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My Perfect Noise Experience – Stevie G DJ’s journey

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With the way the last 2 years have been set up for the entertainment industry, I count my blessings twice for having had the chance to attend a number of events. Over and above the Botswana International Music Conference, Wayne The Maestro’s #LongStoryShort listening session & Psy, The Menance’s DAMN Video Premier I’ve been lucky enough to be invited to 2 Perfect Noise shows.

This is not going to be a short one so please sit back, relax and allow me to take you on my Perfect Noise journey. Before that, let me tell you lil’ something about the origins of The Perfect Noise and the young brilliant minds behind it……..

The year is 2017 when Nalumino Mubita decides to set up a bi-weekly open mic session dubbed Sunday Candy hosted at Zest Restaurant, before leaving the country for further studies. This platform gave young artists a place to create, showcase & perform their artistic talents. Allowing them to be themselves.

Fast forward to 2018 where Tii Maney, government name, Tiisetso Mathole, brilliantly bridges the gap left behind by his friend. With the blessings of Mino and the team at Zest, the art enthusiast whose experience in event production dates back to his high school days decided to bring back the show and platform he had grown to love. However, it had to be under a new name.

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The Name?
Well, the short version goes a little something like this “From afar a group of young adults can be uncanny when congregated together. Loud throbbing booming sounds or the new slang and alien-like lingo. All this together with rap, poetry, and sometimes singing may be regarded as noise by others. To us the art lovers and musically inclined, this is bliss. This so-called noise, to us is perfect. It’s our Perfect Noise.” This analogy by Tii Maney that birthed the name “The Perfect Noise” came up during a conversation about the development of artists and how “Noise creates awareness, warning, and buzz.”

Remember I’ve been invited to 2 of these, kana sometimes being Stevie G DJ can be cool like that. Anyways back to the story, the experience, the mind-blowing performances, the dope energies, the amazing crowds. Where do I even begin? Do I talk about November 2020 Perfect Noise headlined by Roxii or The Eyiedzi Live w/ Stretch this past May.

Where do I begin?

Do I tell you about the autographs I collected from Mpho Sebina, Dato Seiko, Psy, The Menace, Flex The Ninja, and a whole lot more? Or the epic Monologue by Kabo Setimela that left me and a couple of people mind-blown, others were shook.

Maybe I should tell you about Ash Static’s trap sound that had the crowd begging for more. ARA Africa with his fusion of folklore and pop sounds? How about Amly’s electrifying Super Saiyen Morshpit performance that I could feel in a distance. I didn’t even see it but, I felt it from where I was standing – I could feel the gravity of it all.

You know how CoolNerrd talks about forgetting lyrics on his Lemonpepper freestyle? Wanna know where that happened? Perfect Noise. Legend has it Sampa The Great has made an impromptu performance once.
I can’t even talk about the 2 sold-out Dato Seiko shows I wish I had attended however I had to give bana ba malapa a mangwe chance (I had to give others a chance).

So really! The Perfect Noise is truly a youth initiative that allows spaces for aspiring creatives to showcase their talents.

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YAL SMART – PAVING THE WAY FOR THE KNOWLEDGE GENERATION

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Professor Doreen Ramogola-Masire, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at the University of Botswana, highlighted the significance of collaborations and knowledge sharing in the University’s strategy to shape the future for the knowledge generation. She made these remarks during a roundtable discussion held at the University’s council chambers, focusing on “Advancing STEM Education and SMART Infrastructure Development for Youth Empowerment in Africa.” The event celebrated the successful completion of the YAL SMART innovative boot camp by the Young African Leaders.

The roundtable discussion was a key part of the YAL SMART academic research project, which received funding from the Alliance for African Partnership. The official title of the project is “US-Botswana collaborative research on youth development and education: SMART Infrastructure and mobility innovation for resilient community health.” Michigan State University leads the project, with the University of Botswana and knowledge management company Infers Group acting as project partners.

The discussions delved into exploring the relationship between infrastructure advancement and its impact on growth, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, education, community resilience, and development. The participants leveraged innovative approaches, accessible technology, and a leapfrogging model to enhance local infrastructure not only in Botswana but also across Africa.

Professor Doreen Ramogola-Masire emphasized that their office’s primary focus is on facilitating, supporting, and advocating for research that spans across regions and has international relevance.

EVERYONE IS OUR AUDIENCE – Dr. NIZAR LAJNEF

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Dr. Nizar Lajnef, the Principal Investigator from Michigan State University, emphasized that a country’s economy thrives on its infrastructure and, most importantly, the health and well-being of its population. The YAL SMART project is specifically geared towards addressing these aspects, with a strong emphasis on the youth, who are the future innovators capable of driving advancements in technology and innovation.

Distinguished speakers graced the roundtable discussion, which was skillfully moderated by Setho Mongatane, the host of Gabz Fm’s Breakfast in HD. Among the notable speakers were Professor Leapetswe Malete (Co-Principal Investigator, Michigan State University), Dr. Phillimon Odirile (Principal Investigator, University of Botswana), Mr. Diane Mongudi (CEO, Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub), Dr. Fernando Siamisang (Director of Human Resource Development Planning at HRDC), Dr. Gloria Somolekae (BIDPA), as well as representatives from the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport, and Culture, UB office for research and development, and the UB Department of Public Affairs, along with associated University Faculties.

For media inquiries, additional materials, and further information, please contact:

Leroy Nyoni Email: nyonileroy@yahoo.com Cell: +267 75084838 Whatsapp Link: https://wa.me/26775084838

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U.S.-Africa Business Summit: Investment in Botswana’s Creative Industry – Unlocking Economic Opportunities

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The U.S.-Africa Business Summit, set to take place in Gaborone, Botswana from July 11-14, 2023, will provide a platform for key stakeholders to explore opportunities and forge partnerships that will enhance Africa’s value in global value chains. EBW is looking into this juggernaut with a specific focus on the creative industry, which features on a plenary panel – one that aims to showcase the immense potential for investment in Botswana & Africa’s creative sector, which is emerging as a significant contributor to the BW’s economy.

Over the past decade, Africa’s creative industry has experienced remarkable growth, transforming from a marginalized sector to a key player in the global creative economy. Valued at an impressive $2.2 trillion, the industry has become a source of employment, foreign exchange, and pride for the continent. Notably, the film sector alone generates $20 billion in revenue and supports an additional 20 million jobs, according to a UNESCO report.

Recognizing the creative industry as a growth agent and an economic multiplier, policymakers have placed greater emphasis on supporting and investing in this dynamic sector. The panel discussion at the U.S.-Africa Business Summit will delve into the current financing tools and emerging opportunities that stakeholders in the industry are leveraging to further expand and solidify the creative sector’s position as a valuable commodity, both within Botswana, Africa and abroad.

Distinguished speakers, including Akunna Cook from Next Narrative Africa, Germàn Cufrè from the International Finance Corporation, and Jade Osiberu from Greoh Studios, will share their insights and expertise on the financing landscape of the creative industry. The panel will also feature Linus Idahosa from Del York International Group, Denim Richards (Co-Founder & Actor), and Masego Mohwasa from Women in Film Botswana. Their collective knowledge and experiences will shed light on the opportunities available for investors and entrepreneurs to tap into the immense potential of Africa’s creative industry.

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Investing in the creative sector offers numerous benefits for African and international investors alike. First and foremost, the industry stands to serve as a catalyst for cultural preservation, and job creation, providing employment opportunities for the country’s burgeoning youth population. With the sector experiencing growth rates between 12 and 16% every half-decade, there is a considerable demand for skilled professionals in various creative fields that could see those coming to Africa take advantage of Botswana’s stability, peace, and linkages to access an Africa-wide market.

Creative industries present a unique avenue for foreign exchange earnings. By nurturing and promoting local talent, Botswana is looking to attract international partnerships and collaborations, hopefully leading to increased exports of creative products and services. This, in turn, contributes to a more diverse and robust economy, reducing reliance on traditional sectors such as mining and agriculture…in the face of a government that’s increasingly trying to build a knowledge-based economy.

Additionally, the creative industry has a significant role to play in shaping the country’s cultural identity and promoting tourism. By showcasing Botswana’s rich cultural heritage through music, fashion, film, and art, the creative sector becomes a vital tool for attracting tourists and fostering cultural exchange. Cultural tourism has the potential to create a positive ripple effect across various sectors, stimulating growth in hospitality, retail, and other related industries.

The U.S.-Africa Business Summit provides a unique opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs to engage with government and private sector decision-makers over the course of four days. By participating in the various plenary sessions, sector-focused panel discussions, and networking events, attendees will gain valuable insights into the industry-tested solutions for doing business in Africa’s creative sector.

Moreover, the summit’s focus on enhancing Africa’s value in global value chains aligns perfectly with the Botswana government’s efforts to position the country as a hub for creative industry productions.

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As African enterprises continue to forge regional and continental linkages, the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) further amplifies the possibilities for growth and job creation. The plenary session on enhancing Africa’s value in global value chains will highlight successful endeavors and explore strategies to replicate and scale these efforts, fostering collaboration between U.S. and African companies.

In conclusion, the U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Botswana presents a prime opportunity to explore the investment potential in Botswana’s creative industry. With its remarkable growth, employment generation, and contribution to the economy, the creative sector is poised to play a pivotal role in Botswana’s economic diversification. By leveraging the insights and networking opportunities offered by the summit, investors can tap into this thriving sector, contributing to the sustainable economic development of Botswana while enjoying the significant returns offered by the creative industry. For us, we’re hoping that it’s more than a talk shop – but a place where Botswana’s Creative Sector finally finds the investment it derserves.

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KX Legit is taking “Back To Moshate” across the world

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In a world where music has the power to transcend borders and unite people from diverse cultures, artists like KX Legit are leading the charge in shaping the future of Botswana music. With his distinctive blend of Hip Hop/Motswako and Afro-Pop, KX Legit has emerged as a trailblazer, showcasing the immense talent and creative potential that exists within the continent’s vibrant music scene. As we look to the future, it is clear that KX Legit’s artistry and vision will continue to redefine the landscape of music, leaving an indelible mark for generations to come.

One of the most striking aspects of KX Legit’s music is its ability to break boundaries, both musically and geographically. His time spent in the United Kingdom, where he pursued his academic aspirations, served as a catalyst for his artistic growth. By immersing himself in diverse music cultures, KX Legit expanded his horizons and seamlessly fused international influences with his roots. This unique fusion not only captivated audiences but also challenged conventional notions of what Botswana music could be.

Beyond his musical prowess, KX Legit has become a symbol of empowerment and inspiration for aspiring artists across Africa. His rise to prominence showcases the power of determination, resilience, and staying true to one’s artistic vision. Through his success, he has shattered stereotypes and demonstrated that African artists can achieve global recognition while remaining authentic to their cultural roots.

KX Legit’s impact extends beyond the realm of music. His collaboration with Yarona FM, the Botswana radio station known for promoting cultural music, highlights his dedication to preserving and spreading African culture. By championing local talent and providing a platform for African artists to thrive, KX Legit is contributing to the preservation of African musical heritage and fostering a sense of pride and unity within the continent

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As anticipation grew, KX Legit announced the imminent release of the official music video for his track, ‘Back to Moshate.’ The song, slated to drop on June 29, 2023, promised to be yet another testament to his talent and perseverance.

KX Legit’s journey from a dorm room to the forefront of the African music scene is a testament to the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. Through his fusion of genres, global collaborations, and unwavering commitment to cultural preservation, KX Legit is reshaping perceptions and driving the future of African music. As we eagerly await his upcoming releases and witness the impact he continues to make, one thing is certain: KX Legit’s influence will extend far beyond the boundaries of music, inspiring generations to come and solidifying Africa’s place as a powerhouse in the global music industry.

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