27 Oct 2020

Members of the creative industry in Ngamiland have welcomed the BoFiNet Internet Protocol Television Service (IPTV) that was launched by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi over the weekend.

The live streaming service branded UPIC TV is a unique and complex video on demand platform aimed at transforming the country’s creative industry, facilitating job creation and commercialisation of the arts among others.

Speaking in an interview, member of the Okavango Artists Association (OAA), Thato Molosi said IPTV was an important platform for growth of the creative industry in Botswana.

He said it was now upon artists to work hard and take advantage of the platform and reach a wider audience.  

“With the advent of IPTV, I would also like to encourage artists to work hard and produce quality work that will be appreciated in other parts of the world,” he said.

He also noted that Ngamiland had a rich culture, hence abundant content, adding that IPTV was ideal for putting the region on the map through the creative industry.

Atang Arnold, public relations officer at OAA also embraced the initiative, noting that it was long overdue. She said IPTV would expose the country’s arts and culture to international markets and encouraged artists to put more efforts for quality products.

“The world needs to experience the raw talent that Batswana have. The youth should also ready themselves and constantly produce, telling different stories about our country,” she said.

Back track artist based in Maun, Kopo Sakuze said IPTV was a welcome development that would ease marketing of products.

He said marketing through social media was more effective, hence commended BoFiNet for the IPTV initiative.

Sakuze also noted that IPTV would be an added advantage for upcoming artists to gain popularity without struggle. Ends