13 Jul 2026

Guided by a relentless drive, sharp problem-solving skills, and deep emotional intelligence, Ontefetse Osego continues to dazzle in music circles, continuously innovating and inspiring those around him. 

A uniquely gifted individual with an effortless mastery of music, Osego regularly vocalises, croons, and warbles highly complex songs and lyrics with absolute ease.

His rise to prominence began in 2016 when he emerged victorious in Botswana’s local talent competition, My Star Botswana, winning the Best of the Best Champion title, which served as a springboard for his greatness. 

In an interview, Osego noted that he was the only Motswana to hold that specific title. 

Since then, he has worked tirelessly to build his musical career with a clear vision: taking Botswana’s local talent to international platforms.

Driven by his musical prowess, Osego has been awarded an opportunity to participate in the famous Britain’s Got Talent competition, slated for October this year in London.

He expressed that the opportunity is not just a personal dream, but a massive stage for the country to showcase its rich, diverse talent, culture, creativity, and youth potential to the world.

Given that Britain’s Got Talent is one of the largest international entertainment platforms globally, watched by millions of viewers across continents, Osego highlighted that his participation will bring tangible benefits to Botswana.

The move will offer international exposure, promote tourism and cultural diversity, unlock global networking opportunities, and advance career development. It will also foster international partnerships for local creatives.

Furthermore, participating in the competition will allow him to study international production standards, artist branding, talent management, event coordination, and entertainment business structures, knowledge he intends to bring back to benefit the country.

He aims to use the platform to create future opportunities for other equally talented Batswana.

Osego is dyed-in-the-wool to represent Botswana with discipline, professionalism, humility, and patriotism, adding that this journey is bigger than individual fame because it builds bridges for future generations. 

He believes his participation will inspire many young Batswana to believe in themselves, their talents, and their dreams. 

Additionally, he noted that this milestone will elevate the local arts and entertainment sector to greater heights, steer young people away from drugs, crime, and hopelessness, and build confidence and national pride.

“My participation in Britain’s Got Talent will help young people develop careers in music, media, production, fashion, sound engineering, and events management,” said Osego. 

He underscored his obligation to teach Batswana youth to view talent as a career, a business, and a tool for national development.

Osego’s biggest dream is to establish a powerful, professional talent platform in Botswana and Africa that will unite African cultures through music and entertainment, foster relations with reputable artists, and create employment. 

He believes this will ensure high-quality, memorable productions that honour legends while building international connections.

“I have observed the professionalism of international productions and memorial services abroad, and I believe Botswana deserves world-class entertainment and tribute productions that honor our icons with excellence and dignity,” he said.

Osego is no newcomer to the industry; his music career dates back to his college days at Moeng Senior Secondary School in 2009, where he regularly led the school assembly with powerful songs. 

In recognition of his outstanding musical performance, the school management gave him a set of musical instruments—comprising a guitar, drums, and a keyboard to help him further develop his talent.

During his debut appearance on “My Star” in 2013, he was noticed and sponsored by Choppies Botswana to hone his vocal skills at the Campus of Performing Arts (COPA) in Pretoria, South Africa. Later, the then Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development (now the Ministry of Sport and Arts) sponsored him to study sound engineering at CityVarsity in Cape Town, South Africa, from 2015 to 2017.

Reacting to the news, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Arts Council of Botswana (NACB), Mr Gaokgakala Lemmenyane, said in a Thursday interview that having a Motswana creative invited to audition on a global platform is a proud moment for the country and a major achievement for the creative sector.

“It shows that our artists can compete at the highest level and that Botswana’s talent, culture, and stories have global appeal,” Mr Lemmenyane said.

He added that the National Arts Council actively encourages local artists to pursue opportunities beyond Botswana’s borders. 

He noted that there has never been a better time to do so, as the Global North is increasingly open to and interested in African talent, showing a growing appreciation for African music, fashion, dance, and storytelling.

To this end, Lemmenyane said this kind of exposure helps artists build sustainable careers, access new markets, and showcase Botswana to the world. 

He believes that participating in global platforms portrays Botswana in a positive light, celebrating the country as a beacon of success and a renowned ‘diamond of Africa’.

Furthermore, he noted that when artists perform on international stages, they become cultural ambassadors. 

This creates awareness and curiosity about Botswana’s culture, heritage, and creative industries, helping position the country as more than just a wildlife-driven tourism destination. 

He explained that modern travellers increasingly seek authentic cultural experiences. Showcasing Botswana’s music, dance, fashion, and artistic talent to global audiences will enhance its international profile and boost cultural tourism.

Mr Lemmenyane also emphasized that arts and culture are powerful tools for cultural diplomacy. When a Motswana artist appears on an international platform, they build connections between people and countries, fostering mutual understanding and strengthening relationships.

From a bilateral relations perspective, he stated that the NACB is always looking for opportunities that create market access for artists, encourage cultural exchange, and strengthen partnerships between Botswana and other countries. 

He believes such opportunities open doors for collaboration, skills transfer, and greater participation in international creative markets.

Offering advice, the CEO spoke on the need for continued investment in talent development, arts education, mentorship, funding, and international exposure to ensure Botswana artists continue to shine on the global stage.

He added that strong collaboration between the government, the private sector, and industry stakeholders is paramount to creating growth opportunities for artists to compete globally.

 

“At the same time, our creatives must remain authentically Botswana,” he said, reiterating that the world is increasingly looking to Africa for unique stories, sounds, and cultural expressions. .ENDS