04 Oct 2020

Phillip Mhlanga has  launched a recording and filming studio to cater for under privileged and upcoming artists and creatives.

Speaking during the official launch of the studio and single Rapula, Mhlanga said the project was aimed at community building and job creation for the youth, as they had potential and ability in the creative industry.

He urged Mantsie youth to use the opportunity to record and film their works to better their lives because the studio was built to empower them.

“In most instances youth in the music industry are hindered by monetary problems from recording their works … and this studio will answer all,” he said.

He said he had recorded two underprivileged artists one from Mantsie and one from Tlokweng as well as a few established artists during the lockdown.

Mhlanga said they would also go around the country to scout and unearth youth talent in rural areas, adding that the youth in rural areas have talent that needed to be nurtured, just like the ones in urban areas.

He urged other companies and studios in Botswana to engage youth in production, to empower them as they had fresh ideas.

“The studio has a film category designed with green wall and HD cameras, which will help youth in the creative industry, … with their video needs,” he said. 

He said through Mosu Mantsie Studio 585 they shot a documentary called Lentswe La Baratani in Otse, which competed in the Zimbabwe film festival in 2012 and did well.

During the studio launch, he also launched Rapula, which he wrote in 2012, after heavy rainfall.

He said he recorded the song this year, in his own studio and it was produced and recorded by the youth he had partnered with, adding that this had shown him that Botswana youth have talent.

Mhlanga said the single would be out mid-October, as it was  currently awaiting re-branding. 

Mhlanga joined the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) in 1988, where his passion for the creative industry and music blossomed.

The Jazz artist has full live bands, drums and pianos, all played and performed by youth.  Ends