Butterfly Rainbow Awards celebrate talent
WeekendLife
For the very first time in history in Botswana, members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) community will be celebrated and appreciated for their active activism in promoting the movement.
This will be done through a new platform dubbed Butterfly Awards, schedule to take place in Gaborone on December 2nd 2022. Over the years, the gay movement evolved into a political and cultural force thats fought for equality for all people through family-centered picnics, marches and prides.
Butterfly Rainbow Awards are said to be representing a new dawn, the beauty after the storm that was the decriminalization of same sex in Botswana.
In November 2021, members of the LGBTQ+ and allies left the Courtyard gratified at the decision by the Court of Appeal to uphold a ruling that decriminalized same sex relationships. The government had appealed a 2019 ruling that criminalizing homosexuality was unconstitutional.
The bench of five judges unanimously ruled that criminalizing same sex-relationships was a violation of the constitutional rights of LGBTQ+ individuals to dignity, liberty, privacy and equality.
When addressing members of the media this week in Gaborone, Butterfly Rainbow Awards Director Karabo Mokgware said the purpose of the awards is to liberate, honor and celebrate people of the diverse community that have made not just decriminalization a reality but continue to promote and defend the LGBTQ+ community.
We anticipate that the awards will acknowledge the achievements of our brilliant members of the LGBTQ+ community who have made both the movement, the society and the country proud. The awards will also recognize the talents who have made an immense contribution to our movement and the society in general.
Mokgware stressed that these members of the rainbow exhibit such qualities that will not only helm them in achieving their goals, but also bring glory of success to their movement. We have gathered here not just to share our triumph and aim towards liberating our communities, but also to give due regard to our values and morals which have exemplified our discipline, compassion and zeal for freedom
When emphasizing on the role awards play on members of the LGBTQ+, Mokgware indicated that they encourage good behavior and inculcate the spirit of inclusion and encouragement.
This is why Butterfly Rainbow Awards saw it fit to partner with Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana (LEGABIBO) as our mother organization that has not only impacted many of our communities, but has also encouraged many of our individuals to be themselves.
The Butterfly Rainbow Awards will be divided into eleven categories, which include five honorary awards to members of the LGBTQ+ who are seasoned LGBTQ+ community members for their influence, impact, achievements and continued advocacy for the LGBTQ community in Botswana. Some of these recipients will be identified from sport, arts, business, media and community development.
The awards are not about celebrating those who have done exceptionally well in their right, but also to honor those who excelled in strengthening the movement. We strive to recognize that extra effort of our communities and motivate them to shine in their respective fields, Mokgware said.
Other categories lined up are: social media personality, community champion, hunk of the year, sport person of the year and social butterfly of the year. Mokgware told WeekendLife that the nominees will have to apply and submit a traceable record of their work, and finalists will be selected by the public, a panel of judges and those engaged to make final adjudication.
When keeping the media updated about selection criteria, he said they are going to be taking applications with outstanding work that has been done since 2019 to date. This is mainly because the two years of COVID-19, there was actually no chance to celebrate the work done by the LGBTQ+ members and allies due to restrictions put in place to curb the contagious contagion.
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.