01 Dec 2022

Proper structures and solutions to commercialise the creative sector will enable women in the creative space to get recognition.

It was on such backdrop that legendary music promoter, Zenzele Hirschfeld, called on government and other relevant authorities to put in place proper structures in the creative industry as well as a system that would govern the entertainment industry to commercialise it.

Hirschfeld made the call at the women in song workshop in Gaborone on Tuesday.

The workshop was part of the Botswana Music and Entertainment Week (BMEW) activities ahead of the Botswana Music Union (BOMU) awards scheduled for tomorrow.

“The creative industry in Botswana, which is at its infancy, is starting to show signs of progress as more women are taking space in the leading roles. Back in the days the local entertainment space was male dominated,” Hirschfeld said.

However, she said women were still faced with challenges in the industry saying ‘sometimes beauty surpassed intelligence.’

She, therefore, urged women to double efforts if they were to be successful in the industry and match their male counterparts.

Sharing the same sentiments was singer and songwriter, Mpho Sebina who called for policies and laws that would protect women in the creative industry.

“Females often get sidelined over their male colleagues when it comes to bookings as well as payments which often are delayed on their side,” Sebina said.

As such, she challenged women in music to claim their space in the production side of things so to close the already existing gap.

“The industry is engulfed by males, therefore women in song need to invest in recording equipment and learn the art of producing to be on par with their male colleagues,” she added.

Additionally, Sebina implored women colleagues to invest in building teams as a means to commercialise their craft.

“Building a team is important as it allows a creative to focus on your craft whilst other duties that enhance performance and product are carried out by other experts in the field,” she said.

She, further, encouraged them to align themselves with people they trusted as well as those who loved and understood them. ENDS