10 Nov 2022

Creatives have been challenged to provide content for the recently launched local television channels.

Deputy Permanent Secretary responsible for departments of Information and Broadcasting Services, Oshinka Tsiang made the call in Francistown on Tuesday during a workshop for artists as part of the ongoing Department of Broadcasting Services (DBS) and Bigdawg Production roadshow.

Tsiang said the roadshow and the local channels held amazing potential and opportunities if used as intended.

He advised the artists to aim for both local and international recognition, stressing that with the country’s small population, thinking beyond local production was the only way to get the industry to grow.

He said it was easy for a movie production in Brazil to make a huge amount of money locally because their population and economy allowed for reaching high ratings or views.

Tsiang said the strategic focus should be to change the game and take advantage of platforms that enable content to reach other countries as well as to create good quality productions that were internationally recognised.

The workshop’s main objective, he said was to assure artists that they were fully supported in becoming the yet to be discovered and needed power base, urging them to recognise their own potential and keep in mind that their content could be a foreign investment earner for the country.

He urged artists to always keep a positive attitude towards the creative space and realise that what they did was not just for quick money, but for self-actualisation.

“Learn how to package yourself so that you can exhibit your God given talent in a way that makes it very enjoyable for the general public,” Tsiang added.

Meanwhile, Thato Sikwane (DJ Fresh) reminded the creatives to always leave a mark and bring positive impact.

He said for upcoming artists, the only way to get the needed consideration/recognition was to deliver what the audience desires and appreciates.

He urged artists to develop a work ethic that accommodated networking and collaboration, saying supporting each other was a sure fire way to grow the entire industry.

“Make a habit of always showing up and performing to the best of your ability, notwithstanding the size of the audience,” he advised.

DJ Fresh urged artists to consistently work on perfecting their craft, saying putting in more time and hard work could  lead to assured gains.  ENDS