The MAD dream finale

Sharon Mathala | Monday September 1, 2014 13:29

The cold breeze could did not deter the fans who went in numbers to support their favourite hopefuls. In her last show as the presenter, Bonolo Mogwe kicked-off the event off with the junior category, which had six acts competing. In the junior category, eight-year-old Kevin Tabudi won after stealing the hearts of both the attendants and the judges.

In the teen category, which had amongst others former Mantlwaneng presenter, Kago, it was the X5 Dance Crew and singer Pesalema who obtained first and second prize respectively. The senior category was scooped by the Kotinapapa duo followed by Robo-flex who were seemingly the favourites of the crowd.Even rapper ATI was spotted on his feet giving siblings, Resego and Masego Mashamaite, a standing ovation. Communications officer, Simon Tidimane, this year’s show began with a countrywide road show in March. “The MAD crew traveled all around Botswana in search of local talent.  The competition was fierce all around, but the best of the best had to be sieved from the rest of the talent.  This is what we saw today, the very best of local talented youngsters,” he said. Tidimane added that they have not yet finalised dates for the next MAD.  He said, however, that the 19th instalment of MAD will get underway at the beginning of next year.  Even though it is still a well loved show, its  popularity suffered a few knocks after the departure of one of its founding members, Rosalyn Beukes.

The Monitor is informed that there were questions about the ownership of the My African Dream trademark and some people were not happy with the way the competition was run. Beukes’ relocation to South Africa saw a new company being appointed.  According to inside sources, after Beukes left, the talent show lost some of its lustre and some major sponsors threatened to pull out.  They also said that what complicated the matter further was that Riverwalk had registered My African Dream as a trademark.  MAD has been in existence since 1996.