11 Jun 2013

Talent can help curb unemployment, according to the principal culture officer in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture in Francistown, Master Johnson.

Speaking at the President’s Day competitions in Francistown on June 8, he said the youth must take advantage of the ongoing competitions to showcase their talent. Johnson cautioned the competitors that despite their talents, education should be their priority.

He added that in any competition, there had to be a winner, therefore it was important for those who did not make it not to give up. The competition was divided into four categories, which comprised of Best New Comer, Best Live Band, Back Track and Best Disc Jockey (DJ). Each category had around 10 artists competing.

In the newly introduced category of DJ, Francistown based DJ Bunz was crowned the winner followed by DJ Slim, DJ Every and DJ King. The best new comer category, which had 11 artists competing, was won by Keletso Madubeko who goes by the stage name Kelly Jes Sisters followed by Dipoko Stars, Innocent and Thato Botshelo.

The best back track was won by Barney Mind while the best live band was won by Francistown-based Mazganda.com. Tebogo Nkadile, popularly known as Ras T of Mazganda.com said this was their second attempt in the competitions and last year they got position five in the best live band category.

Ras T said this year they added a female backing vocalist and the rhythm guitar to improve from last year’s performance. He said they were targeting the first prize and competing in the finals would give them exposure. Artists were judged based on technical skills, dynamics, originality, melodic lines and presentation. ENDS