07 Jul 2016

Master Dee has never wasted time thinking what Botswana can do for him. 

The question; what can I do for my country?” it seems, has always been his only preoccupation. 

By so doing he has in the process chosen to shun the entitlement approach and pioneered the show from humble beginnings and projected it to dizzy heights. 

Today,  the stage is set, yet another star will be crowned from the four finalists during a grand finale slated for Boipuso Hall in Gaborone. Another destiny is about to be full filled. Who is it going to be among Ontefetse, Obakeng, Sharon and Lazarus, the quartet that makes up the finalists? 

The Executive Producer lays it bare to this Reporter;

Master Dee: season 10, also dubbed Best of the Best marks ten long years of our existence as a musical show and coincidentally falls in the same year with the country’s 50th year Golden jubilee.Right from the onset, youth empowerment has always been at the core of the show, birthed in 2007 and christened Pop Star. At the time the winner walked away with a mere P10 000.

BOPA: There has been a marked transformation and growth from the show’s humble beginnings. What contributed to this upward and positive growth?

Master D: I will attribute the gradual growth purely on the deep seated desire, drive and commitment to see many lives of our young people change for the better. Of course our efforts would have come be naught had our plea for sponsorship from both government and private sector fallen on deaf ears. 

For instance, the prize money increased from the initial P10 000 in 2007 to P25 000 in 2010 and a miracle of miracles happened a year later as in 2011 the winner walked away with a whooping P100 000. This was a giant leap and we have seen many well-wishers come aboard to support our course to this day.

BOPA: We have seen many of My Star finalists among others; Tebogo Tlhagadikgora, Kitso Selato, Naledi Thabakgolo and many others pursuing training at Tertiary level both locally and outside. Shed more light on this.

Master Dee: It is the initiative we started and sold to government to consider granting sponsorship to some of our stars to pursue courses that will establish them as professional artistes and at the end of the day earn a living for themselves, families and subsequently meaningfully contribute towards the development of the country. 

And many thanks should be given to the government for readily acceding to our proposal. 

Many of our guys are pursuing Degrees in various disciplines at both local and international institution in this regard.

BOPA: How are they doing at school?

Master Dee: They are doing very well. For instance, Kennedy has been offered a lucrative job in South Africa. It is also imperative to make mention that some of our former stars have released own albums and are chasing their dreams. 

Other than music, you have to realise that My Star has and continues to groom and produce holistic professionals who are now able to stand on their own and fend for their families. 

People like Nametso Ngwako, who is working for Gabs FM, Atamelang and many others have proven to be presenters to be reckoned with in their various stations in life.

BOPA: Are you happy thus far in terms of strides made?

Master Dee: Not per se! Yes, we have realised a tremendous growth as a musical show and there is always room for improvement. We are on the right track and definitely better than before. 

Our focus is beyond the stars. We want people to look back someday and say “I would not have been here had it not been because of My Star”. 

To a larger extent, the show has taken many young people away from vice. 

We shun intoxication of any kind in this musical show. We encourage our contestants to come to the show with all their five senses intact and make them see what we are all about as a brand.

BOPA: We have seen many Judges come and go. Are you pushing them out or what is happening?

Master Dee: Judges are at liberty to make own choices. I cannot decide their fate but it has to be stated categorically that I have had a cordial relationship with all of the Judges I have worked with.

BOPA: Is there a likelihood of increased prize money Friday night?

Master Dee: Let that form part of the surprise package on Friday. We really strive to empower the youth and with government support in full throttle the sky is the limit. ENDS