03 Feb 2016

President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama says the Transformational Leadership Award that he has recieved is on behalf of all Batswana artists and performers.

“I think I do receive it on behalf of your association and all Batswana artists and performers,” he said.

  President Khama was given the award at the 3^rd Annual African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) that were held in October last year at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters in Dallas, Texas.

The award was received on behalf of President Khama by the Botswana Entertainment Promoters Association (BEPA).

Receiving the award from BEPA president, Ms Zenzele Hirschfeld on Tuesday, President Khama said he was humbled that the association recommended him to be nominated for the prestigious award.

President Khama said he realised while he was still Vice President that the country has talented artists.

He related how he saw artists such as Mr Odirile “Vee” Sento at political rallies, and other performers at kgotla meetings and got motivated to play his part in unearthing talent and exposing it to the nation.

President Khama said he was happy that initiatives such as the President’s Day Arts Competitions and constituency competitions have borne fruit.

He noted that Botswana performers and artists were always well received when performing in other countries. 

 “I remember one time when I was in Namibia and there was an event taking place. As soon as they called up a Botswana group, the crowd stood up and moved closer to the performers. That really touched me as it showed that our people are extremely talented,” said President Khama.

He added that Botswana performers also impressed at the opening ceremony of the SADC summit that was held in Gaborone lasy year.

“You could just see on the faces of the other heads of states how impressed they were,” he said, adding that it was not only traditional groups that impressed, but artists across genres.

 “I think it’s their award. We were just facilitating and I just hope that we continue to do better and better. We will be there for them to ensure that we support and motivate them to achieve more,” he said.

The Transformational Leadership Award is given to a leader who has transformed the creative industry.

Ms Hirschfeld said they nominated President Khama for the award because he has revived the fashion and arts sectors through the President’s Day competitions. She added that they have seen many genres excelling due to his contribution via the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture.

She said the award would encourage other Batswana to believe in their artists.

For his part, Mr Sento said the President’s Day Competitions were a commendable initiative, as they provide an opportunity for grassroots artists to showcase their talent. Ends