From one year to the next, one thing youre guaranteed is that there will be a plethora of exciting entertainment news to keep readers coming back to their favourite publications and 2013 was no exception. Having recently received the runner up award for the newspaper most read for entertainment news at the Lilac awards held this past weekend, TimeOut found it only fitting to compile the list of stories that made local and entertainment headlines throughout the year.
Oneza Frenzy
The Oneza frenzy is one that will always be remembered as one of 2013’s highlights. The two celebrity love birds Zibanani Oneal Madumo and Feza Kessy met in the reality TV show Big Brother Africa where they were both representing their countries Botswana and Tanzania. Immediately the little spark between the two grew into a fully fledged relationship that trended on all social networking sites long after the show had ended and even sparked a wave of post reality show events hosted by the couple around Southern Africa. Now the big question on everyone’s lips is whether Feza will indeed become Botswana’s most popular “makoti”, a move that will definitely put the icing on the cake for Oneza stans.
Nigel Amos crosses over to the entertainment industry
Botswana’s first Olympic medalist Nigel Amos made headlines this year, surprising his fans with his other hidden talents. The London 2012 Olympic games silver medalist in the 800m is now in a music group called Black Brothers which recently released a single as a prelude to finally releasing a full fledged music album. The athletics star now trades under the name Dj Zoro.
Zeus scoops Channel O Award and releases African Time
Rapper Game Zeus Bantsi has since released his 3rd studio album titled African Time. The album is characterized by strong messages and has a heavy African influence. True to his form, Zeus made Botswana proud again by scooping the Channel O Award for Most Gifted Male Video for #DatsWassup featuring AKA and Tumi. Having recently relocated to Johannesburg South Africa, things seem to be looking up for the golden boy of Botswana. Now can some other artist step up from Botswana and scoop an award already?
Thapong Visual Arts Center gets a face lift
2013 was a good year in arts circles. The Thapong Visual Arts Center which was founded in 1999 with the aim of promoting visual arts in Botswana has been struggling with securing funding for the last few years and this year, the gallery received a P650 000 donation from the Diamond Trading Company on August 30th. The money was used to refurbish the Arts center so that it is able to meet international gallery standards. The renovation will go a long way in improving the center’s exhibition space for the increasing number of artists in Botswana as well as bring together crafts people, visual artists and potters under one roof to share their expertise and experiences.
1st Motor Show: Annual Airport Junction Motor Show 2013
2013 witnessed the first motor show which was held at Airport Junction Mall in the second half of the year. The show started on the 4th of October and ended on the 6th of October. Although some say the show did not meet their expectations, car lovers were treated to showcases of new entrants in the market like the Mercedes Benz A-CLASS sedan and the CLA 45 AMG, the Lexus IS series, Ford Eco sport, Nissan Olmera and Centra as well as the Volvo XC60. Other cars which had revelers excited included the Maserati Quattroporte, Rolls Royce Phantom, Ferrari California, Chevrolet Corvette and the Ferrari 360.
Khuli Chana shot over mistaken identity
South African artist Khuli Chana also made headlines this year. The multiple award winning rapper and former member of Morafe was shot earlier in November after being allegedly mistaken for a hijacking suspect pursued by Johannesburg Metro police. Khuli was shot early hours of Monday morning while driving out of New Road Caltex filling station in Midrand, Gauteng province of South Africa. He was hit on his right middle finger and the second injury was sustained on his back as a result of shrapnel. Luckily, the rapper was able to bounce back soon after his injuries and he recently performed at the 555 Orange Monyaka Tour in Kanye along with other local artists.
Rihanna Comes To South Africa
Having performed on Mzansi shores once before in 2006 as a fresh-faced industry newbie, riding on the coattails of Jay-Z’s Rock tha Block Tour, Rihanna performed in a solo act this year in South Africa on the 13th of October in Johannesburg and on the 16th in Cape Town to packed stadiums. Fans of the 25- year- old Barbados beauty in the SADC region all flocked to South Africa to go see the multi award winning super star perform their favorite hits.
Rosie Motene and Bissau Gaobakwe Saga
The year ended in a sombre note as South African actress Rosie Motene was involved in a brawl in Gaborone that resulted in a nose fracture that caused a media storm. She made allegations suggesting that local businessman Bissau Gaobakwe was the culprit.
Local artists we lost in the year
The entertainment industry had its fair share of sad moments this year, as a few music heroes and television personalities were lost. Guitarist Malefo Stampore Mokha was laid to rest in January in his home village, Molepolole. The funeral had attracted a sizeable crowd across all social classes. During the course of the year, Botswana Television news reader and Radio Botswana 2 radio host, Kago Setshogo, who was found dead at his house in what is suspected to be a suicide. He was laid to rest in May while folklore legend Andres Bok passed on the 1st of December after reportedly battling with liver complications.
We can only hope that 2014 will be a better year with more award winning artists, bigger better shows, less drama and more growth and prosperity for the creative industry. Peace out and party safe!