18 Jul 2019

Makepe Animation is a Setswana cartoon production done by Motswana for Batswana.

The viewer-friendly animation is a one season 13 episode production.

It is produced in the vernacular, using Setswana of the olden days.

The brains behind the animation is none other than Serowe-born Oageng Lemogang, commonly known as ‘Logic.’

Lemogang, who has found leisure in animation, videography and sound design has since his teen years had a passion for the arts, which prompted him to produce Makepe Animation.

He said he was looking at producing a different film from those already existing in the local market.

He said the animation was inspired by folk tales and the desire to revive the olden Setswana stories and rymes  for the benefit of the coming generations.

“Initially when I had this idea, my target audience was children, but now the youth and the elderly are thrilled to the core,” he said.

He said having a Bachelor’s degree in Media Studies also helped in the conception of his creations.

The production was launched last August and the reception has been positive, which has encouraged him to produce Season 2, which he is currently working on.

“In future, we are planning on producing different animations showcasing different aspects of life and other areas of interest to all Batswana,” Lemogang explained.

Actor Thapelo Nage, who is cast in the animation as ‘Makepe’ said he met Lemogang through Matimpole Arts Drama group, which started at Limkokwing University of Creative and Innovative Studies.

“I have the love for acting and as I was embarking on this journey, I met Lemogang when he was directing the drama group which I was a part of,” he said.

He said when Lemogang scripted the Makepe animation, he brought them on board to help him push the Mellow Deeds brand, the company which produces the animation.

He further said that nothing would excite him more than seeing their product being aired on national television.

“This animation is age and language friendly and therapeutic and you do not have to be hesitant to watch it with children,” he said.

The film was shot with the intention to sell it to Botswana Television but because of some delays that dream is yet to be realised.

However, Makepe had the fortune of being aired in Kenya.

It was also the first and only animation film to be shown in Philadelphia, USA, last year. The animation production is currently on sale. ENDS