07 Sep 2022

Success does not always come easy and it becomes even more difficult to stay on track if one does not get recognition, especially for those in the creative industry.

Mophato Dance Theatre members and other local artists have something to smile about as their hard work and patience get recognition outside the country’s borders.

Months after Lone Motsomi of Mophato Dance Theatre bagged a gig in a Hollywood movie, The Woman King, one of the members Kalima Lima Mitapa has also been nominated alongside other  artists for the Zikomo Africa Awards scheduled for Ciela Resort in Lusaka, Zambia on October 15.

The Zikomo Awards, held annually in Zambia is an international award ceremony that acknowledges and celebrates individuals and organisations who contributed positively and are doing well in various sectors such as the arts and entrepreneurship. The awards also recognise humanitarians who are helping the needy in communities.

Lima, an artistic director and also a dancer with Mophato Dance Theatre has been nominated for two awards in the people’s choice awards, Zikomo Africa awards. He received two nominations for Best Professional Dancer/Dancing Group of the Year Africa and Best Choreographer of the Year.

“This is all 12 years of hard work in my dancing career. Hard work does pay,” said Lima who explained that the nomination was also a recognition to the creative industry and those he inspired.

Although in Botswana professional dancing is not much of a big deal, Lima said his nomination demonstrated that dance and all forms of creativity could help put bread on the table.

“We do not just stop here at home but we spread our wings out and showcase our talents to the world,” Lima said.

He said there were more opportunities to learn out there, adding that what was needed was for entertainers to embrace that. The 31-year-old drew inspiration from the legends such as Michael Jackson and Chris Brown at age 15 when he started dancing.

“When I started to dance, I was more of a hip hop dancer, but now am into contemporary and afro-fusion which is what I learnt professionally through Mophato Dance Theatre and South Africa-based Vuyani Dance Theatre,” he said.

He attributed dedication and discipline as some of the qualities that got him to where he was. “…Most people give up too early in the game, especially during training. You need to have the discipline and mindset which will help you to become a really great dancer,” he said.

Lima has featured in many dance productions as a choreographer and dancer both locally and abroad. He has been a part of the President’s Day Competitions and concerts, Bots50, Independence celebrations, Maitisong concerts, and many others. His highlight production, which was Mophato’s work was the Pula Ensemble which they performed on Broadway, New York, Germany and later in Botswana.

Other Botswana creatives nominated in the Zikomo Awards are RB2’s Khumo Kgwaadira for Best Dressed Media Personality of the Year Africa and Best Female Radio Personality of the Year Africa, Miss Louissa and Chantel who are in the same category with Lima for Best Professional Dancer/Dancing Group of the Year Africa. In Best Male Club DJ of the Year Africa, Botswana is represented by DJ Carter, while Kagiso Sento has been nominated for Best Social Media Personality of the Year Africa.

William Last KRM bagged nominations for Best Comedian of the Year East and Southern Africa, Best Content Creator of the Year Africa, Best Song Writer of the Year Africa and Best Music Video of the Year East and Southern Africa. Gonna Elvis is among the nominees for Best Photographer of the Year.

In the beauty category, Kakanyetso Gabatsholwe is Best Female Model of the Year Africa nominee while Natasha Proctor has been nominated for Best Makeup Artist of the Year Africa.

Samantha Mogwe has been nominated for Best Artist of the Year Southern Africa as well as for Best Afrocharts Artist of the Year Africa.

Ubuntu Band got two nominations for Best Music Duo/Band of the Year Africa and the big one for Best Song of the Year Africa for their Ngwanamsetsana hit.

To vote, the public can log on to www.zikomoawards.com. ENDS