29 Aug 2021

Local vocalist Tebogo Gaetsewe alias Debbie with a T’s appearance in The Lion King animated musical drama is viewed as an motivation to other young people in the arts industry.

Debbie with a T auditioned for the role at Cape Town in 2019 though she got a call confirming her selection into the cast for the world known drama early this year.

The Shoshon-born minstrel will serenade in the French version of The Lion King ensemble billed for France. The 32-year-old Dramatic Arts graduate will also be an understudy for the role of Rafiki.

Prior to her departure to the Eiffel Tower homeland on Thursday, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development Tumiso Rakgare said for Debbie with a T to had secured the role set a good example to other young people who were in the creative industry.   

He hailed her for having auditioned for the part and said it showed that young people were discovering opportunities on their own,  a way of helping government to grow the arts.

Rakgare said Debbie with a T’s singing career would be engraved overseas and being a young Motswana would introduce Botswana to the rest of the world.

“You must remember that you are going to be our ambassador, and I am confident that you will make us proud,” he said.

Rakgare said local actors were already flying Botswana’s flag high in South Africa. Recently local actress, Angel Atlang joined Sharon Seno and Maxwell Dichi, who have been part of Muvhango cast since 2019.

He also said in the quest for government to show support to the arts industry, they recently appointed the National Arts Council of Botswana Board.

The minister said among the members appointed was actress Lerato Motshwarakgole, who featured in South Africa’s soapie Generations.

In an interview, Debbie with a T said she was excited to be part of The Lion King ensemble.

“The role has been a blessing to me, though I am a bit nervous that I will be singing in French.”

She revealed that she had always loved arts, hence after finishing high school she enrolled for the degree in Dramatic Arts at Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria.

Debbie with a T also said she was excited to be representing Botswana in France and would make the country proud. ENDS