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National Arts Council of Botswana finally launches with a view to “Champion Cultural and Creative Sector”
Botswana – In a momentous occasion filled with anticipation and excitement, the National Arts Council of Botswana (NACB) was officially launched, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s creative and cultural sector. The launch event witnessed the presence of distinguished guests, artists, government officials, and supporters of the arts community. The CEO of NACB, Ms. Shombi Ellis, delivered an impassioned speech, outlining the council’s vision, goals, and commitment to empowering artists and promoting Botswana’s rich cultural heritage.
During her speech, Ms. Ellis expressed her joy at witnessing the realization of a long-awaited dream for the NACB. She acknowledged the collective efforts of various stakeholders, including His Excellency The President of the Republic of Botswana, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, the government, the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, associations, public and private sector partners, and artists themselves, in shaping the council’s mandate.
Ms. Ellis emphasized the NACB’s core objectives, which revolve around inspiring and nurturing creative excellence while preserving Botswana’s cultural traditions. She proudly announced the appointment of a fully functional Board of Directors, comprising 11 members who will provide strategic direction and leadership. The executive management team has also been appointed and has already assumed office.
Referencing Richard Kamler’s words that “art is our one true global language,” Ms. Ellis underscored the profound impact of art in revealing, healing, and transforming societies. She highlighted the NACB’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for artists by implementing robust policy and legislative frameworks. These frameworks will advocate for the protection of artists’ works, safeguard their intellectual property rights, and prioritize marginalized groups such as children, the disabled, and the unemployed.
To support the growth and professionalization of the arts industry, the NACB will collaborate closely with societies, trusts, and associations. The council will provide funding opportunities through arts and culture grants, facilitating regional and international cultural exchanges, residencies, and events for the promotion and development of Botswana’s artists on a global scale.
Another key initiative of the NACB is the establishment of artistic and cultural spaces in both urban and rural communities. These spaces will serve as safe havens for artists to work, create, and conduct the business of art. The NACB aims to stimulate local consumption of art and cultural products while encouraging the growth of performance and community productions.
Ms. Ellis highlighted the importance of partnerships with ministries, associations, companies, and development partners to implement master classes, training programs, and artist capacity-building initiatives. She also mentioned the NACB’s collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture and the Ministry of Finance on the Botswana EU Policy Dialogue Facility Programme Support. This program aims to guide Botswana’s Culture and Creative Industries sector towards commercialization, with a focus on the music industry.
The NACB further intends to collaborate with a local bank to provide customized banking products and solutions for creatives. Additionally, a financial capacity-building scheme will be explored in partnership with the financial sector to strengthen the creative and cultural industries.
In closing, Ms. Ellis expressed her excitement about upcoming events and partnerships that will further contribute to the growth and recognition of Botswana’s artists. The hosting of the Eighteenth Session of the Intergovernmental committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Kasane was highlighted as an opportunity to boost cultural tourism, hospitality, and related sectors.
Bangu and Scar have announced their latest album, “Tonki le Kwena,” promising a game-changing musical experience. With their unique styles and prowess, backed by ButiOnTheTrack’s expert production, this project is primed to let fans in on what the artists have in their bag in 2024.
Featuring collaborations with Ban-T and Licky, “Tonki le Kwena” drops this April, Bangu and Scar, two respected eMCees in their own right, revealed that their collaborative masterpiece is finally primed and ready to hit the airwaves. But what makes “Tonki le Kwena” stand out from the crowd? It waits to be seen, and you’ll be in among the first to sample it when it drops
On the 7th of March 2024, the Main Deck Main Mall in Botswana became the epicenter of creative energy and strategic vision as Zeus, the multifaceted artist and filmmaker, unveiled his highly anticipated album ‘War and Peace: Disc 1 War’ alongside a compelling showcase of his Film and TV Production work. The event, meticulously curated to blend entertainment with enlightenment, drew a diverse crowd comprising promoters, high-profile musicians, agencies, the general public, and esteemed members of the media.
As the evening unfolded, attendees were treated to a dynamic array of experiences, each designed to captivate, inspire, and foster meaningful connections. Kicking off with a Welcome Reception, guests were invited to register and partake in welcome drinks, setting the stage for an evening of immersive exploration.
The event host’s Opening Remarks not only introduced the agenda but also set the tone for the night’s festivities. Amidst an atmosphere charged with anticipation, Zeus took center stage to perform a selection of songs from his new album, showcasing his unparalleled talent and electrifying the audience with his magnetic presence.
A noteworthy addition to the program was a brief speaking moment by partner BW Jobs For Graduates, shedding light on how creative businesses can leverage skills capital. This insightful perspective added depth to the discussions, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between creativity and economic empowerment.
The evening continued with a Live DJ Mix featuring tracks from Zeus’s new album, providing guests with an immersive musical experience that underscored the album’s thematic resonance. Meanwhile, the showcase of Zeus’s Film and TV Production work offered a glimpse into his artistic vision, complemented by a Q&A session that invited dialogue and reflection on the creative process.
A poignant highlight of the event was the presentation of the ‘Climate Change in Botswana’ Docuseries, which not only raised awareness about pressing environmental issues but also underscored the power of storytelling to inspire action and drive positive change. With stakeholders sharing their perspectives and the audience engaging in thoughtful discourse, the docuseries presentation left a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.
Throughout the evening, networking zones buzzed with animated conversations as attendees exchanged ideas, forged connections, and explored potential collaborations. From media representatives capturing key moments to high-profile musicians lending their support, the diverse attendee mix enriched the experience and underscored the event’s significance within the creative community.
As the event drew to a close, Closing Remarks expressed gratitude to guests and partners, while also extending an invitation to continue networking and exploring opportunities for collaboration. With Zeus’s performance echoing in their minds and a newfound sense of inspiration in their hearts, attendees departed with a renewed appreciation for the power of creativity to shape narratives, spark dialogue, and drive meaningful change.
In retrospect, Zeus’s ‘War and Peace: Disc 1 War’ 2024 Strategy Rollout Launch Mixer was more than just an album launch; it was a celebration of artistic excellence, a platform for thought leadership, and a testament to the transformative power of creative expression.
The collaborative effort between the Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) and Goethe-Institut has culminated in the release of a compelling documentary titled “Sound Connects Us.” This documentary sheds light on a multitude of cultural endeavors undertaken across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, made possible through the backing of the Sound Connects Fund (SCF).
Spanning a duration of 40 months, the SCF provided support to 36 organizations throughout Southern Africa, facilitating the successful execution of developmental cultural projects in nations such as Angola, Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Central to the fund’s ethos was the universal allure of ‘sound’ as a guiding principle.
Eddie Hatitye, Executive Director of MIAF, expressed the profound impact of the SCF, noting its role in propelling the foundation into various artistic domains, including film, visual arts, gaming, and animation. He lauded the remarkable achievements witnessed across the SADC region, encapsulated within the documentary’s compelling narrative.
The documentary serves as a testament to the invaluable contributions of the SCF in fortifying the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) in Southern Africa. Through immersive visuals, viewers are transported across the region, encountering cultural initiatives in Angola, eSwatini, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, complemented by insights from SCF implementers based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
A crew filming an indigenous community in Botswana through a project funded by the Sound Connects Fund. Photo: Quihaba FX
Commencing in Maputo, Mozambique, where the Sound Connects Conference took place, the documentary offers a glimpse into the motivations and aspirations driving these transformative projects. It not only showcases the final outcomes but also highlights the change-makers who propelled these initiatives forward across the region.
Carolin Christgau, Head of Culture and Development at Goethe-Institut Johannesburg, reflected on the profound journey undertaken through the Sound Connects Fund, emphasizing the newfound insights into the creative landscapes of the SADC region. The documentary, she hopes, will illuminate the diversity and creativity experienced throughout this endeavor, inspiring further engagement from both individuals and governments to bolster the potential of the CCIs.
Between 2020 and 2024, the MIAF and Goethe-Institut spearheaded the implementation of the Sound Connects Fund, a monumental initiative aimed at enhancing the cultural and creative sectors in Southern Africa. This documentary offers a glimpse into the initiative’s impact across nine countries, supported by the ACP-EU Culture Programme, under the auspices of the Organisation of the African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS).
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