07 Jan 2019

Ngamiland artists have formed an association dubbed North West Creative Association in order to protect arts and creative industry in the district.

The association, which  was formed after a recent meeting addressed by Botswana Music Union leadership, aimed at advocating for the interests of poets, basket weavers, music producers, promoters, beauty pageants, modelling, events managers and artists, amongst others.

It is expected to include other artists in the neighbouring areas such as Boteti and Chobe.

Maikgantsho Nyatsanang was elected chairperson of the association while business man, Reaboka Mbulawa volunteered to be its patron provided the elected committee, showed commitment in its mandate.

Speaking at the meeting, Kgosi Cosmos Lelatlhego, said there was need to have an association that could advocate for the interests of the artists in the region.

He said the district was rich in culture but it was unfortunate as its artists were not visible in the creative industry when compared to those in towns and cities.

He said artists should not be seen as beggars but they should be seen as givers. He also advised artists to benchmark from other districts who had already established associations adding that it was unfortunate that most artists from Gaborone went to Maun to stage big events while district artists were sidelined.

He called on Nhabe artists to have vision and organise festivals which could add spice to the tourism activities in the district.

Kgosi Lelatlhego said they were lucky to have Mbulawa as a patron, adding that he was a veteran in the music industry and urged them to work with him to make Maun an entertainment hub.

BOMU president, Pagson Ntsie, concurred that indeed Maun could be an entertainment hub if the artists organised themselves.

He admitted that the union had been neglecting Ngamiland artists because they were not well organised and urged them to introspect and work as a team.

Ntsie revealed that there was a lot of talent in Ngamiland noting that formation of an association was ideal to take the creative industry to greater heights.

He appreciated the idea to include Boteti and Chobe in the association noting that residents from the three districts had same culture, food and language and believed that they could produce unique products.

“These district are rich in culture and they have diverse dance, language, sound and if all artists could come together, they can benefit from their natural resources and penetrate the industry,” he added.

Ntsie said it was not late for them to organise themselves and assured them of support going forward. 

He also proposed annual festivals in the district adding that they should do more and stop big artists coming to Maun to make huge profits at their expense.

Ntsie also proposed North West creative awards where artists would be acknowledged for their contribution in the industry and their hard work.

Mbulawa pledged to sponsor the first festival billed for mid-year in Maun. He also urged the elected committee to show commitment and work hard to ensure all the planned activities become a success.

The committee members were also advised to be accountable and do things in a transparent manner. Ends