04 Jul 2023

Hukuntsi’s finest turntablist Kgosiemang Motokwane alias DJ Ricks was in his element to be selected the best DJ in the contemporary music and DJ category finals during the National Arts Festival finale in Francistown on Saturday.  

DJ Ricks domineered the decks to scoop the first position ahead of his close contenders; Patience Motswanageng aka DJ Laguish of Maun and Gaborone’s Pako Boikanyo alias DJ PK also from Gaborone, who came second and third respectively

Having been dazed by DJ Ricks’ scintillating mixes, the audience was in oneness with the adjudicators’ decision during the finale themed; The Creative Economy: Botswana’s Economic Future Redefined, at Chedu Choga.   

The winning deejay started on fire wowing the audience with his electrifying performance to attest that he is eminent in his trade, applying all the tricks to zing his set.  

The 23-year-old set a pace between him and his nine rivals, and it was evident that his set stole the show. 

He attributed his win for having worked hard on his assignment.

In the Back Track category, the audience witnessed Lebaone Monnatlhaga scooping position one, followed by Borre Ba Lekgotla from Palapye while Flying Eagles of Mogoditshane settled for position three.

Monnatlhaga emerged the best of the best with one of the revellers remarking that he was an international star by his own right.

The up-coming category was won by The Trio group of Tutume who also staged a wonderful performance, leaving revellers begging for more.

Second on the spot was Mercy M Band of Tlokweng while Top Ferra of Kang settled for third position.

The Live Band category saw Gumare based band, Nyinda Boss scooping first position against their rivals, Mmabesi Live Band, who came second and Thabang Band from Gaborone who came third.

Officially opening the competitions, creative arts development manager from the National Arts Council of Botswana (BNCB), Tshireletso Modikwa said National Arts Festival have played a significant role in promoting the contemporary music.

He applauded MYSC for showcasing Botswana’s talent.

Modikwa explained that government had come up with various initiatives to economically empower creatives such as the 2008 Presidential Directive on procurement of the arts and crafts by government departments.

The other initiative, he said, was the establishment of the BNAB, a parastatal under MYSC to promote, develop, and protect the arts and culture sector.  

“This is one of the sectors that NACB is prioritising as we seek to promote commercialisation and access to market,” he added.

He said NACB in partnership with MYSC would continue to empower artistes through the provision of arts and culture as well as mobility grant, capacity and skills building initiatives and through advocacy, law, regulation and protection.

Francistown youth coordinator, Tiny Tamasiga-Gontse indicated that the National Arts Festival was an initiative mandated to expose talent. She explained that the creative space played a critical role in stimulating the economy.

Nominated Councillor Modiri Lucas said the initiative embodied a great potential in creating lifetime jobs if participants. ENDS