28 Jul 2015

Networking with foreign entertainment players enhances market opportunities for local entertainers, Botswana Entertainment Promoters Association (BEPA) president revealed in an interview recently.

Zenzele Hirschfield said due to limited business opportunities in the country, they were eyeing international links and forging relations with Africa Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) was one.

The awards are owned by Big an Entertainment. And the award ceremony, held in Texas, USA , recognised African musicians in the diaspora.

These awards further sought to entrench the spirit of collaboration, working together and exchange of cultures amongst African musicians.

She said BEPA became aware of these awards when Zeus and Kearoma Rantao where nominated in the 2014 edition of the AFRIMMA.

Hirschfield said Zeus presentation about Botswana attracted AFRIMMA’s leadership to come and tap talent in the country.

AFRIMMA president, Anderson Obiagwu, visited the country last year to introduce the awards.

She said both promoters and musician stood to benefit from the AFRIMMA.

“Being part of the awards is not about artistic excellence but they represent the country through our music and fashion,” she said.

BEPA leader said that would also give them partnership opportunities as the awards attract people from different spheres.

Hirschfield said the awards attracted broad creative industry players such as record label owners, international promoters and producers.

She said Kearoma’s nomination in last year’s edition saw her collaborating with American Jazz artistes in her new album.

“We are taking this relationship seriously.  We want our artistes to be known in America such as their African counterparts.” She said.

She said BEPA was looking forward to building its entrepreneurship skills as the award organisers held business workshops.

She said they were also excited that the awards had philanthropist category, adding that it afforded African musicians a platform to be involved in charitable activities and make a difference in other people’s lives.  Ends