18 Dec 2024

Leobah Pub resident DJ Pako (Pekay) Boikanyo emerged victorious at the Hunter’s Refreshed Vibes battle of the DJs at Wagga Gardens on Sunday. 

Pekay won P50 000 cash and a lifetime performance slot at the prestigious The Balcony Mix Africa, Cape Town session this month. He will perfome alongside some of the celebrated djs such as Major League DJs.

He won against three other DJs, Skul from Francistown, Reptile from Gaborone and Shimro from Serowe with 197 points. The finale came after a nationwide competition that started with 36 talented DJs from 15 outlets across Botswana.

“This is something I have always aspired to be a part of, having seen it only on television. To have an opportunity to play on The Balcony Mix stage is an achievement for me as an upcoming dj. I am excited for the experience which will advance my career,” Pekay said, adding that he would use the opportunity to make connections, build relations and networks with industry giants.

He said he was determined to give his best set at the session as he wished to be recognised and considered for further gigs beyond Botswana, and not as a contestant in some competition. Hunter’s Refreshed Vibes battle of the Djs is about giving hope for the young people, and the Hunter’s brands are enablers and plug between upcoming and established djs.

 “Through this competition, we are trying to formulate our bit of giving them hope in a cool, funky expressional manner, going into spaces where they are already,” said Hunter’s Global senior brand manager, Sipho Jiyane.

He said the essence of the competition was to find the talent, and give them the opportunities they were always told to dream of. With the first instalment of the competition, he said they wanted to empower the youth and discover superstars from Botswana in pubs.

“As the oldest cider brand in the continent, we want to refresh the dreams of these young people who wish to fulfil their ambitions and have no platform to do that,” he said adding that Botswana was one of their biggest market.

 Jiyane said as the market leader, they wanted to have something tangible and able to make a difference to the youth.

Committed to making the campaign bigger, he said it might not be another year of the same competition but they could position it differently with the same ethos and crux driving the same message and hope. ENDS