22 Dec 2021

The year 2021 was a tough one for the entertainment industry following the outbreak of COVID-19 which saw government put precautionary measures in place to curb the spread of the virus.  The measures, which included lock downs and curfew affected the entertainment industry the most.

Things returned to near nomalcy in September when most of the restrictions were eased.  The following are the industry’s highlights of the year. Music festivals

After a dry spell which lasted for 18 months, the industry re-opened with the People’s festival that was headlined by South Africa powerhouse Makhadzi. The festival was staged in Gaborone and Francistown. The Hakamatorokisi and Murahu hit maker did not disappoint. However some attendants at the Francistown edition sustained injuries following a commotion that some claim started after a security system guard sprayed some revellers with tear gas and revellers retaliated by throwing empty bottles to the stage. Notwithstanding the mishap, the festival was what many were looking forward to as they danced the night away to the music of Makhadzi and other local acts. 

The other event that was talk of the town was the Kwaito Legends Concert featuring Mdu Masilela and Alaska. Mdu affectionately known as Chomi ya Bana dished out his smash hits from the 1990s.

The much loved Sunday Ultimate Chill brought friends together after having been separated for a long time by COVID-19.  The event dubbed the new out-door entertainment gave the young and the old a chance to socialise in a relaxed atmosphere. 

One of the crowd pulling events Leteisi Attire on Fleek was a memorable experience for those who attended the event. Tashy’s Garden was the place to be as people honoured the theme donning traditional and modern attires. 

Francistown also held the African Attire on Fleek at Molapo Leisure Gardens to give people in the Northern side of the country a chance to have fun through music and beautiful African attire.

The GIMC Champagne Picnic, held on December 4, lived to its reputation as a top tier fashion, style and music high end event.

New release 

Some artists did not let the pandemic kill their vibe and creativity. Vee release a new music video titled Makoti Pitori featuring Makhadzi and DJ Call. The video had half a million views on Facebook months after it was released. Charma gal also collaborated with Nono Siile on a single track titled Basadi kwa Kgotleng.

One of the most versatile artists Maxy Khoisan released an album titled Makoti 10 cent for her birthday in November.  The celebrated singer’s album, which is a dance with hints of afro pop features five songs.

Composer, guitarist and Producer Sereetsi and the natives also released I AM AFRICA. The nine track album features some of the celebrated singers from Botswana.

Many upcoming artists also released albums, a sign that Botswana’s music industry was growing. South African based artist Mpho Sebina’s music video for her remake of the classic hit Too late for Mama by Brenda Fassie was received well both in the country and South Africa. A rising young star Dato Seiki released an Extended Play featuring Thato Jessica and Mpho Sebina. 

Departed artists

The industry suffered a heavy blow when some of influential artists died. Local female rapper Sarona Motlhagodi popularly known as Sasa Klaas passed on at the age of 27 after a tragic helicopter crash near Sojwe. She was laid to rest at Phomolong in Gaborone.

Hardly six months after her demise, the industry received another devastating news about the passing away of Thuto Ramphaleng aka Dramaboi. The talented Motswako rapper affectionately known as wa Makeisane died at Princess Marina Hospital after a short illness. He was buried at his home village at Mochudi.

Awards

Despite the challenges pandemic challenges, artists had a chance to celebrate their hard work and achievements through the Botswana Music Union (BOMU) annual awards and Yarona FM (YAMAs) awards.

Pageantry 

Palesa Molefe was crowned Miss Botswana 2021. Michelle Bagoleng emerged First Princess while Second Princess title went to Marang Makhoana. Molefe represented the country at Miss World competition where she emerged favourite of many on social media.

The Miss World finale has since been postponed to March 16,2022.

Ambrocia Samboko was crowned MRS Botswana 2021/2022 during the fifth edition of the pageant. MRS Botswana brand hosted the reigning queen pitso, which aims to accord all reigning queens an opportunity to embrace each other and work collectively on community building and empowerment projects.

A number of other pageantry including Miss Supermodel International, Mrs African World and Miss Global Botswana were launched.   

 Sakshi Bhargava became the first ever Miss Global Botswana in August and she is to compete in Bali, Indonesia next year..

Arts Council

The creative industry was thrilled with news of a National Arts Council. In August, the Minister of Youth Empowerment Sport and Culture Development Tumiso Rakgare appointed the National Arts Council Board to drive commercialisation of the arts in the country. The industry has been advocating for National Arts Council for more than 20 years. ENDS