12 Feb 2023

The Department of Broadcasting Services (DBS) countrywide roadshow dubbed #Re mo tseleng came to an end on Saturday in a glittering ceremony where 30 finalists from over 900 participants were awarded.

The finalists also had the opportunity to display their talent to the audience that included President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, cabinet ministers, captains of industries and the arts and industry pundits.

Renowned radio personality and owner of Big Dawg Productions, Thato Sikwane alias DJ Fresh, who oversaw the country-wide talent search, said Botswana was the next Hollywood of stars.

“We have the best music talent in the continent, if not the whole world,” he told the audience.

He said the roadshow managed to unearth some of Botswana’s best hidden gems.

He mentioned a seven-year-old self-taught guitarist, Frank Botoka from Moralane, another self-taught 17-year-old producer from Letlhakane, a 10-year-old Hip-Hop rapper from Ghanzi, Magdah Camm and a 16-year-old vocal wonder from Kang, Ketso Letlotlo.

The four were also part of the artists that gave a mind-blowing performance to vindicate DJ Fresh's conviction. They scooped monetary awards and other incentives for being the best rising stars and best styled groups.

President Masisi awarded the first prize and went to a tie comprising Pono and HRB Botizoh who scooped P75 000, equipment worth P150 000, a handset, a one year subscription of BTC Internet and P150 worth of airtime per month for a year.

The second prize was awarded to a tie consisting of Mindset and Elnny Kumar who won P50 000 and equipment worth P115 000 while the third prize was scooped by a Maun singer, Knowledge Rappinga Kuvare winning P25 000.

President Masisi was given a custom made high end gifts from multi-talented fashion designer, rapper and producer, BK Proctor. 

He also received a signature pair of sneakers written MEK, a t-shirt and a track top.

The best music video went to Mebala, a collaboration among Dipetsana Cultural Group, Elnny Kumar, Ketso, Apollo D and Magda Camm with their Ntshutele track. 

They pocketed P20 000 for displaying the power of collaboration and producing under pressure.

The best song of the entire roadshow went to a group called Team 75K comprising of Mindest Musiq, Saison, Pono, Truth and Thapelo Malani for their ‘No-buyalini’’ or O bowa leng?

They won the best team work and went home P75 000 richer. They were also commended for their consistent performance throughout the roadshow.

DJ Fresh’s special awards of P10 000 went to two artists Letlotlo and Hip-Hop rapper, Brighten Eyman from Werda.

Letlotlo produced a song in her native Shekgalagari and DJ Fresh noted that she did not know how to write a song before she was taught and that she was able to master the technique within a short period.

Twenty-two-year-old Brighten, who is visually impaired, also got the same award for an outstanding talent. DJ Fresh noted that he had the ability to memorise songs without writing the rhymes.

Each of the 30 finalists also received P10 000 each for their new careers and P100 000 worth of airtime to market their projects.

DJ Fresh also said the roadshow project managed to directly employ 19 full-time staff and over 50 contracted staff from various citizen suppliers and service providers.

The roadshow, he said, also engaged over 750 people from different fields such as performers, graphic designers, public relations specialists, printers, merchandisers, photographers and cinematographers. ENDS