Serowe to Host food Festival
WeekendLife
Local culinary arts fanatics will put their cooking, food presentation and serving as well as food preparation skills on displace on 28 November 2015 at the Serowe Food Festival.
The much anticipated food festival will be officially launched in Serowe on Saturday 28th November 2015, with the aim of delivering a superlative food festival that not only nurtures business activity but also showcases the diversity of Botswana’s cultural foods as well as that of other nations hosted by Botswana.
The first annual Serowe Food Festival scheduled to take place at the Serowe Stadium, was sparked by a need to see business activity in Serowe and the central district strive. Speaking in an interview with Vincent Monnawakgan g, a culinary consultant for Fyne Productions Company which is putting together the event with the support of the Serowe District Administration, he said the festival would help Serowe and the surrounding area’s social, cultural and economic growth “most events and activities are concentrated in large towns and cities, with this event we saw the need to promote activities outside cities, the festival is answering that call and will celebrate the differences that we have as a people and the similarities that we embody as human beings of the global village” he said.
He said the food festival will have an assortment of traditional, contemporary and foreign cuisine available for sale to the attendees “We will also provide a stage for SMEs in the food and catering industry to showcase their products. As well as a business workshops planned to be held prior to the Food Festival with exhibitors. These workshops intend to enlighten the SMEs on issues of marketing and exhibiting” He revealed.
He said food, meat and drinks of all types will be available. “This aspect of the Serowe Food Festival will give the attendants a memorable taste experience. Participating embassies will bring a global element to the Food Festival that may grow interest in tourists from all over the world. Decorative foods will also be on display for those in the food and catering businesses. Our goal is to bring Botswana communities together to appreciate and support budding businesses through the sharing of food, drink and delight in music. This mission will be achieved by nurturing innovation, entrepreneurship, accessibility to markets, diversity and cultural wealth. With Botswana’s latest ranking of the second African country on Entrepreneurship, we find that Serowe Food Festival is the platform needed to promote the local entrepreneur especially those in the field of tourism” he said.
Performing artists and DJs, will also have an opportunity to entertain guests at the event “we also seek to promote local artists through giving them the opportunity to perform throughout the day. Our plan is for them to have the exposure to share the stage with international artist and established Botswana artists. Serowe Food festival will be staged in a safe and culturally stimulating environment, inspiring Batswana” he said.
He said a selection of Serowe based artists will be performing at the event, noting that the festival will enhance Serowe and central districts cultural activities and encourage touristic related activities “we hope to provide a platform for small business owners and exposure to the wider Botswana market so as to engage and celebrate Botswana diverse cultures and foods and provide exposure to foreign cuisine to communities that would not ordinarily have access as well as to provide family entertainment in Serowe” he said.
He said traditional cuisine of all cultures that exist in Botswana will be available for purchase from the different exhibitors as well as traditional cuisine from other foreign national that are present in Botswana which will be exhibited through participating embassies and high commissions.
“We hope to have tswii from Maun, we are currently looking for an entrepreneur in the food business who can offer tswii at the Festival” He said the festival will offer a farmers' category as well as a kiddies category for those in the children's cooking industry, he said toys and kiddies entertainment will be made available. He said stalls and currently being sold and reserved at the festival under the following categories foods, agriculture, services, kiddies, entertainment and beverages.
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DJ Sway ‘saved’ the YAMAs
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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
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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!
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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.