In Botswana, we’ve witnessed an exciting surge in youth-targeted subculture events. One recent standout was the collaboration known as #AtTheSameDamnTime, where The Day Club, WhySo & Friends, and Piano Sunsets joined forces for a unique celebration of Botswana’s Independence.

The Day Club, masterminded by Architects of Groove, is a quarterly lifestyle event that draws people together to revel in good looks, great vibes, drinks, and infectious rhythms. Meanwhile, WhySo & Friends, curated by Ban T and The Why So group, has been thriving for its second or third year, notably launching during the Covid era. They cater to fans of various subcultures within youth entertainment, with a focus on hip-hop. On the other hand, Piano Sunsets, founded by Teddy and friends, hosts occasional events, including ones at Game City in Gaborone and the CBD’s Dikgosi monuments.

These three entities came together for a memorable event at Duma FM grounds, where they showcased their unique appeal to audiences seeking a fashionable lifestyle and top-notch music. What has intrigued us is how these youth culture platforms have cultivated distinctive followings, each craving a particular way of life, aesthetics, and quality tunes. Notably, they have attracted brand partnerships, with notable sponsors like Flying Fish, Jack Daniels, Visa, Tsatsi, KBL, Jagermeister, and more. This demonstrates that youth culture brands can not only survive but also evolve into sustainable ventures. Of course, maintaining the right formula and factors is crucial for their continued success.

This development is an exciting prospect, and we at EBW eagerly anticipate its impact on Botswana’s eventing space, a sector that has struggled to draw audiences, especially with local lineups. We’ll also be closely monitoring the partnerships that emerge, both individually by the three platforms and collectively. As outsiders, we consider this event a success, and we assume there will be another one next year. Kudos to the organizers; it seems like everyone had a blast, and we can’t wait for the next installment.

One of the highlights was Ban T & Veezo’s set which brought out Faded Gang for what was surely a fan favorite moment.

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Our challenge to brands in Botswana is this: “How can we actively engage in the interests of our target audience?” What opportunities exist to participate, integrate, and even collaborate to achieve more profound and meaningful brand reach?

#AtTheSameDamnTime exemplifies the collaborative power of youth entrepreneurs and creative professionals who own The Day Club (Architects of Groove), WhySo & Friends, and Piano Sunsets. It’s a testament to their vision and dedication to shaping Botswana’s vibrant cultural landscape.

SEE PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS HERE

Talented Botswana creatives Prince Tom and Ronald Kegomoditswe’s highly anticipated art exhibition, titled “Ke Dinaledi,” made its grand debut at Masa Hotel this past Saturday. Exploring the meaning behind the exhibition’s title, Kegomoditswe revealed that they initially sought a profound and intricate theme but ultimately settled on a simple yet evocative concept that would resonate with viewers long after their visit.

Renowned artist Ron de artist, Kegomoditswe elaborated that the theme could be interpreted in various ways, even extending to the subjects depicted within the paintings. By skillfully employing light and color, they created an atmosphere reminiscent of stars, inviting viewers to perceive each artwork as a celestial body within a vast artistic universe. Furthermore, the exhibition’s title carried a secondary significance, emphasizing the belief that as artists, they themselves were stars – individuals of significance, deserving of admiration and recognition.

Hailing from Sefophe, Kegomoditswe emphasized his conviction that art possessed a unique ability to convey thoughts and emotions that words alone could not capture. With “Ke Dinaledi,” he and Prince Tom aimed to offer visitors a glimpse into their perspective, inviting them to witness the beauty that enveloped their world through the medium of art.

Kegomoditswe, who has previously showcased his talent through several solo exhibitions, joined forces with Tom, who paid tribute to his late mother through his last solo exhibition, “The ballad of a butterfly,” held in the previous year. In 2020, the duo also organized an exhibition in Gaborone named “Maitemogelo,” further solidifying their artistic partnership and creative synergy.

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