2022 shakers and movers
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Sunday December 25, 2022 06:00
For our small population and to some extent being such a conservative society, Botswana has struggled to produce celebrities. If we have them, they do not hog headlines and mass media attention as it should be.
As such, those that made the list are not necessarily because of what they do for a living or their status in the society but mostly on the basis of their social media activity.
Kgosi Ngakaagae (Lawyer) Ngakaagae has always been very vocal on social media. He speaks his mind and has an opinion on each and every topical issue. Famed for his altercation with German or Jemen in 2019, Ngakaagae has continued to get people talking with his controversial Facebook posts on different issues.
As a lawyer, he doesn’t just comment on matters of law, but any other issue that comes up on the social media space. He is very robust and I’m sure his way of debating has created him enemies along the way, which he said he doesn’t care about.
Vee Mampeezy (Musician) Hate him or love him, the Taku Taku hit maker is a real newsmaker. He has his good days as bad ones. But one thing for sure is Vee Mampeezy knows how to make lemonade from bitter lemons life throws at him. Fans have often criticised him every time he drops a song but he would drop another one the following week to redeem himself.
Vee Mampeezy and his ex-wife Kagiso recently made headlines when news of their divorce broke out. Many people did not see it coming especially that the two have always denied troubles in their marriage.
After receiving a backlash for announcing a One Man Show early in the year, with many people accusing him of trying to sabotage or ATI or being a copycat, Vee Mampeezy went on quietly with his business. He was forced to postpone and later on ditch the idea. However, after ATI’s show passed, Vee Mapeezy announced his own show called Last Man Standing, which has been hailed as a success.
Kagiso Sento She made the list because of her divorce with musician Vee Mampeezy. Before that, Kagiso was quiet. She is never the type to grab headlines. Unfortunately things happened and they revealed her side that we did not know. Kagiso was fuming and during that time she was among the frequently searched names on social media as people followed her divorce with Vee Mampeezy.
Penene Ponono (Comedian) This guy has seen and done it all this year. From being beaten at a bar in Molepolole to spending time behind bars for an alleged debt. The standup comedian has a huge presence online and his much-publicised, on and off and alleged abusive relationship with socialite, Lala Larona has seen his popularity grow. The winner of the 2017 President’s Day competition’s comedy category kept people glued to their social media accounts.
Lala Larona (Socialite) It was her breakup with his baby daddy, Bontle Jwa Batswana aka BJB which was probably the turn of her fortunes. She was now independent and saw her brand grow instantly. Her relationship with comedian Penene Ponono might have enhanced her social media presence even more. She is now getting bookings at events.
Bontle Jwa Batswana (BJB) BJB is among the popular names in the local social media and showbiz space. His break up with Lala Larona got social media attention. BJB has now earned himself a slot in the showbiz as he is often booked as Mcee.