Vees new video Africa an erroneous representation
WeekendLife
From his new studio recording album titled Supernatural vol. 3 Vee Mampeezy is yet again bringing his magic to live, he also celebrates his twelve years in music. However his new video ‘Africa’ the first single from this album which was recently shot in South Africa is a misguided representation of a patriotic artist, he goes all out to hype the South African tourists destinations from the Nelson Mandela Bridge to the Vilakazi Street in Orlando East, Soweto.
When the much acclaimed ‘Africa’ video was launched this past Wednesday night at Massa Centre, my expectation was to see a top of the notch high quality masterpiece, indeed, he did not disappoint. He undoubtedly hired a very experienced production team which was directed by one of the highly respected top producers with experience of working with mainstream artists.
While addressing the crowd who had gathered to see the video for the first time and give him support, Vee revealed that it was now a chance for him to invade Africa with his unique genre of House- Kwasa that is rooted here in Botswana with its unique dance. All the while, I was waiting to see the video and eager to see how Africa was represented in it, I am certain many were expecting to see the same, including his native land, where the music comes from.
What a disappointment when I learnt that he chose to hire a producer from South Africa and hire dancers from South Africa for the video. Along with a South African production crew, he went on to film the famous Nelson Mandela Bridge, the statue of Nelson Mandela which is located at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton, the Nelson Mandela Family Restaurant in Soweto, the famous towers located in Soweto as well as the Vilakazi Street to mention just a few.
Well, according to me, this much celebrated artist who had the opportunity to entertain the industry for past twelve years is not looking forward to invading Africa but South Africa, and this track could have been as well titled ‘South Africa’ instead.
While we acknowledge that our country is lagging behind in terms of expertise and experience as a country, with with our entertainment industry still in its infancy, but this is the same perception that has over the years made the South Africans belittle us. Vee is a very big artist and to me he should have seen this coming.
Other spectators argue that he is not the first one to shoot a video in South Africa as other artists like Zeus has done it in the past. My bone of contention in this matter is that the latter has gone all out to put South Africa on the map as compared to that Champagne music video of Zeus which was only shot inside a club in an undisclosed location.
Sometime last month one of the biggest US Artists Tailor Swift was accused of secretly entering the country to shoot her video and never credited our beautiful land. This shows that there are people who know the worth of our land, despite their failure to acknowledge it, Vee as a Motswana should have at least brought his high profile production team here in Botswana to promote our culture or atleast went all out to shoot the whole of Africa if indeed he wanted this video to appeal to the whole continent. He says the video was sponsored by his all time partners Orange Botswana as well as Brand Botswana.
Yours truly is still trying to figure out why Brand Botswana went all out to brand South Africa. That notwithstanding, the video was of great quality (clearly lots of money was spent, or it seems) I applaud that, Batswana should too., and we all rally behind you, still.
WeekendLife
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.
WeekendLife
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.
WeekendLife
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.