REFLECTING ON BOTSWANA’S CREATIVE CLIMB
After the whole world into an immediate pause because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the creative industry of Botswana was left in crutches with no hope of recovering as it was left with its members facing a lot of challenges. Year 2022 came with hope for the creative industry as it has been the busiest brushing off the dust, below are events and activities which happened to the creative industry of Botswana this year.
One such event is the Expo 2020 Dubai where Botswana joined 191 countries in Dubai to promote investments, creativity, innovation, humanity and cultures, one of Botswana’s renowned fashion designers Lesedi Matlapeng had the opportunity to market Botswana at the expo through her designs. The songstress Olebile Sedumedi alias Maxy Khoisan impressed and added melody to the expo patrons with traditional and Khoisan tunes.
Botswana hosted The Forbes under 30 Summit in April, as the first time the summit was held in Africa. The world’s young entrepreneurs and game-changers convened in Botswana and the African Fashion International hosted a fashion experience in Kasane where designer Mothusi Lesolle’s IZaura collection showcased.
Local designer’s couple Candida and Wedu Montsho of DIHDAH also showcased their latest collection titled Diamonds of the Desert, which was inspired by Batswana’s strength and resilience, as well as its most valued stone, the Botswana Diamond. In June, the pageantry sector had a series of good news as nine-year old Little Miss Idol Botswana Kimberly Matheakgomo scooped Miss Idol title in Dubai.
In October Palesa Molefe handed the Miss Botswana baton to Lesego Chombo from Maun and for the first time in the history of Botswana Miss World Karolina Bielawska graced the Miss Botswana beauty pageant. Mrs African World Pageantry was launched in Botswana in May and the winner Daphney Muzila is in Las Vegas America for the finale. By establishing the pageant, directors Jennifer Setapenyane and her business associate Thato Monei, said they wanted to cater for fierce and intelligent married women.
Former Generation Star Lerato Motshwarakgole facilitated a workshop dubbed Project Kgodiso funded by the First National Bank Foundation at Thapong where she implored artistes to use their skills to access markets outside Botswana as a way to insert the local art into the luxury markets across the globe.
The long awaited Gabs July came, kicking off with a fashion show featuring among other designers, South Africa’s David Tlale.
Exclusive Books celebrated 20 years in Botswana in style and Batswana authors who had the opportunity to list their work with the store commended them for supporting local talent and for giving it exposure.
Three South African Actors and Filmmakers Reality Television Star and Actress innocent Sadiki, SA Multi award winning actor, Kagiso Modupe and actor and film maker Matli Mohapeloa graced the Master class meeting for local filmmakers to share tips on the industry.
Sereetsi &the Natives’ latest hit single Petere continued to top the charts in all Botswana radio stations since its release in August.
Three Batswana Designers Seneo Moji of Kaylamieel designs, Lebo Merafhe and Nguo by Tumie Mogoasa showcased at African Fashion International Johanessburg edition. Sustainable label Kaylaamiel Creations wowed the fashionistas at the event with her cotton and viscose collection which had a dash of giraffe print in pink and blue pastels.
To add the icing on top of the many list of accomplishments the creative industry has, Botswana’s heavy weight musicians ATI, Franco, Charma Gal and Vee Mampeezy hosted and held their one man shows to reflect where they came from as artists.
