19 Feb 2024

 Celebrated radio personality and Big Dawg Productions owner, Thato Sikwane, also known as DJ Fresh, is an advocate for Botswana’s emerging artists, believing in their potential to make a livelihood from their talents. During the Season two of the Department of Broadcasting Services Road Show Talent Search, Serowe edition, DJ Fresh expressed his belief in the exceptional music talent within the country and urged the nation to provide support to these creatives. The show, which has travelled to Mahalapye, Palapye, Selebi-Phikwe, Bobonong, and Serowe, aims to discover and showcase new talent from different regions.

DJ Fresh emphasised that artists’ performances at such events provide them with opportunities to showcase their skills to potential audiences who might then consider hiring them for various events. Supporting local artists, he noted, is crucial for their growth and success on national and international stages.Artistes who competed and entertained the crowd included, Riderson Shamele, Charity Seipone, Mini Dude, Shaky D, Unami Selelo, Don Peplas, Rex D, Atkins Music and Costafx. An upcoming artiste and guitarist, Tshoganetso Dithapelo a.k.a Shaky Shaky D 19 BW, said he had been in the music industry for quite some time now and his skill with the guitar impressed the crowd. Dithapelo said he was available for booking at weddings, parties and cultural festivals and appealed for government’s financial assistance, to help upcoming artistes develop their talents so as to create employment for themselves and others. Another upcoming musician, Charity Seipone who declared her love for rhythm and blues which she labelled a romantic and emotional genre, encouraged others never to give up. She said she chose the genre because through it, she could easily express her feelings and emotions.

Seipone praised the roadshow for crisscrossing the country unearthing hidden talent, noting that competition was important to artistes. A spectator, Sesha Blackie said the entertainment industry could create jobs hence should be assisted in every way possible. “Government should make the playing field conducive for the music industry to blossom,” she said while Gakegane Direlang, a well-known RB1 and 2 follower, spoke highly of Botswana’s talent. He praised DBS for promoting upcoming artistes. Also present at the event was Deputy Chief of GaMmanwato, Kgosi Serogola Seretse who thanked organisers for bringing the show to Serowe. He said the village was endowed with talent and encouraged artistes to give out the best that they got. The show’s winner will walk away with a brand new VW Polo, courtesy of Autohouse Gaborone. ENDS