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WDP HITS THE GROUND RUNNING – BY Batho Motlhake

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If the event of Sundaythe 26th of January is anything to go by, then it’s safe to say that 2020 is going to be a great year for the music scene in Botswana. Music enthusiasts were treated by All Things Musical, to a delightful experience, alive radio show broadcast from BLACK at Gaborone. Duma FM’s phenomenal jazz show presenter, Leroy Nyoni of the showBreezing, which airs every Sunday between 4pm and 7pm, came just a little bit closer to his listeners and bedazzled them with a mixed bag of entertainment for the evening including a Jazz Vynil set by Guest Matthew Gibson. The shows main act featured none other than the hottest local jazz band, WDP, which was scheduled for a live performance. The concept was simple, a soulful evening laced with a live radio show, great music, live performances, good food, drinks and awesome company.

I arrived at Black CBD just before 4pm. When I walked in the show was about to start and Gofiwa, the Duma FM broadcast engineer was making his final tweaks to his equipment. Leroy the show host had a table with a laptop, DJ deck mixer and a microphone as his studio set up. Next to Leroy was a live band setup with guitars, microphones and drums. People were having food and drinks. It was a laid back afternoon. The setup was in such a way that the people in attendance could also hear the music playing on radio. It was like we were all inside a radio station having food and drinks.

The show had mostly music until 6pm when Leroy invited Phomolo Somolekae on stage as his guest on the Show segment ‘Chillin’ with the musos”:Phomolois a 14 year old musical sensation who qualified for a slot at the world acclaimed show ‘America’sGot Talent’. She did a couple of local music covers, ‘Rejection’ byDJ Kuchi featuring Han C followed by ‘Hisa hisa’ by Motlha and ATI which she did with her sister Letlhabile. The crowd loved her and her performance inspired hope of the blue, black and white flag flying high. She left for America on Monday morning the 27th. The radio show seguedback to the usual music programming before WDP came on stage at 1830hrs. They brought the house down when they started with their rendition of ‘Robete’ by Sereetsi and the Natives, into Jujuboys’s Motho O Bolaa Motho, Berry Bone’s Mafurafura and the band being so bold as to attempt their remake of Franco’s Ke Lela Le Lona and their first set ending with Leroy Monageng’s Merafhe.

WDP is a live band that takes local hit songs and jazzes them up making them more soulful. The group has one album under them, ‘The Bechaunaland Sessions, Volume 1’. They also have their WDP Shindigs which are performances hosted in alternative spaces like residences or even secure parking lots underground or rooftops at least once a month in and around Gaborone upon announcement of Shindig Season. WDP played for 30 minutes until the end of the live show. They came back later and played another set for 1hr 30minutes. We left the place saturated musically.”

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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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