (Director) Amma Asante for believing in me and making this one of the most memorable journeys of my career.”
The nomination has been celebrated by Terry's fans and friends, including Nomzamo Mbatha, and by the Minister of Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa. United Kingdom is a film about Seretse Khama, a brilliant young African law student, who met Ruth Williams, a young white woman from a modest English working family, at a dance in London in 1947.
It was love at first sight. He proposed to her a few weeks later, and she immediately agreed. But Ruth’s father disapproved of the bi-racial match, and threatened to throw her out of the house. Seretse faced even sterner obstacles; he was being groomed to become king of the Bangwato nation in his native Bechuanaland. And bringing home a white wife who would become his queen flew in the face of his people’s traditions. Opposition to the proposed marriage spread fast.
The UK government was concerned it would set a precedent for racial equality that might weaken the British Empire. African nations under white minority rule (notably South Africa) were furious at the prospect. The couple found themselves at the centre of an international controversy, with top-level arguments about their relationship raging on two continents. But despite all the obstacles they faced, their determination to be with each other won through.
Their inspiring, triumphant true story triggered a chain of events that defied racist, intolerant attitudes, helped transform the political landscape of a large part of Africa – and proved to the world the power of their love.
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Creatives taking over 2023
Creativity is seen everywhere and these individuals did something recently that’s never been done before, and some are still killing it. We see creativity on streaming platforms, stages, runways, social media and boardrooms even. Some of them are revamping their businesses, and lately, clothing sale is thriving.
They love concept-driven designs, storytelling and they bring fresh ideas and new perspectives that will leave footprints in the sand. Post the COVID-19 pandemic, these creative minds utilized the drawing board and they became cognizant that monetizing content will actually take them far, which is frank nonetheless.
This is commendable though, but the creative industry will still need support from government in order for it to flourish further. Allocation of resources (funds, facilities and empowerment) should be done consistently, creativity must be raised and at the end of the day, the economy benefits from that kind of investment.
HAN C
Ever since he parted ways with his former manager, DJ Bougee Sid, Mahalapye born-pint sized, multi-award-winning artist, Hanceford Magapatona has been taking up space, unapologetically so. Han C has shown a strong will to take over the entire world, and he is in the right direction. He’s solely organizing the annual Mahalapye Spring Festival, which is taking place next weekend.
The Pepetetsa hitmaker raked some monies from his savings to put together this event. Mahalapye Spring Festival will feature Paige, Ubuntu Band, Khoisan, Amantle Brown and Double Up among others. Even though it didn’t come as a surprise, Han C was nominated at African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) in the US, under Best Male Southern Africa category.
However, the award was snatched by the late South African rapper, AKA. Its not all lost as Han C secured two nominations at the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs): People’s Choice of the Year and Best Male Single.
KOKETSO MOTSWAGOLE
This entrepreneur has turned his dreams into reality, and his promising apparel business is now a fashion destination. Matter of fact, Motswagole weathered the storms to be where he is now because through criticism and social media bullying, he still leads the pack in fashion.
His social media accounts got deleted but through his online store, KM Sales, Motswagole is able to rake in some profits. He initially started selling from his car but now owns a busy store and has employed a number of young people.
KM Sales has been offering fashionable items (shoes, t-shirts, pants) and has been participating in various lifestyle events such as Garden of Drip where it showcases its products.
If there is one young entrepreneur to draw motivation from is Koketso. The business started from humble beginnings, at the time when he worked part time at Ipelegeng as a casual labor. Indeed, good things come to those who wait, or well, work like a slave today, live like a king tomorrow.
KAGISO LUDO DE KLERK
Vee Mampeezy’s ex-wife Kagiso De Klerk clearly did not sit and weep over their dramatic divorce. The famous social media influencer hurriedly picked up the pieces and went hard on promoting business online. She literally took social media influencing to the head and it is working for her.
This year saw her partnership with Shell reach greater heights, and obviously, she is raking lot of pulas from the deal. Kagiso has been making frequent appearances in top events in South Africa such as Bubbles in Spring and Gold and Diamond Experience.
GAONA DINTWE
After a long break from the limelight, renowned media and radio personality, Gaona Dintwe is back. She was missed by many on TV, and she’s back where she belongs, news anchoring on BTV. Gaona has also found a niche in podcasting. She is a host of her own podcast, Gaona Live Conversation, where various people share their stories on camera.
Some of what they discuss is Gender Based Violence (GBV), polygamy and drug addiction. This is highly commendable because even BTV doesn’t have programs that discuss these crucial social issues. The Lentswelemoruti native is also seen in various corporate events where she is engaged as a host.
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DITIRO LEERO ONE MAN SHOW ON THE PIPELINE
Now that one-man shows are made fashionable, traditional dance guru and ex-convict, Ditiro Leero is joining the crusade and he will be hosting his also. The show will be held next month at Zone 4 Farm in Selokolela, but the there are traditional dance music artists who have been lined up to perform at the show. Matshana, Morwa Leka and Maswailathota will be doing their thing and probably bring some heat too. Ditiro Leero will be making history as the first traditional artist to host a one-man show in Botswana.
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MISS BOTSWANA HAVING MANY IRONS IN THE FIRE
With only two months before Miss World 2023, the reigning Miss Botswana, Lesego Chombo is having many irons in the fire, preparing for the much-anticipated beauty pageant. Miss World 2023 will be the 71st edition of Miss World pageant and it will be held in India. Chombo has been spotted toning her body at Jack’s gym, a requirement that is taken seriously at the pageant. She has also been participating in charity events, something that should add to her profile at the Miss World.