Of artists and the New Year
Gasebalwe Seretse | Wednesday January 8, 2014 15:05
Thapong Visual Arts Centre coordinator, Reginald Bakwena said that he hopes that there will be professionalism in the visual arts industry this year as many Batswana are now beginning to appreciate the arts.
'Artists need to up their game and be professional when it comes to dealing with potential clients. In the past, we have had clients complain about the way some of the artists handled them and we hope this will come to an end,' said Bakwena, adding that even managers like himself need to be instrumental in helping improve the standards of the visual arts in the country.
He further said that he hopes the renovation and construction of facilities at the centre would be complete by March this year, which he said would improve the state of visual arts in the country. Bakwena pointed out that his dream is to see the arts diversify the economy of the country.
Afro-jazz artist, Nnunu Ramogotsi is confident that 2014 is her year after having a successful 2013.
'I somehow believe 2014 was made for me, this is the year that I am going to reach many highlights of my career. I hope to also mentor upcoming talents in the country, which I believe is plentiful,' Nnunu said, adding that she would not feel threatened if she were to mentor others.
The talented artist, who also happens to be fashion savvy, said that this year she is going to tour Europe and the Scandinavia. She is also currently working on a follow up album, which is going to be released this year.
Cendric Senna, who was chosen as Botswana's best male model last year by the Department of Arts and Culture, said that this year, he aspires for an international platform.
'I hope to walk international ramps this year, which means I really have to work hard. I also want to recruit more and more males into the modelling industry,' Senna said.
Senna further lauded the government for recognising modelling and rewarding models for their participation in a series of events held last year.
Film producer, Fenny Lekolwane said that 2014 is going to be a very busy year for her and her team at Handprint.
'Our first project at Handprint this year is a movie called Perfect Love, which we will start shooting on January, 18. The title is derived from the scripture that says, 'Perfect love drives out all fear', and it's about prostitution. We have realised that some people become prostitutes because they lack love and the movie tries to highlight that,' Lekolwane, who also manages Botswood Movies, said.
Handprint and Botswood Movies also have four other new productions in the line-up for 2014 namely Dangerous Games Women Play, Dangerous Games Men Play, Lepodisi La Sephiri and Matsale Part 2. The shooting of these productions is going to finish at the end of the first quarter of 2014.
Gospel artist, Kabelo Eric hopes to participate in a number of international awards. The artist, who has finished working on his latest album His Worship, also said that he is ready to tour the continent to promote his works.
'Although my latest album has already been recorded, I am going to officially launch it around Easter holidays. I also want to take part in some international gospel awards and tour African countries such as Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana and South Africa,' he said.
He further said that His Worship features gospel songbird, Suggie Fisher.