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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In a resounding testament to the growing influence of African voices in global music, Botswana’s own Samantha Mogwe has achieved a monumental milestone: she has officially joined The Recording Academy’s prestigious 2025 New Member Class. This isn’t just a personal triumph for Samantha; it’s a victory for Botswana, for Southern African music, and for every creative dreaming beyond their borders.

“Look at God,” Samantha shared, expressing her deep honor at becoming part of this “inspiring global community of creatives and professionals shaping the future of music.” As a newly minted Voting Member, Samantha now holds a significant voice in the GRAMMY Awards process. This position offers her an unparalleled platform to advocate for our industry, champion fellow artists, and continue her own remarkable journey in music.

What makes this achievement particularly impactful, and what Samantha herself emphasizes, is the Academy’s commitment to diversity – of genre, background, and voice. She is “proud to contribute [her] perspective from Botswana,” a crucial addition that will help “champion the kind of excellence that uplifts and includes.” This is the kind of representation that truly opens doors and reshapes the narrative of global music.

Samantha stands on the shoulders of many who paved the way. She extends heartfelt gratitude to her “personal person Mpho Sebina,” alongside Baobab Media, Kindra Parker, and Pat Dambe, acknowledging them as those “who built bridges long before we knew what they’d connect.” It’s important to recognize that Samantha is also part of a growing wave of Batswana artists making their mark on the international stage, with talents like Moonga K. and Mpho Sebina having also been part of this esteemed global community. Their collective presence is a powerful statement about the depth of talent emerging from Botswana.

This moment for Samantha Mogwe is a vibrant affirmation of the power of perseverance, talent, and community. It’s a call to action for “more African voices in global spaces” and a powerful encouragement for all of us “to dream out loud.”

Congratulations, Samantha, on this incredible achievement! Your voice, and Botswana’s, are now louder and clearer on the world’s biggest musical stage.

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The 9th edition of the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs) unfolded with a different rhythm this year—more intimate, more focused, and more reflective of where Botswana’s music industry stands today. While the change in scale sparked mixed reactions among fans, the awards themselves continued to deliver what matters most: recognition of talent, hard work, and cultural influence.

Less Flash, More Focus

This year’s ceremony departed from the red-carpet glamour and live performances of past editions. Instead, it created space for industry conversations and community acknowledgment. For some, the stripped-down format was refreshing—a sign of maturity. For others, it felt like something was missing.

“I expected a show. This felt like a press event,” one fan shared online.
“But credit to them—it felt focused and intentional,” added another.

This divide highlights an important tension: audiences want deeper conversations—but they also want to celebrate.

A Year of Breakthroughs and Bold Statements

The awards saw a strong mix of emerging voices and established names take home top honours.

• Juu Matere led the winners’ circle with multiple accolades for “O Tshameke”, which won Best Male Single, Best Botswana Pop, and People’s Choice Song of the Year.
• Jackalass Onetym, a rising star with a distinct voice, was awarded Best Newcomer and Best Hip Hop for “Tshipi”.
• Dato Seiko’s heartfelt single “The Vow” secured Best Female Single, affirming her place among Botswana’s finest vocalists.

Other key wins included:

• DJ Latty ft. Dalom Kids, Thato Tladi & Way Kay – Best Amapiano (“Dithuthuntshwane”)
• ATI ft. Caliba & Seneath – Best Dance Single (“Kwashioka”)
• Licky ft. Katlego Ramphaleng – Best R&B Single (“Pressure”)
• Baxon & Juu Matere – Best Collabo (“Chobolo”)
• The Choreographers – Best Social Media
• DJ Quest – Best DJ

Honouring Legacy and Leadership

This year’s YAMAs also took time to honour those behind the scenes:

• Fella was named Producer of the Year, a nod to his impact on some of the year’s most defining records.
• Zenzele Hirschfeld received the Hall of Fame recognition, marking her contributions to artist development and the business of music.
• The Icon Award went to Brando, whose influence stretches beyond airplay into mentorship, media, and movement-building.

What the YAMAs Got Right—and What’s Still Possible

The 2025 YAMAs proved, once again, that Botswana’s music scene is talented, proud, and moving forward. The awards did justice in celebrating hard-working artists, highlighting new voices, and opening up space for meaningful conversation.

But the biggest missed opportunity? Not giving the fans the moment they wait for all year. The YAMAs aren’t just industry awards—they are a cultural event tied to the identity of Yarona FM, a brand that listeners love because it understands youth, sound, and celebration. The scaled-back experience left many craving more—more performance, more spectacle, more energy.

In a time when local artists are pushing boundaries and fans are showing up louder than ever, the YAMAs must continue to evolve. But in doing so, it can’t forget the power of the show itself—the excitement, the lights, the live moments that stick long after the awards are handed out.

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Next year marks a decade of the YAMAs. The stage is set—not just for another ceremony, but for a comeback. One that honours both the music and the movement around it.

Let’s hope the 10th gives us all of it.