04 Feb 2026

Born in Serowe in 1978, Gobuamang 'Mass' Bakwena, a multi-talented artiste has called on Botswana’s emerging musicians and performers to strive for international excellence while balancing their artistic pursuits with education.
Bakwena, whose stage name 'Mass' originated from a church drama in 1994, has built a career that spans singing, songwriting, choir conducting, ballroom dancing, choreography, and teaching.
His musical journey began at the age of eight during Sunday school at the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) in Serowe.
At 19 years, he was already conducting major choirs, including Swaneng School Choir, Palapye Crime Prevention Choir, and Molepolole College of Education Choir.
 In 2012, he established his Afro-Jazz identity, adding to a long list of achievements: a Diploma in Mathematics and Music, presidency of the Association of Botswana Schools Performing Arts, record-holder in the Stanbic Bank Clash of Choirs, founder of BOSETU Choir and Unique Rhythms Choir, television presenter, and professional Master of Ceremonies.
Despite his success, Bakwena emphasised the challenges facing Botswana’s arts industry, particularly the country’s small population, which limits audience size and income opportunities for artists.
“Most Batswana are gifted in various arts, but with such a small fan base, many artists struggle to earn a living and eventually leave the industry,” he explained.
He therefore advised young artists to pursue education alongside their creative passions, noting that additional skills could provide stability when the arts alone could not.
“It is discouraging for youth who dedicate themselves to the arts only to find the industry unresponsive to their dreams,” he said.
Bakwena encouraged local artistes to produce world-class work that could break into international markets, while acknowledging that the domestic industry was slowly showing signs of growth. He also recommended side hustles as a practical way to finance artistic projects, given the high costs involved in producing quality work.
“Those who remain committed and work hard will inspire the next generation of artists,” Bakwena concluded, urging perseverance and innovation in the face of challenges. ENDS