04 Jul 2018

Recognised as the most hardworking and down to earth artiste amongst his peers and in the industry as a whole, Odirile Sento AKA Vee Mampeezy continues to soar to greater heights.

The release of his new album and a renewal of his working relationship with Orange Botswana that is set to go on for the next 24 months, Vee continues to redefine his artistry and transcend from being a performer to a businessman, who has not only been exemplary in the way he carries himself, but also to growing his brand.

With his latest offering titled Ha Se Ya Bana, the album is accompanied by four singles.During Vee’s album launch and contract signing in Gaborone recently, Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs, Dorcas Makgato said what Vee had achieved deserved to be celebrated.

“Whenever Vee calls me itse hela gore machesa a tswa mo ntung, gore le nna ke tshware brand because anything can happen with this one.

I am very proud to be standing here in front of you to celebrate this young man. It makes me proud because I first saw him when he was tiny and to see him grow into the man he is now, where he commands industry and commands in the corporate world and he can represent and be a brand ambassador of a big brand like Orange makes me very proud,” she said.

Makgato said Vee was not only a brand ambassador for Orange Botswana, but for the entire industry.

“It is saying to other corporates you can invest in a musician. If we want a brand ambassador who can be a representation of an image, a representation of who they are, and you choose a musician who has a following then you are right on the money,” she said.

She said Vee was the type of artiste who always readily available to deliver.

“His yes is a yes and his no is a no. If he says he will be there he will be there and we should not be saying why Vee is getting all the contracts, because he is a hard worker. He deserves everything he has achieved so far because he delivers. I am saying to others that Vee is a true representation of where they ought to be in terms of our performing arts,” she said.

Makgato said there was money to be made in the performing arts and it must be separated from alcohol.

“In terms of branding, alcohol has affected the industry negatively. I do not mind going with my kids to a musical event without alcohol and just enjoy the talent we have.

Drinking alcohol is not a problem, but history has taught us that where alcohol is involved, people get entangled with other things that are not relevant to their art and art is art. I will be supporting you, Minister Thapelo Olopeng and other stakeholders in our endeavour to promote and have people benefitting from their talent,” she said.

For his part, Vee applauded Orange Botswana for supporting him since 2005. “Since that time, Orange Botswana has not only supported me but has supported Botswana music, sport and they have also hosted various events aimed at helping Batswana,” he said.

He noted that his album released in 2016 clinched the coveted Metro FM award, which was a first for a Motswana artiste. Leading up to the recording of his latest album, Vee said he was conflicted as to whether to continue his musical journey.

“My old fans wanted me to go back to the Taku-Taku sound. My congregation wanted me to leave that old sound and just concentrate on making music for the church and preaching but I managed to find a balance for both because that is who Vee is,” he said.

Signed under Universal Music Group, Vee said it was not easy to get the go ahead to record and release an entire album because the company was home to many talented artistes.

“So for us to even be here sharing with you my latest music is an achievement and I am also very proud of the people I have worked with among them, Dj Maphorisa, Busisiwa just to mention a few,” he said. On his relationship with Orange Botswana, Vee said the company continued to support and empower local talent.

“Not only have I signed a contract to continue being a brand ambassador for Orange Botswana for the next 24 months, Orange Botswana and I are also launching the Orange Halona Smartphone,” said Vee.

The Orange Halona Smartphone is an affordable, 3G capable mobile device that boasts a 3.5 inch LCD screen and 2 megapixel camera.

As the face of Orange Halona, Vee encouraged the use of smartphones in today’s smart economy. “Orange Botswana has always made me feel like a part of the family, and now, as we cement our second consecutive year of me as their brand ambassador, we also grow what we as two great Botswana brands can do together. This is an incredible night; extended partnership, new album and the launch of the Halona. This is what matters most to me; working together and partnering for growth of local talent for Batswana,” he said. ENDS