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Botswana Creatives Inspired by Shaka iLembe Masterclass Hosted by NACB in Partnership with MultiChoice Botswana

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Gaborone, Botswana. 16 July 2025. Local creatives were given a front-row seat to world class storytelling at today’s Shaka iLembe Masterclass, hosted by the National Arts Council of Botswana (NACB) in partnership with MultiChoice Botswana. The session, held at Thapong Café & Deli in Gaborone, brought together local filmmakers, cultural custodians and creatives to explore the power of authentic African storytelling.

At the heart of the masterclass was a discussion on the making of Mzansi Magic’s Shaka iLembe, the critically acclaimed epic drama series that first captivated audiences across the continent in 2023, and again in 2025 with its ongoing Season 2 broadcast. The event was headlined by key leadership of Bomb Productions, the production company behind the series, as well as local industry veteran, Johnson Otlaadisa.

“The concept behind this event was born out of the notion that platforms such as these are critical in empowering the next generation of storytellers,” said Thembile Legwaila, MultiChoice Botswana Head of Marketing. “We’re proud to partner with NACB, an entity that has shown intention in creating spaces for creatives to learn, connect and inspire. For us, Shaka iLembe is more than just a show, but evidence that when we tell our stories with clarity and excellence, they can resonate across the world.”

Speaking during the session, Desiree Markgraaff, Executive Producer of Shaka iLembe, emphasized the importance of cultural respect in historical storytelling: “You can’t tell a story like Shaka iLembe without deeply respecting the people, the language, and the legacy. When culture is honoured, the production gains depth, truth and power. That’s what makes it resonate and what changes historical depictions to stories we can all connect with.”

The Shaka iLembe Masterclass provided invaluable insight into research, production design, funding, casting and cultural consultation behind the series, allowing for local creatives to gather first-hand insights on the gravity of authentic African storytelling at an international level.

Further highlighting the significance of preparation in the filmmaking process, Bomb Productions Head of Research, Jacob Ntshangase added “The initial research for Shaka iLembe Season 1 took us six years. Six years of oral consultation, fact finding, and walking hand-in-hand with the descendants of this remarkable story to develop and deliver an honest and authentic depiction of Shaka and the Zulu kingdom. If you want your stories to not only effectively land with your audience but to leave a lasting impact, you must make a commitment to planning and research.”

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Today’s event marks another step in building a stronger creative industry in Botswana through collaboration, with a shared vision to elevate local voices and African narratives on a global stage.

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From Botswana to Paris — Marang Selolwane Walks the MAXHOSA Runway

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Paris Fashion Week became a little more Botswana this October as actress, media personality, and creative entrepreneur Marang Selolwane graced the MAXHOSA AFRICA runway.

Taking to social media, Marang shared her pride in representing Botswana on one of fashion’s biggest stages:

“From Africa to Paris, walking for MAXHOSA was more than fashion; it was a statement. It was history in motion. A celebration of culture, creativity, and connection, shared with my beautiful besties.”

The show, themed #ThePinkTableParis, was a striking celebration of African luxury and craftsmanship — hallmarks of the South African brand MAXHOSA AFRICA, founded by visionary designer Laduma Ngxokolo. Known for its bold knitwear and cultural storytelling, MAXHOSA’s presence in Paris signaled not only a creative milestone for African design but also a moment of pride for the continent’s creative community.

A Botswana Creative on Global Stages

For Marang, this runway wasn’t just about fashion. It symbolized the global rise of Batswana creativity — a reminder that Botswana’s creative talent is ready to be seen, celebrated, and included in global conversations around art, fashion, and culture.

As one of Botswana’s most recognizable creative figures, Marang has seamlessly blended media, entrepreneurship, and fashion throughout her career. Her appearance on the Paris runway reinforces her status as a cultural ambassador, showing that authenticity and representation go hand-in-hand with glamour and grace.

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A Celebration of Culture and Connection

The MAXHOSA Paris show was more than a collection — it was a cultural movement. Through vibrant colors, intricate beadwork, and bold silhouettes, the runway showcased Africa’s ability to set trends rather than follow them.

Marang’s participation was not only symbolic of her own journey but also a statement of solidarity with African creatives redefining luxury and identity.

“It was history in motion,” she wrote — and indeed it was. From Gaborone to Paris, this moment reflects the global heartbeat of African creativity.

Botswana to the World

Marang Selolwane’s runway debut for MAXHOSA is more than a personal win — it’s a national moment. It affirms that Botswana’s creative industry has a place at the global table, and that its voices — expressive, grounded, and dynamic — continue to resonate beyond borders.

From Botswana to the world, Marang Selolwane walks not just in style, but in purpose.

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Mophato Dance Theatre: Botswana’s Champions of Craft and Spirit

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Few stories capture the grit and artistry of Botswana’s creative scene like that of Mophato Dance Theatre. Their recent journey to the Cheonan World Dance Festival 2025 in South Korea, where they finished fourth out of thirty-eight global contenders, is not just a result to celebrate—it is a reflection of years of discipline, leadership, and unwavering belief in the power of dance.

Mophato has long stood as one of Botswana’s cultural exports, carrying stories rooted in tradition yet alive with contemporary energy. Their performances are more than choreography; they are carefully woven narratives where rhythm, athleticism, and emotion collide. Every sequence speaks of long nights in the rehearsal room, the resilience to keep going, and the hunger to represent Botswana with excellence on the world stage.

Central to this journey is Andrew Letso Kola, the visionary guiding Mophato with both discipline and care. His leadership has transformed the company into more than a dance troupe—it is now a collective that inspires young people to see possibility in their craft, to understand that discipline and creativity can open doors across borders. After Cheonan, his message to the team was clear: that their art and spirit have already made them champions, regardless of scorecards.

What makes Mophato remarkable is not only what they do on stage, but the hard work behind it. From raising funds to travel, to the countless hours of practice, to holding themselves accountable to the highest standards—Mophato embodies perseverance. And in doing so, they carry all of us along with them, showing that Botswana’s artistic voices can stand proudly in global arenas.

Their fourth-place finish at Cheonan is a milestone, but it is not the end. It is part of a bigger story—a story of Botswana’s creativity pushing boundaries, demanding recognition, and inspiring others to dream bolder. Mophato Dance Theatre reminds us that success is not just about trophies or rankings—it’s about impact, influence, and the courage to keep dancing forward.

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Sandi Features on Shekhinah’s Surprise Album Less Trouble

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Botswana’s own Sandi has proudly announced on Facebook that he contributed guitar work to Shekhinah’s surprise album Less Trouble. While the full scope of his input remains under wraps, we know for sure he played the chords on the album’s intro — a warm, string-led start that sets the tone for a soulful, collaborative project.

Less Trouble brings together an impressive lineup of talent. Featured artists include Lordkez, Mars Baby, Moliy, and Young Stunna, while the producer roster boasts names like Brendon-Lee Johnson, Gregory Abrahams, I’m Not Goofy, Master A Flat, Mzizi, NellzKxhris, Roark Bailey, Rudolph Willemse, Shekhinah, and Vuyo.

We celebrate Sandi for representing Botswana on an album stacked with some of Africa’s most exciting voices. Congratulations!

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