17 Feb 2022

The One Woman Show to be headlined by Makhabzi will inspire young girls and women to have confidence in their abilities  and pursue a career in the arts.

Health and Wellness assistant minister, Lelatisitswe Sethomo noted at a media briefing on Wednesday that the show, scheduled for next month at the Grand Aria Stadium, Tlokweng, was appropriately scheduled for March, a month to celebrate Women under the theme #Break the bias.

He said the theme encouraged women to break stereotypes and redefine roles, especially in traditionally male dominated fields

He advised young women in the entertainment world not to accept favours since some ended up being costly.

Rather, he said, they should draw inspiration and benchmark from activities such as the One Woman Show.

“The entertainment industry has always been perceived to be male-dominated, that has discouraged many women from trying their luck while others have chosen to take shortcuts to break in. This One Woman should inspire you to work hard, believe in your abilities and nurture them appropriately,” he said.

Sethomo urged event organisers to keep in mind that COVID-19 was still a challenge across all sectors therefore, it was critical to remain vigilant and observe set health protocols.

He also encouraged other music industry players to develop and implement a viable long-term strategic plan, as the fight against the pandemic could be lengthy.

“According to findings, the disease may advance to an endemic phase, this implies it could stay with us for a longer period than we anticipated. Lengthy intervention plans to manage and publicise any possibilities must be implemented,” he stated.

For her part, Makhadzi expressed gratitude for the love and reception she had received from Batswana since her first show here, as proof that her music was having a positive effect on local communities and that people could relate despite language differences.

She said it was possible for women to achieve anything they put their minds to, as long as they were focused and believed in themselves.

“The show aims to empower every black child, and the disadvantaged social backgrounds from which they were raised should not be a barrier to their dreams. I grew up in a compromised situation but here I am,” she stated. 

Meanwhile Gilbert ‘PP’ Seagile of Gilbert Promotions said the show would be a tour of Southern African countries, including Botswana.

PP said seasoned artists would share their expertise, knowledge and skills, to assist upcoming ones advance their careers.

He said the show sought to unite artists and help them gain exposure and penetrate markets in countries to be toured.

“This show is part of a long-term plan to unite artists and give them exposure that will lead in them being signed by reputable record labels in the countries to be visited.” The officials at Open Mic, who signed Makhadzi, have promised to scout for some upcoming artists,” he said.

The show is also intended to help the less fortunate, and PP stated that 10 per cent of the gate takings would be used to empower the less fortunate and those living with disabilities.

He stated that open calls would be issued, allowing on-governmental organisations from around the world to submit proposals, and the organisation to be assisted would be picked by Makhadzi and Open Mic Productions, the company that signed her.

Eight international acts from South Africa that will include Cassper Nyovest, Master KG, Zanda Zakuza, Prince Benza, and Mr Brown will share the stage with Makhadzi, as will 21 local acts among them, Vee Mapheezy, Dr Vom, Scar, Han C, Mingo, Slizer, Charm gal, DJs Dollar Mac, Sly, and MC Hey Nyenah.

PP said the show would be held in the morning to accommodate family fun day activities, and Chonchong would have an opportunity to interact and participate.

The 3rd Secretary-Politics of the South African High Commission in Botswana Andries Petsoane expressed gratitude, that the show was one of the measures that would continue to strengthen artistic mutual relations between the two countries and lighten moods after a two year hiatus due COVID-19. BOPA