News
FNB Celebrates Africa Day – Khoisan & Mophato rep Botswana at Virtual Concert
It’s another beautiful moment for BW creatives as two of our own make the line up for FNB’s #AfricaDay concert. Hosted by FNB Namibia on 25 May, the event will be celebrating African unity, diversity, and talent and will bring together artists from Namibia, Ghana, Eswatini, Lesotho, and Botswana right to the living rooms of thousands of people across the continent.
For the event, FNB brings the public a virtually imagined concert that captures the spirit of what it means to be African.
The Africa Day concert – a first of its kind – is a mix of music, song and dance, showcasing performers from diverse backgrounds, collaborating to create Afro-inspired musical magic.
“In the last year our brand pushed boundaries in adding value to customers’ lives in a time of uncertainty, and this was reflected in our efforts to offer relief to individuals and business, coupled with keeping our doors open as an essential service,” says Tracy Eagles, FNB Namibia Chief Marketing Officer. “Our industry-leading digital platform enabled our customers to manage their finances in the comfort of their homes – and on Africa Day we will once again utilize the digital space to we bring our customers and all Africans, a concert like never before.
Eagles added: “Many events have been forced to head online, often at the expense of the experience which makes them so powerful in the first place. However we think the fusion of live performance and online interaction delivers the best of both worlds. We believe the online concert experience will open up a new musical world to all Africans.”
The line-up of artists include Top Cheri and PDK (Namibia), Sands and Velemseni (Eswatini), KhoiSan and the Mophato Dance Theatre (Botswana), Ntate Stunna and Botala ba Linare (Lesotho), and Yaw Tog (Ghana).
Stream the free concert on the FNB Namibia Facebook page, YouTube channel or on One Africa TV on 25 May 2021, starting at 16:00.
Celebrated poet and musician iDLE is thrilled to announce the release of his latest single, “Soboka,” now available on all major streaming platforms.
The new single, “Soboka,” marks a powerful return for iDLE, showcasing his lyrical ability and unique storytelling. The song reflects iDLE’s artistic growth and renewed energy.
“I took a break from performing and releasing poetry, but my pen never rested,” said iDLE. “The ink flowed over many pages, telling countless stories. Now, after finding balance in all things art, I’m excited to share this journey with you all. ‘Soboka’ is just the beginning.”
Key Highlights:
Release Date: 01/07/2024
Streaming Platforms: Available on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon Music, and more.
Music Video: An official music video for “Soboka” will be released soon.
About iDLE: iDLE is a renowned poet from Kanye, Botswana, known for his captivating performances and thought-provoking poetry. iDLE has touched the hearts of many with his words and music. His hiatus allowed him to explore new artistic avenues, leading to the creation of “Soboka,” a testament to his enduring talent and passion for the arts.
Established in 2008, the Technical Device Fund Levy aims to foster the creation and production of literary and artistic works while supporting the enforcement of copyright and neighboring rights. This initiative has significantly contributed to the technological advancement of businesses, particularly SMEs, across various industries. In this article, we explore the achievements of the fund to date, the impact it has had on local businesses, and the monitoring tools employed by CIPA to ensure the effective use of the funding. Joining us for an insightful discussion is Ms. Keitseng Monyatsi from Copyright Administration at CIPA, who will provide an update on the latest developments and future plans for the fund.
Rati: Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we have a special update from the Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA) regarding the Levy Technical Device Fund. We are joined by Ms. Keitseng Monyatsi, who will shed some light on the latest developments. Thank you for being with us today.
Ms. Monyatsi: Thank you for having me.
Rati: Can you start by giving us an overview of the Levy Technical Device Fund and its primary objectives?
Ms. Monyatsi: Certainly. The Levy Technical Device Fund is an initiative by CIPA aimed at supporting the acquisition of technical devices that enhance the operations and capabilities of businesses, particularly SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises). The primary objective is to promote technological advancement and innovation within the business community, ensuring that local businesses remain competitive in an increasingly digital global market.
Rati: That sounds like a significant step forward. Can you tell us about the recent updates or changes to the fund?
Ms. Monyatsi: Absolutely. One of the key updates is the increase in the funding limit. Previously, businesses could apply for up to BWP 50,000 in support, but we have now raised this limit to BWP 100,000. This change is aimed at accommodating larger-scale projects and more advanced technological needs.
Rati: That’s a substantial increase. What has prompted this decision?
Ms. Monyatsi: We’ve seen a growing demand for more sophisticated technology among local businesses. As they scale up and face more complex challenges, the need for advanced devices and systems has become more apparent. The increase in funding is a response to these evolving needs, ensuring that businesses have the resources to invest in cutting-edge technology.
Rati: How can businesses apply for this fund, and what are the eligibility criteria?
Ms. Monyatsi: The application process is quite straightforward. Businesses need to submit a detailed proposal outlining their technological needs and how the fund will be used to address these needs. The proposal should include a budget breakdown and expected outcomes. As for eligibility, applicants must be registered with CIPA and demonstrate a clear need for the technical device in question. Priority is given to businesses that can show potential for significant impact and innovation.
Rati: Are there any success stories or examples of businesses that have benefited from the Levy Technical Device Fund?
Ms. Monyatsi: Yes, there are several success stories. For instance, a local agribusiness recently used the fund to purchase advanced irrigation systems, which significantly increased their yield and efficiency. Another example is a tech startup that acquired high-performance servers to support their growing client base, enabling them to scale their operations and offer better services.
Rati: It’s great to hear such positive outcomes. What are the future plans for the Levy Technical Device Fund?
Ms. Monyatsi: We plan to continue expanding the fund and exploring partnerships with other organizations to provide even more comprehensive support. Additionally, we are looking into offering training and advisory services to help businesses make the most of their technological investments.
Rati: Thank you for sharing these insights. Any final words for businesses considering applying for the fund?
Ms. Monyatsi: I would encourage all eligible businesses to take advantage of this opportunity. Investing in technology can be a game-changer, and the Levy Technical Device Fund is here to support you in making that leap. Don’t hesitate to reach out to CIPA for assistance with your application.
Rati: Thank you, Ms. Monyatsi, for this informative update. We look forward to seeing how the fund continues to benefit the business community.
Ms. Monyatsi: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure.
The wait is almost over! Priscilla K, the versatile and high-potential artist, has just announced that her much-anticipated album is coming out soon. Fans have been eagerly asking for new music, and she’s finally delivering. This year alone, she dropped a joint project with superstar Han C and St Louis, adding to her collection of multiple hit records.
Priscilla K has been honing her craft and has collaborated with some of the best in the industry, including Chef Gustos and her long-time collaborator Dj Levels. Recently, she teamed up with Flex the Ninja on production, promising a fresh and exciting sound.
A few years ago, Priscilla K was part of an initiative by Red Bull Music and Tall Racks Records called Lift As You Rise. This initiative gave artists from around the continent the opportunity to submit their own 16 bars to tracks that already featured verses by renowned artists like Nasty C, Tellaman, Gemini Major, Rowlene, Lastee, and Zino D.
She’s also made significant strides across the border, collaborating with Sun El Musician, Karyendasoul, and many other top Deejays, further showcasing her versatility and talent.
We’re so ready to experience what this BW native is about to dish out
