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Masego Mohwasa Takes the Stage at U.S.-Africa Business Summit to talk Empowering Botswana’s Creative Industry

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In her eagerly awaited panel discussion at the U.S.-Africa Business Summit, Masego Mohwasa, an accomplished Content Producer and Digital Content Strategist with a BA in Motion Picture Medium, will be at the forefront of the conversation on Financing the African Creative Industry.

As a distinguished filmmaker herself, Mohwasa will bring her expertise and passion to the stage, representing Botswana’s creative industry and shedding light on the specific challenges faced by talented creatives in her home country. With an in-depth understanding of the industry, Mohwasa will address the pressing issue of accessing adequate financing, highlighting the lack of institutional support and limited access to capital that often hinder the progress of aspiring filmmakers and artists.

Moreover, Mohwasa will emphasize the critical role of public-private partnerships in driving the growth of the African creative industry.

Drawing on her experience, she will discuss the importance of collaboration between governments, financial institutions, and private investors to establish funding mechanisms, grants, and incentives that pave the way for innovation, talent development, and enhanced market access for Botswana’s filmmakers.

Having witnessed the transformative power of capacity building and skills development firsthand from her experience with the Multichoice Talent Factory, Mohwasa will passionately stress the significance of investing in programs tailored to the needs of African filmmakers. Through training initiatives, mentorship programs, and the provision of educational resources, she will advocate for empowering creatives to develop their craft, navigate the complexities of the business landscape, and effectively compete in the global marketplace.

Addressing the challenges surrounding intellectual property rights and copyright protection, Mohwasa will draw attention to the importance of robust legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms.

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With her unique blend of expertise, personal experiences, and unwavering dedication to the Botswana creative industry, Masego Mohwasa’s panel discussion promises to be an enlightening and experience for all in attendance. Her words will resonate deeply with creatives in Botswana, inspiring stakeholders to collectively pave the way for a more prosperous and vibrant creative landscape in Botswana and beyond.

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Creatives

HarryCane BW: Botswana’s Rising Amapiano Star

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Who is HarryCane BW?

Born Anthony Mogomela in Francistown, Botswana, HarryCane BW has swiftly emerged as a formidable force in the Southern African music scene. His journey began in 2014 as the lead vocalist for Ghetto Life Music before transitioning to a solo career under the mentorship of industry figures like DJ Rasbanda and DJ Colastraw. Relocating to Gaborone in 2017, he co-founded MN Entertainment with footballer Mogakolodi Ngele, further cementing his presence in the industry. HarryCane’s innovative fusion of Amapiano with local languages and rhythms has garnered him widespread acclaim, leading to collaborations with renowned artists such as Cassper Nyovest and Master KG. ​

“Gombakomba” by HarryCane BW & Fortunator: A Cultural Anthem

In February 2025, HarryCane BW teamed up with South African artist Fortunator to release “Gombakomba,” a track that encapsulates the vibrancy of Southern African music. The term “Gombakomba” translates to “a beautiful girl with respect,” setting the thematic tone for this celebratory piece.

Musical Composition

“Gombakomba” is a masterful blend of Amapiano’s infectious rhythms with traditional melodies, creating a soundscape that’s both contemporary and rooted in cultural heritage. The track’s pulsating beats and melodic hooks invite listeners to the dance floor, exemplifying the genre’s signature style.​

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Lyrical Content

The lyrics pay homage to respectful and admirable women, weaving narratives that resonate across audiences. Delivered in a mix of local languages, the song emphasizes the importance of cultural appreciation and the universal theme of admiration.​

Visual Representation

The accompanying music video enriches the song’s narrative by showcasing vibrant scenes of dance and community life. Set against colorful backdrops, it captures the essence of celebration and togetherness, reinforcing the song’s message. ​

Reception and Impact

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Since its release, “Gombakomba” has received positive feedback for its authentic representation of Southern African culture and its dance-inducing qualities. The collaboration between HarryCane BW and Fortunator highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of the regional music scene, bridging cultural elements with modern musical trends.​

In essence, “Gombakomba” stands as a testament to HarryCane BW’s artistic vision and his commitment to producing music that resonates both locally and internationally.

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Creatives

Hippy Bambino’s Journey Through Fashion, Entrepreneurship and Youth Culture

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From igniting a cultural movement to launching a groundbreaking clothing label and now surfing waves in the music space, Hippy Bambino is a visionary reshaping the contours of youth culture. At just 25, this Botswana-born creative has emerged as a multifaceted force, blending fashion, music, and artistic innovation into a compelling narrative that extends from Botswana to Africa and beyond.

Hippy’s creative journey began with notable collaborations with influential brands and artists like Ban-T, Diamond Dust, and Sampa the Great. These early ventures showcased his unique vision and solidified his reputation as a trailblazer in graphic design and fashion. Building on this momentum, Hippy took a significant leap in April 2022 by launching his own clothing brand, KARMA By Hippy Bambino.

Inspired by the encouragement of friends who saw his potential, Hippy established KARMA with a clear vision: to create a brand that not only reflects his creative ethos but also resonates deeply with the cultural pulse of Botswana. Since its debut, KARMA has captured the hearts of fashion enthusiasts across the country, becoming a standout name in the streetwear scene. The brand’s influence has reached beyond Botswana’s borders, with South African icons like Cassper Nyovest and Young Stunna proudly sporting KARMA, a testament to its growing impact and appeal.

But Hippy Bambino’s ambitions extend far beyond fashion. In 2023, his role as Creative Director took an exciting turn as he helmed the artistic direction for Ban-T and Veezo View’s album, “Off the Vapors 2.” This pivotal moment ignited a new creative direction for Hippy, merging his passions for fashion and music. Now, he is working on an album that embodies the perfect fusion of hip-hop and streetwear, reflecting his belief in the powerful intersection of these two cultural spheres.

Embracing the pronouns he/him/goat and a self-proclaimed title as the “Greatest to Ever Do It in BW,” Hippy Bambino is on a mission to elevate Botswana’s cultural presence on the global stage. His work is a testament to the future of creative expression, blending style and sound in ways that push boundaries and inspire a new generation. As Hippy continues to innovate and lead, his journey from movement to mastery stands as a beacon of what’s possible when passion and creativity converge.

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Film

Botswana’s Johnson Otlaadisa appointed as Production Supervisor for Mzansi Bioskop Local Film Project by Multichoice

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In August of 2023, MultiChoice Botswana called for the submission of local film concepts alongside the role of a Production Supervisor who would go on to produce three local films to air on Mzansi Bioskop (DStv Channel 164). After months of a rigorous adjudication process, MultiChoice Botswana is excited to announce the appointment of local Motswana film fixer and agent, Johnson Otlaadisa as Production Supervisor.

“The journey we have been on since the inception of this milestone project has been a fulfilling one which promises to expose the incredible local talent we have in Botswana’s film industry,” says Stephanie Pillay, MultiChoice Botswana Managing Director. “M-Net and MultiChoice Botswana have a shared vision to ensure that the production of the three local films which are set to air on Mzansi Bioskop later this year are produced and overseen by an individual who has not only relevant and extensive experience but an individual who has an innate passion for growing Botswana’s local creative industry. Johnson has proven to be the absolute top choice for this opportunity.”

Born and raised in Lobatse, Otlaadisa has over 20 years of experience in the performing arts industry in Botswana. He is one of the founding creators of the popular Radio Serial Drama: Makgabaneng, and the Facebook hit comedy series titled BW Trending Content. He has produced Lights Off (Drama Series), The Village Idiots (Sitcom), and Wedding Stories (Lifestyle Magazine Program) which have all aired on BTV 1, as well as Night Shift (Sitcom) and Online Celebs Game Show for Upic Tv and Btv 1.

Speaking on the significance of the Local Film Project, Otlaadisa commented, “The Mzansi Bioskop Local Film Project is an answer to a prayer that the local creative industry has held for a very long time. We have been looking for opportunities to have our stories recognized by international broadcasters and for our talent to be acknowledged in order to grow our industry. For MultiChoice to make this investment is a big win for the local industry.”

Otlaadisa is currently the Chairperson of the Botswana Screen Society, a coalition of TV/Film Associations that advises and lobbies stakeholders, including government, for the development of television and film in Botswana. Otlaadisa is also a former member of Reetsanang Association of Community Drama Groups and a Former Board Member of Botswana National Youth Council, with the inaugural BNYC TV & Film Festival being his brainchild.

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The Mzansi Bioskop Local Film Project will see three Batswana filmmakers’ concepts being brought to life and broadcast on Mzansi Bioskop; the home of locally written and produced feature films from South Africa. The broadcast of films produced outside of South Africa is a milestone not only for Botswana’s creative industry but the channel as well.

“We are proud to be part of showcasing the amazing work and creative storytelling though this project, especially because it gives a platform to share stories from other African markets,” says Shirley Adonisi, Director of Local Interest Channels – M-Net. “We hope this will go beyond the project and that we can later see more co-productions between Mzansi and other markets in the continent.”  

With the appointment of Otlaadisa to the highly coveted role of Production Supervisor for the Local Film Project, MultiChoice Botswana looks forward to announcing the names of the production houses behind the three local films in the near future. “Words can’t express how much we are looking forward to Batswana being able to see this historic moment in local film on our platform,” adds Pillay. “It’s a defining moment for us as a business as our ambition has always been to bring our viewers more local stories that connect them to DStv more than ever before.”

For more information on how to subscribe to DStv to enjoy local content and more, please visit www.dstv.com or download the MyDStv App on Google Play and Apple Ios stores.

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