07 May 2024

Renowned Botswana musician and songwriter Mpho Sebina captivated the audience at the Forbes Under 30 Africa summit by highlighting the influence of her African roots on her musical journey

During a panel discussion titled: Globalising African Music and Languages, Sebina emphasised the crucial role of language and culture in shaping the essence of music, allowing it to transcend borders and resonate with different people across the world.

While celebrating creativity, she also said it was important to preserve the integrity of one’s craft within a rapidly changing landscape.

Acknowledging the challenging realities of the music industry, she highlighted the need for artists to diversify their income streams in order to protect their livelihoods while pursuing their passions.

Sebina pointed out that one’s art was not just a form of self-expression, but a business that required careful navigation and strategic planning.

“Music is more than just producing sounds; it is a way to tell stories, communicate in various languages, and celebrate different cultures,” she said

Sebina dared the new generation of artists to dream, create, and monetise their talents.

“Keep creating, pushing boundaries, and, most importantly, prioritising your financial well-being,” she stated.

Miss World Africa, Lesego Chombo also promoted talent investment and economic advancement.

Addressing delegates under the topic: Optimising Talents for Success, Chombo highlighted the transformative power of talent, stressing its ability to transcend boundaries and drive economic growth.

“As a beauty queen, first as Miss Botswana and now as Miss World Africa, my journey exemplifies the immense potential of talent to unlock unprecedented opportunities,” Chombo said, drawing from her personal experience.

Highlighting the importance of investing in talent, Chombo emphasised the need for young people to actively cultivate and harness their unique abilities.

“Our talents must be more than just a voice; they should be tangible assets that drive progress,” she said.

Chombo recounted her own journey to success, which she said required years of dedication and meticulous preparation.

“Nothing successful happens overnight,” she added, emphasising the importance of steadfast commitment to one’s goals. She shed light on the concept of finding the right platform to effectively showcase and commercialise one’s talent, stating that visibility was essential in the digital age.

She also advocated for strategic branding by delegates and leveraging social media to maximize exposure. Chombo stressed the need for talent to create value and make a positive impact on society.

She highlighted her commitment to not only personal success but also to social impact through initiatives like the Genesis Project.

“By optimising our talents, we sow seeds of prosperity for future generations,” she said, inspiring others to follow suit in maximising their potential for the betterment of Africa and beyond.  ENDS