28 Mar 2019

One of the living legends in the music industry Mosupi ‘Tops’ Masole on March  25 announced his retirement from showbiz world.

Speakers praised the legendary music promoter at  an event held to honour and bid farewell to the legendary music promoter, they praised him for his 39-year contribution and the role he played in growing creative arts in Botswana. 

Bra Tops, as he is affectionately called was described as a father figure, friend, colleague and mentor to the many in the industry.

In his farewell note, Assistant Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Dikgang Makgalemele said Bra Tops lived a rich life as a creative genius and commended him for the role he played in the creative sector. 

Makgalemele indicated that the arts has opportunities as well as challenges alike. 

However, he said as leadership they appreciated the work done by the promoters and artistes saying it was a lot of work.

In addition, Makgalemele said government acknowledged the need for establishment of a National Arts Council, for the development of the creative arts in the country. 

He also said they were also open for consultancy on issues of creative sector, which were of the development to the country saying that creative sector need sponsorship to thrive. 

Further, he said there was need for a law that would facilitate and regulate the private sector with regard to sponsorship for the creative sector.

Botswana Entertainment Promoters Association (BEPA), secretary general, Mogomotsi Gaolape expressed concern at the collapse of the entertainment industry. He said artistes were not getting what was due to them adding that affected the industry. 

Gaolape stated that Copy Rights Society Botswana (COSBOTS) was not living to its mandate especially when it comes to paying artistes royalties accordingly. 

He therefore appealed to the minister to intervene on the issue.

BEPA president Zen Hirschfield  said the National Arts Counci would advocate  for the arts prosperity. 

She also urged Batswana and the media industry to honour and believe in their own while they were  still alive.

Bra Tops thanked all who contributed to the farewell ceremony. A former soldier, Bra Tops said he would be retiring to farming. ENDS