From performing at the political parties’ events and manifesto launches to flaunting the parties' t-shirts and merchandise, it seems the 2024 General Election will see a number of entertainment industry players contesting for political office.
Besides House Kwasa star, Vee Mampeezy, Kwasa Kwasa artist Baitshepi ‘Chris Manto 7’ Mwanchisenge and former Big Brother Africa housemate, Motamma Sesinyi-Horatius who are some of the known entertainment figures that have been active in politics, we have seen what looked like a proliferation of entertainers joining the political scene, among them veteran Kwasa Kwasa artist, Frank ‘Franco’ Lesokwane, Tshepiso 'Kast' Molapisi, event promoter Godwin Exotic Sebina, Lecco Kenosi and Kesego Okie to name but a few. Okie, just like Vee Mampeezy was allegedly vetted out to contest the BDP primaries.
She had allegedly thrown in her name to contest the primaries in Gaborone South constituency. With Vee Mampeezy’s omission from the list of candidates who will contest the BDP primary elections dominating the headlines this week, Arts&Culture looks at other creatives who have raised their hands for election to contest this year’s elections.
Gilbert ‘PP Wa Pimp’ Seagile After years of advocating for the commercialisation and recognition of the creative industry as a significant player in economic growth, the renowned music promoter and artists manager, has finally availed himself for a political office. Among other things, ‘PP Wa Pimp’ has been very vocal, spearheading the push for local content to get 70% airplay on local radio stations and televisions. He has also decried the huge sums of money the Copyright Society of Botswana (COSBOTS) pays to foreign artists whose works enjoy more airplay.
‘PP Wa Pimp’ will contest the BDP primaries for the Peolwane ward in Gaborone Bonnington North constituency. PP Wa Pimp is also the director of Gilbert Promotions. Michael ‘Dignash’ Morapedi When ‘Dignash’ was announced as one of the additions to the BDP’s communications and international relations subcommittee in 2022, it was not clear whether the media personality/comedian was eyeing to contest the elections. ‘Dignash’ is an experienced radio presenter who has excellent communication skills. He cut his teeth in broadcasting in 1992 when he was one of the first eight presenters to hit the airwaves on RB2 in April of that year.
He is very knowledgeable on several issues and his jokes have made him a very likable person. ‘Diggy’ as he is commonly known by his peers in the industry, will contest BPD parliamentary primaries in the Gaborone North constituency. Keotshepile ‘Berry Heart’ Motseonageng The talented poet, musician and entrepreneur has raised her hand for political office in Ditshegwane Ward in the Takatokwane constituency during the upcoming BDP primaries. ‘Berry Heart’ as she is commonly known, is the only female candidate in the constituency. If she succeeds, she will make history by being the first person to win the ward for the BDP.
‘Berry Heart’ opened her first fashion store called Berry Heart Creations at Mowana Mall in Phakalane in 2021. The award-winning artist-turned-businesswoman and now director of Berry Heart Creations, has been pushing her clothing line, which includes gym wear, amongst others for quite some time online. Salim Thabang Kegodile Kegodile will contest the BDP primaries for Naledi South in the Gaborone South constituency. A resolute creative, his footprints are found in the music industry as a promoter and artist manager as well as event management.
