26 Jun 2023

Botswana Musician Union (BOMU) president, Phemelo Lesokwane has cautioned artistes against wayward behaviour that could destroy their careers.

Speaking at the regional arts festival at Maun’s Village Church on Saturday, Lesokwane said artistes should always conduct themselves in an acceptable manner as waywardness would never help them grow.

“Discipline is key in our industry, thus calls for self-introspection to see how you can nurture your talent to survive in this competitive industry to gain recognition and go far,” he said.

He added that good conduct would help them gain recognition from the corporate world as well as land international bookings.

He also urged them to embrace the industry, saying it was one of the contributing sector to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

In 2019, he said reports had indicated that the sector contributed 5.5 per cent, which showed that the industry was growing and encouraged artistes to take their careers seriously.

Artistes were also urged to register with BOMU in order to enjoy the services offered and grow their careers further.

Principal programmes officer from the Department of Youth, Refilwe Banda urged community members to take advantage of the National Arts Festival as it provided an opportunity to grow their careers.

Banda said the North West region was well known for basket weaving and encouraged weavers to come on board and participate in such competition to market their products.

“Utilise your talents fully to improve your livelihoods. 

Some people have gone far in life because of taking part is these festivals. 

Some have attained international stardom and I encourage you to take your work seriously as well,” she added.

Banda said one artiste from Maun was invited to perform at Mozambique, noting that some from other regions also penetrated the international market. 

She also informed the gathering the government was fully behind the creative industry.

Maun Administrative Authority assistant district commissioner, Gaborekwe Ramogaupi urged artistes to acquire soft skills in an effort to improve their creative work, saying such skills also helped in enabling smooth running of the core business.

He cited skills such as management, creativity, communication and technology, saying if they acquired them, their careers could indeed grow and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

“Soft skills are essential to successful career and I encourage you to develop and nourish them for our industry to excel,” he added.

Ramogaupi also noted that resilience was also key in the industry and appreciated that during COVID-19, they managed to soldier on despite the  devastating effects of the pandemic. ENDS