1. Meet Frostbite, the multifaceted artist hailing from Morwa Kgatleng, whose journey from humble beginnings to international aspirations is nothing short of inspiring. Starting with a passion for music ignited in his early years, Frostbite’s path led him through talent shows and DJ mentorship under the esteemed Dj Oats of House University. But Frostbite’s creativity didn’t stop there. Embracing photography and event curation, he carved his niche, earning the moniker ‘Mr20K’ for his ambitious photo challenge. Today, Frostbite shares insights into his creative process, collaborations, and plans for global outreach, embodying authenticity and determination every step of the way
3. Introduction: As a multifaceted artist known for your prowess in DJing, event curation, creativity, and photography, could you share a bit about your journey into the creative world and what initially sparked your passion for these various forms of expression?
4. Frostbite. Boy from Morwa Kgatleng. Started singing at an early age, entering talent shows and winning a couple. Passion for music was born there. Started learning how to dj in 2006 under the tutelage of Dj Oats(House University). Spilled over to varsity when I went to Monash South Africa and was put in charge of the school sound system. Made it easier to get involved in various school activities where I got to hone the deejay skills. Came back from Monash and was jobless for a bit. My best friend Kabo Olesitse was already making a name for himself as a photographer. I shadowed him for a bit and when he got new equipment, he gifted me his old camera. I then embarked on a challenge to take 20 thousand pictures in one week, for free. And the moniker Mr20K was born. Registered a company in that name and we started doing event photography predominantly.

From Morwa to the World. 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/XEfaOdJGNz

— Mokgatla Thoo Thoo (@FrostbiteBW) February 16, 2024

1. Walk us through your process of creative actualization. How do you transform your ideas into tangible projects or experiences.
2. Creative actualization has been easy for me because I surround myself with creatives. I believe in collaboration so much because I’ve seen what happens when great minds combine. So I get an idea and I bounce it off the people around me who then help me make it a tangible product. I’ve conceptualized shoots, music videos, songs and actual events that have come to life because I never worked on them alone. I watch a lot of movies, I read a lot and from these many mediums, ideas become a dime a dozen.

1. The BW industry is tough, What excites you about creatives and being a creative in Botswana right now?
2. To be perfectly honest, the excitement has been lacking lately. There seems to be more hurdles than actual wins. But as is the case with everything in life, commitment and consistency matter more than the excitement. Putting in the work is paramount, even on the days it doesn’t feel like it’s worth it. People can ignore you but they can’t ignore your work. In the words of my brother Stuga, ‘Nobody cares, just put in the work’.
4. When conceptualizing events or projects, what factors do you consider to ensure they reflect your artistic vision authentically? Are there particular themes, messages, or atmospheres you aim to convey through your work?
5. I study trends. Global trends. But I learnt the hard way that global doesn’t always translate to the local market. So I try to copy what works and discard the rest. Like I said, I’m big in collaboration so that’s a recurring element in everything I do. I believe that the only way to eat from this industry is to first make the pie is big enough for a slice not to be crumbs. I’m also very much against glamorizing what we do by seeming to portray an image that we’re caking when we’re not.
7. Reflecting on your recent endeavors, is there a project or collaboration that stands out as particularly fulfilling or challenging? What did you learn from that experience?
8. Recent endeavors. I’d have to say my proudest moment was when we formed RNB On The Lawn with my brother Obameng Tshukudu aka Ryno On Decks. We started so small and by the end of the year it was a full on movement. I’m very passionate about the genre and to see it grow like that was beautiful to watch. So much so in fact that I got the attention of Strictly Soul, Africa’s biggest R&B party. Just got back from rocking one of their events and it was really really affirming. Made me feel like I was on the right track. That is the highlight of my year thus far.

1. 
   The biggest lesson here is that as creatives, we should not just focus on the artistic side of things, but learn how to do the admin/business side of things. Your rights as an artist. Intellectual property etc.
3. How are you staying ahead of the curve while maintaining your unique artistic voice? Are there any strategies or practices you find particularly effective?
4. Authenticity is my strategy bro. I do what I do the way only I can do it. My voice is my voice and my sets are my sets. That’s why I don’t mind sharing my folders with upcoming djs because even if I do, they won’t play like I play. Im unapologetically me, which I’ve been told is a disadvantage. Been told I think too much of myself, im too arrogant. But where has humility gotten us Obie? We must be vocal about our talents, our capabilities.
6. Building a strong brand identity is crucial for artists. How are you cultivating and expressing your personal brand across your various creative ventures…o kgona hang?
7. Building myself up as a brand is something I find particularly challenging. Because as I said earlier, I’ve focused more on the creative side and completely ignored the other things, the image and the content. So I’m trying to work more on that going forward. The idea is for the name Frostbite to be synonymous with R&B in the country as well as the continent and to that end, I think I’ve done a more than decent job.Like I said, I’m not scared of putting myself out there. The worst thing I can get is a no. And we keep it moving. I send out emails with my profile and press kit. And cross my fingers.
   
8. Re a itse gore o a opera. Have you considered releasing your own music in 2024?
9. I’m in studio with Fella presently. My boy Melo and I are cooking. Ohmz The Don too. Also trying my hand at house music with a project le Dj Kzar in the works. This is the year I throw everything into this.
10. 
    Can you share some highlights from your recent gigs ko ntle ga BW?
    here’s really only one gig I’ve done outside so far and that’s the Strictly Soul event. From the onset, the most glaring difference was how free the crowd is. Uninhibited. Vibing and singing along to the music at the top of their voices. Whereas here, people are more reserved. They enjoy from the comfort of their seats.

1. What are your plans for expanding your presence internationally? Are there specific markets or regions you’re eyeing for future endeavors, and how do you plan to approach them?-
2. 😂😂I want Africa brother. Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania. Those guys are well connected the world over and chances of being spotted are higher. R&B is nostalgic. It’s universal. It’s more than a genre, it’s a feeling.
3. Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of your career? Are there any upcoming projects or goals you’re eager to pursue in the near future?– Brother, it’s about the music this year. It’s about growing RNB On The Lawn. It’s about working with brands that align with who I want to be seen as. Music. Fatherhood. Food. Visuals.