17 Jan 2017

In business and success tales the world over, passion is the defining sucess factor.

The story of 22-year-old Mr Gasebotlhe Gasenna bears testimony to that. What only started as a passion for him is now slowly but certainly blossoming into a great source of income.

He co-owns a production company called Balelwapa Productions with his sister Ms Galefele Gasenna .

The self-funded production business, which lies deep in the centre of the mountain-skirted village of Shoshong, was established in 2015 looking at the unification of various media such as video shooting and filming, editing, photography, performing artistes, events management, make up artistry and others.

He mentioned that they treat all their customers and everyone like family.

He is a man of many talents himself as he is a performing artiste, film director, video shooter freelance photographer and editor.

The enthusiastic business man revealed all these in an interview recently.

Mr Gasenna also revealed that they have worked on various projects so far which includes a movie called Selelo sa Losea, their artistes featuring Black Mato and Novash’s songs respectively and shooting videos, banners and adverts for artistes such as Skupu and Lekwete.

He also mentioned that he never went to any filming or production school but tutored himself to master editing and filming.

Quizzed on the challenges they have encountered on the production industry so far, he raised concerns on situations where some artistes want them to do work for them for free citing that the works will promote them as well.

He added that the other challenge is sabotage from bigger and well established artistes who sometimes refuse to help them where needed.

He said lack of support from the public is a concern as well.

Furthermore, he pleaded with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture Development to include film making and music production in the youth development fund programme to grow the production industry.

For promotional and marketing purposes, he said they use business cards, social media and events to promote their business and products to the public.

Mr  Gasenna explained that so far economically they are not yet at a level where they could share the proceeds because whatever little they get from their services goes back into the coffers of the business in an effort to grow and expand it.

“I’m so lucky that I work with very understanding people because there are times where we can starve for weeks just to use the little we have to invest more in the business since it is still in its infancy stage,” explained Mr Gasenna.

Asked on his future plans, he said he aspires to have a big film making, music and production dynasty.

Inspiration-wise, he said they, as Balelwapa, draw the inspiration and drive from the passion they have for what they do as they always strive to perfect their previous works.

Asked what the production team is currently working on, he said they are shooting one artiste called Lekwete a music video, pushing and marketing the release of DJ Mdala and Herdboy’s new singles Tlhogosi and Pina ye respectively and releasing their movie Ngwana wa ga Mme. BOPA