SO FAR SO GOOD: Artists taking over 2022
The COVID-19 contagion aggressively invaded the country sometime early in 2020, leading to the creative industry choking, miserably so. The music subdivision felt the pinch too, with entertainers and those equally essential in the sector taking to the streets, protesting for some kind of comfort. Government and other parties did all they could to save the ailing industry, but for two consecutive years, musicians were hardly coping.
Fast forward to 2022, musicians are racking up the most streams and gaining the most new fans across the country, some even in the neighboring realms. Perhaps it is safe to say musicians are back on their feet, after all, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Even though some of these musicians have been replaced with newcomers, quite familiar names are continuing their reign at the top of the charts. For real, despite the COVID-19 angst, they had to get their act together, a do-or-die kind of situation. Unfortunately, some have fallen off entirely.
Without any further ado, and taking into account the artists overall reach with listeners in terms of listens, views and consumption, and how many followers the artist has in their fan base across social media platforms, these are some of the top artists to follow in 2022:
WILLIAM LAST KRM
Comedian-turned-musician Bofelo Molebatsi really is a big thing right now in the entertainment industry as a whole. Its not rocket science that William Last KRM is the number one jester, rhymer, entertainer and social media sensation. His numbers on social media has snowballed even. William Last KRM has 3.4 million followers on Facebook alone, making him the most followed creative in Botswana.
He has a whopping 6.2 million followers on Tiktok, putting him at number one also on the platform. He also has a significant following on Instagram, with exactly one million followers. It is only on Twitter that he has over 90 thousand followers. Of course these numbers are good for endorsements and online marketing (also called social media influencing). He is the brand influencer for a number of companies, including Yellow Mobiles, Legends Barbershop and London Royal SA.
Not only is he the most prevalent creative on social media, William Last KRMs relationship with popular music producer Director Mo is bearing fruits. The duo is turning heads and making waves in South Africa, as much as music is concerned. In a recent radio interview with Kaya FM, William Last KRM revealed why he moved to South Africa.
It is a big market here. I mean in Botswana, the population is between 2 million and 2.5 million, so compared to Botswana and here, the market is really fat (figuratively). I come from Botswana yes, but I get more love from here (South Africa) so why not? They love me here, they say we thought you are from here, so this is my second home.
CHARMA GAL
With the biggest Congolese artist she is hosting in October, the legendary Rhumba musician, Koffi Olomide, it is really hard to ignore Jabu hitmaker Charma Gal. The name of the show is Kgosi ya Mosadi in Concert with Koffi Olomide. Charma Gal is also at the top of the ladder in terms of gigs secured so far this year.
She is scheduled to turn it up at the Pabloz Executive Lounge and Tonota Look Back Hub this weekend, activating the much anticipated Concert. Prior to that, Charma Gal will be walking for charity in Orapa, at the Orapa GMs Annual Charity Walk.
Charma Gal collaborated in a song with a fast-rising South African singer and songwriter, Rockzie. In an interview with WeekendLife, Rockzie said she holds in high regard Charma Gal as a mentor in the music industry, saying that she was inspired by her devotion to empowering many through music. Rockzie is a 16-year-old Limpopo born, turning the musical table with her viral new song titled Inkanyezi.
HAN C
After he announced that he is parting ways with is long time manager, DJ Boogie Sid, Han C has been independent since. But so far, everything has been so good for the Mogolokwane hit maker. The pint-sized Mahalapye born musician is keeping eyes on the ball, securing performance gigs, literally every week. He is also scoring partnerships, having worked with a number of organizations and recording theme songs for their special projects.
Han C signed a deal with Youth Impact in which he worked on a socially conscious song dubbed Stand Up. This is a song that brings hope and inspires the girl child to take up space and bring in change in their respective communities.
In June 2022, Han C was the most played artist in the country, according to statistics by COSBOTS. Last month, he dropped to number six. The youthful music star is also working on a studio album, having recently rubbed shoulders with the management of the biggest music company, Sony Pictures Entertainment in Johannesburg.
He revealed in an interview that the company was keen in working with him in a number of projects. Sony Pictures Entertainment is an American diversified multinational mass media and entertainment studio conglomeratethat produces, acquires, and distributes filmed entertainment (theatrical motion pictures, television programs, and recorded videos) through multiple platforms.
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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.
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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.