17 Apr 2016

Most, if not, all artistes that were successful the world over were so because they were supported by their own people from the word go, said Assistant  Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Dikgang Makgalemele.

Speaking at a music video launch for Nnunu Ramogotsi’s Mmasonoko song, Makgalemele, who is also the patron of Botswana Music Promoters Association, called on Batswana to support their own musicians.

“I would also like to call on the private sector to develop corporate social responsibility programmes aimed at helping artistes and those that have the power to lobby the private sector should do all they can to make this happen,” he said.

He further indicated that Nnunu was an extraordinary musician of stature and had stood the test of time and he was proud that Botswana had produced “an amazing jazz songstress”.

“I have always felt that Nnunu can take her profession to the next level and this music video is evidence of that and we should congratulate her as such,” he said.
Makgalemele called on promoters and artistes to work with each other.

He noted concerns of pirating that hampers efforts by musicians to create employment for themselves and others.
Makgalemele said artistes should think of themselves as international artistes and adapt that mindset to stand a chance of being taken seriously.

For his part, the Mayor of Gaborone,  Kagiso Thutlwe said Nnunu was like a bottle of wine that matured with age and she had allowed herself to grow into an African jewel.

“As a country, we should embrace this kind of talent, nurture it and support it,” he said, further citing that neighbouring countries did more when it came to the creative industry.

Having released her album two years ago, Nnunu was only releasing the music video to her hit song Mmasonoko. The artiste explained that she had a busy schedule which resulted in her being fatigued and that is why it took her so long to release the video. She also spoke on the Women of Jazz trio and that in future they wuld work together.

“People should note that we did not only form Women of Jazz just for music, but rather we also do social responsibility work,” she said. ENDS