True story from just a week back. I was in traffic, hot day, Bull & Bush flyover. Slowly pulled up next to a Range Rover SVR — all I caught was the silhouette of a suave gent behind the wheel, head bobbing to the silhouette of a hip hop banger. If you know, you know. 7:45 a.m., I chuckled.

Because that’s the thing about music — it carries us. From sing-alongs spilling out of car windows to the big sound booming while we crawl through traffic. Mekwanya, suits and ties, sneakers — all heading to the “office,” but for a few minutes you forget all that. You’re just in the moment, taken by the vocal run, or the bass line — motlakase. That’s what art gives: something you can’t measure, but it holds you up anyway.

So when weekends like Zeus vs. Scar land — bocheki bo a tswa. Big turnout, culture alive, energy thick in the air. Because most of us contemporary young adults love this. If we could, we’d be jamming to it every month. And yet, by Monday, the same chat: “Corporate should’ve been there.”

Now, I know — it’s not as simple as “budgets are locked.” Yes, cycles are real. Money gets planned early. And most of the cats I’ve spoken to in those rooms? They get it. They speak sustainability, impact, brand value. They’ve seen proofs of concept.

But somehow, it still never feels like reason enough. Urban culture events too often end up as “nice-to-haves” — squeezed into scraps from underspent budgets or cancelled campaigns. Meanwhile, football, marathons, cycling, heritage, tourism? Those get locked in like gospel.

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And here’s the irony: the same execs — us — nodding along in traffic are the ones delivering the no’s on Monday. We know the culture. We love the culture. We are the culture. But in the boardroom, the math doesn’t back the same music that carried us through the morning. So sometimes I say: just stick it to the math.

Unclog the conundrum. The product is hot. The people are here. The gap is turning that lived love into something boardrooms can’t sidestep.

Re ka dira jang?

In Botswana, a wave of creativity has been sweeping through the semi-desert country, particularly in the digital content creation space, where video producers are taking center stage. These individuals are not only shaping narratives but also redefining entrepreneurship in the creative industry. Let’s take a look at some of the notable figures who are making waves in the country’s video production scene, offering insight for anyone keen on understanding what’s happening in this space or who to look out for. This isn’t a definitive list but rather an attempt to catalogue the creative culture and entrepreneurship space. Here goes:

Leo Gucci: With a rich background in music intertwined with a mastery of corporate video production and photography, Leo Gucci stands as a beacon of creative versatility. His portfolio spans a kaleidoscope of projects, each bearing the hallmark of his ingenuity and artistic flair.

Gonna Elvis: Renowned for his captivating street photography and impactful corporate work, Gonna Elvis is the driving force behind The Photographers, a visionary company dedicated to encapsulating Botswana’s essence through visual storytelling.

Local Corner: A dynamic powerhouse spanning music videos, corporate endeavors, and podcasting, Local Corner embodies the spirit of multifaceted creativity. Their collaboration with SCAR on a widely acclaimed podcast underscores their commitment to narrative exploration across diverse mediums.

Owen Bands: A luminary in the industry, Owen Bands has sculpted the visual identities of numerous emerging artists, shaping the landscape of Botswana’s music scene. His return to filmmaking heralds a new chapter marked by innovation and fresh perspectives.

Cyc Jouzy: Revered for his impeccable visual aesthetic and unwavering professionalism, Cyc Jouzy reigns supreme as a titan of music video production in Botswana. His extensive body of work serves as a testament to his dedication and mastery of the craft.

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ReMmogo Visuals: Leading the vanguard of the new creative wave, Bokang of ReMmogo Visuals epitomizes the relentless pursuit of excellence. Through tireless collaboration and a steadfast commitment to quality, he has emerged as a trailblazer within the industry.

Neo Visuals: Exemplifying the pinnacle of professionalism, Neo Visuals brings a touch of sophistication to every project they undertake. Their prowess in corporate videography elevates Botswana’s visual storytelling to new heights.

Eyes of Bryce: Despite being a newcomer to the scene, Eyes of Bryce has swiftly carved a niche for themselves with their crisp visuals and innovative approach. Their collaborations with esteemed artists like Ozi F Teddy foreshadow a future brimming with promise and creativity.

Bone Buzae: A polymath of talent, Bone Buzae effortlessly transitions between music and content production, epitomizing the spirit of creative fluidity. His evolution from rapper to content creator embodies the entrepreneurial ethos that defines Botswana’s creative zeitgeist.

Mdu Tha Party: Leveraging his influence from radio to social media, Mdu Tha Party has cemented his status as a prolific content creator. His podcasts and vlogs serve as vibrant tapestries showcasing the diverse tapestry of Botswana’s talent.

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Good Vision: With a background steeped in music and entrepreneurship, Tabz of Good Vision brings a wealth of experience to his video productions. His contributions to podcasts and media platforms have solidified his position as a luminary within the industry.

Azizi Golekanye: As the visionary founder of Renov8Media, Azizi Goleknaye spearheads Botswana’s foray into film and music video production. His commitment to innovation and quality has garnered accolades both locally and on the international stage.

Super Honorable Mentions:

• Jack Bohloko: Making waves in music videos internationally, Jack Bohloko represents Botswana’s talent on the global stage.
• Serena Mmifinyana & Nikita Mokwagre: Trailblazers in a male-dominated industry, these two pioneering women leave an indelible mark on film and multimedia, particularly in their work with Multichoice.
• Director Mo: Renowned for his collaborations with William La, Director Mo is a force to be reckoned with in the realm of visual storytelling.
• Thebe Radiakwana: With a background in film education from Beijing, Thebe Radiakwana’s directorial prowess knows no bounds.
• Shike Olsen: A pioneer in media ownership and music videos, Shike Olsen continues to push boundaries in the creative sphere.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cgBRkSLLWg
• Moabo Mogorosi: A legend in the field of TV commercials, Moabo Mogorosi’s contributions to the industry are unparalleled.
• Smokie Mogapi: From music videos to TV shows, Smokie Mogapi’s creative journey is a testament to Botswana’s innovation and talent.
• Otsetswe Sedimo: As the founder of Torch Studios, Otsetswe Sedimo brings a unique perspective to corporate and music video production.
• Thabiso Maretlwaneng: Leading the charge with his company, Dee Zone, Thabiso Maretlwaneng is a powerhouse in the production industry, particularly with his work on “Pula Power.”
• Botlhe Trekbond: Based in Maun, Botlhe Trekbond’s wildlife videography captures the beauty of Botswana’s natural landscapes.
• Thalefang Charles: With a focus on photography for National Geographic, Thalefang Charles showcases Botswana’s diverse ecosystems on a global scale.
• New Look Studios: A TV production company based in Lobatse, New Look Studios is at the forefront of Botswana’s television industry.

In addition to these luminaries and honorable mentions, a constellation of other visionary creators shines brightly, each contributing their unique flair to Botswana’s rich tapestry of digital content creation. From international collaborations to grassroots initiatives, these individuals collectively embody the spirit of innovation and creativity that defines Botswana’s creative landscape. As the industry continues to evolve, their collective vision promises to illuminate new horizons and push boundaries ever further.

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There are plenty of lessons to be learned from the strategic moves made by music entrepreneur Han-C in recent years, particularly with the significant focus on expanding his brand and business in 2024. At the beginning of the year, Han-C unveiled #Yama94, initially intended as a celebration for those born in ’94 transitioning into their next phase. While for many, this announcement might have been just about an event, Han-C and his team at Mantswitswidi recognized the business potential in music, taking additional steps to merchandise the platform and showcase Yama94 impressively.

The introduction of T-shirts quickly followed, not only boosting ticket sales and raising awareness but also effectively engaging fans. Han-C and his team went further by offering personal drop-offs, selectively targeting individuals and complementing this with a street presence campaign that led to early bird tickets selling out rapidly. Subsequent lineup announcements only added to the frenzy.

Three months into the year, Han-C expanded the #Yama94 platform by partnering with others to launch an entrepreneurship series. The level of innovation and strategic thinking displayed by his camp is commendable, and there are undoubtedly valuable lessons for everyone in the Botswana music scene on how to effectively move, scale, and monetize their brand, identity, and related assets.

Good morning, everyone! Are you a hustler, entrepreneur, or an unemployed graduate looking to start a business? Have you registered for our capacity-building workshop? There’s a wealth of knowledge to gain, and it’s an opportunity to network with some of the most influential figures in Botswana!