15 Feb 2017

President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama’s ambition to unearth local artists’ talents through the annual President’s Day competitions is bearing fruit .
Well-known Maun -based musician, Monaga Molefi a.k.a Stiga Sola, told BOPA in an interview that President‘s Day competitions have been a big blessing for artistes, particularly the little known ones who have found it easy to break into the cutthroat industry.
 “I started singing in the 1970’s, but it had been a rough road for me up until recently when these competitions were introduced.
Honestly, my life is now well-oiled after scooping first position for two consecutive years,” said Stiga Sola enthusiastically.
He said he won in the category of traditional instruments section of Setinkane, and that since venturing in the competitions in that category, his guitar skills have improved to perfection. “Imagine, I was picked to promote our culture in Munich, Germany during the official opening of our embassy in that country last year,” he said.
He has also been honoured with the training of children how to play traditional instruments at Khwatta San Culture and Education Centre in South Africa. He also participated in the BOT50 celebrations and Poetavango Cultural Day last year in Maun.
The artiste said in 2012 he was also supported by South Africa’s Ubunthu Foundation of the provincial government of Western Cape and Sand National Heritage Council.
He said he was able to purchase musical instruments like a keyboard, a sound mixer, an amplifier and a guitar using the prize money he got form winning the regional presidential competitions in the previous years.
“My children have no problem going to school these days. I have also ventured into small stock farming all thanks to the President’s noble initiative,” Stiga Sola said.
He encouraged the new generation keen to venture into the music industry not to shy away from the competition so they showcase their artistic talents and promote themselves.
The Shorobe –born musician further encouraged the upcoming artistes to learn and benchmark from experienced artistes and have the mind-set of taking music as a business to invest in.
He said upcoming artistes should take time to improve their recordings and always be vigilant and have hope as the music world is laced with too many ups and downs.
He also said the Department of Arts and Culture should take the competitions to remote area dwellers (RADs) settlements to explore raw talents like the recent Okavango Delta Expedition.
The legendary Stiga Sola said progress in the music industry was hampered by piracy and thus pleaded with the public to stop supporting piracy because it negatively affects the quality of music and talents.
He is currently working on a brand new Eight track album, entitled Tsitsino  to be released in April this yea. The album, which has tracks like Driver and Monnaahondo, is being recorded and mastered at Keal Entertainment Studio in Maun.
Meanwhile, this year’s President’s Day competitions is themed ‘Creative industries: a vehicle for sustainable development’, and registration commenced on February 1, and will close on February 28. ENDS