The rise of Motlha
WeekendLife
Indisputably the superlative artist in the music industry in Botswana, Motlha Mompe anticipates to make a great comeback. Within a short time in his breakthrough into the industry, Motlha has shot to the very top of the local music industry.
It took the release of his hit single Mma Motse to win veneration from local and international music enthusiasts, a melody that kept both the young and the old on their feet at every occasion. He has enjoyed vast airplay on local and South African radio stations, notably on Motsweding FM in Mafikeng.
However, Motlha’s music has not been heard on radio waves for quite a long time due to some rough patches the young lad had to go through. The-24 year-old from Mmadinare announced not so long ago that he had parted ways with his record label Roc Lefatshe, owned by an award-winning producer and artist manager, Suffocate. This gloom drove him into depression.
He shared his experience with one local media house and said, “I have not been able to release any music. No album. It drove me crazy! My label drove me into depression and it was time I got myself out of it. It does not feel good as an artist to record music, go for photoshoots and have everything but then have your record label just not release your work. It is frustrating and stressful. They kept on postponing my music and did not really come out clear as to why, but other artists kept on pushing their work.”
Nevertheless, Motlha shared on his Facebook recently a single he worked on solely. ‘‘I am excited and proud to be releasing this debut single as my first Project as an independent artist. I have many hopes and plans for the future, and I really appreciate all the support and love I have been receiving from everyone ever since the start of my career,’’ he said.
In a more interesting notable quote, he said ‘‘I deeply give my sincere gratitude to God for this undeniably great talent. I choose to overlook all the obstacles and challenges in my past but rather embrace and learn from all of them. I intend to give out mostly the best out of Motlha as a brand and personally. Pha-pha is an exceptional song I wrote and recorded early last year.’’
It is clear that every Tom, Dick, and Harry in life at some point goes through hardships. It is never going to be easy to pass through all of those at the same time, and it will somehow take time to conquer all hurdles. Motlha went through that phase and interestingly enough, he acknowledges so.
Motlha has also shared on his Facebook page that he has been cooking something in the studio for his cronies. Keeping his fans with too much anticipation, he said the new jingle is dubbed ‘Sefolletse.’ A combination of Setswana idioms and pulsing lyrics, Motlha says that this song is on a mission to go through a phase of recovery of Tswana language.
‘‘Segarona se monate. Until MoArabia sing along to my lyrics mme ke rutha Setswana. And they come looking for me,’’ loosely translated ‘our native language is great. Until an Arabian sings along to my Setswana lyrics, I will continue doing Setswana language justice.’
The Mmadinare native shared on Wednesday that his single ‘Sefolletse’ will drop next week, precisely on Monday. Having noticed how Motlha has learnt to accept himself and dealt with his personal problems diligently, we hope he takes the industry by storm again.
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.
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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.