FOLKLORE REVIVALIST

Ntirelang Berman has been a consistent force in Botswana’s folklore music and has in the past taken this music globally as shown by his invitations to perform in Germany, China, Japan and Canada , just to mention a few. Berman was also part of the My African Dream Talent Search in its formative years. A couple of years ago, the young man released a key folklore album (Maloba) that won Best Folklore award at the second Botswana Music Union (BOMU) Awards.
He’s a hard-core traditionalist whose aim is to revive the waning traditional music and the culture associated with it.
Born 28 years ago, the Ramotswa musician is undisputedly one of the leading traditional musicians this country has ever produced.
He describes the music that he sings as 'classical Tswana poetry’.
The young man is a rare gem.
He is so much endowed with musical talent and his angelic voice aside; he can play different guitar strings.
He can play the four-string guitar made famous by Stampore, five and six Balete string and the standard string.
As if that is not enough, Berman can play both segaba and stinkane.
Voice Entertainment Editor, MOSES MARUPING during the week caught up with the immensely talented Berman to find out the many things which motivates him to wake up everyday…

I’m extremely proud to be in the company of greatness. Could you please tell us about yourself?
Thanks for the great opportunity. My names are Ntirelang Berman and I come from Goo-Rra Dimpe Ward in Ramotswa. I was born on March 7 1981.
I grew up in Ramotswa where I started my primary schooling at St. Condrad’s Mission School before going to Ramotswa Community Junior Secondary School (C.J.S.S) and finally Kagiso Senior Secondary School. I’m a performance artist with a strong incline towards traditional music.

How did all this come about?
I started taking interest in performance arts since my seminal years at primary school. I did mostly Setswana poetry where one gentleman by the name of Seabenyana Rasefako wrote me several poetry pieces to stage. When I was doing Standard Six I took it upon myself to write my own poems and during the same time I took interest in traditional dance as well as drama. During junior secondary level I continued in my strive and in 1998 joined a group called Barwa Kgodumo ya Leselesele which was basically formed to keep out-of-school-youth away from the ills of society. Truth be told, this was one of the first ever groups locally to fuse traditional music with instrumentals such as guitars and drums. It was during this time when I thought of an idea to enhance my poetry by simply starting to play marimba and percussions.

So what happened next?
I wasn’t happy as I got to realize that my poetry seemed to be swallowed by melody and rhythm. I tried my hand at segaba, stinkane and acoustic guitar. After several months of playing the acoustic guitar to add a bit of flavor to my poetry I fell in love with the effect and focused my energy in perfecting my skills.

People of your age seem to focus their musical interests in doing Hip-Hop, Kwaito and House music genres. Don’t you feel kinda old doing folklore music which is sometimes associated with the older generation?
Most of my peers often ask me why I chose to follow this path and I simply tell them that it is the coolest thing to preserve and revive our cultural norms and customs through music. Doing folklore music is the best thing for me and it’s the only thing you can do without falling into the quagmire of feeling like a copycat. I can never sing out of tune no matter what time of the day I’m asked to perform it. It’s not something I’m moulding but offering.

Can you tell me about some of your career highlights?
My career has been great. Ever since 2004 I’ve been traveling in and out of the country. I was part of the My African Dream Talent Search in its formative years and I was thrilled in 2005 when I went to the Grahamstown Arts Festival in South Africa as a background musician unto two plays dubbed ‘Sephiri se dule’ and ‘My brother’s bones’. I was also invited to Germany in 2006 by the country’s statesman arts concert. The German president had visited Botswana and we happened to perform at a dinner hosted in his honour. I think he was impressed with our performances such that when he went back to his country he invited us. I was with Joseph Dikgomo and Myzer Matlhaku. In 2007 I was part of the Botswana entourage which went to China with a group called Barwa Kgodumo, Skazzo and P-Mag. It was something called Botswana Week in Beijing. As if that was not enough I happened to go to Japan for something called "Tokyo International Conference on African Development"(TICAD). It was launched in 1993 to promote high-level policy dialogue between African leaders and development partners. It has since evolved into a major global framework to facilitate the implementation of initiatives for promoting African development under the dual principle of African "ownership" and international "partnership". A central feature of this framework is the cooperation between Asia and Africa. I went there with a local folklore group called Phate ya setso. However among all these travels I consider last year (2008) to being my greatest year as I attended First Voices in Canada. It is simply a platform for Canada Aborigines to meet with other indigenous groups from across the globe and share skills. I was accompanied by one Keletlhokile Sedumao of D’Kar and Captain Dira.

Wow! You just made me turn green with envy. Looking at your achievements, do you have any word of advice to the youth?
All I can say is that now is the time for every Motswana whether old or young to search deep within themselves and be proud of their culture. If we know our past then we will definitely know our future and move forward. If you look at other countries such as Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa; their music is deeply rooted into their past. It is only when we do this that people from other countries will respect us and pay attention to what we do.

As a cultural ambassador how do you carry yourself?
I live a very simple life. I’m only a different person when I’m on stage but the moment I get off I’m like you. Humble and respectful. I know people appreciate me because of my work and I live a very principled life.

Enough about your work. Are you romantically involved?
Yes, I’m taken but I wouldn’t want to discuss details of my relationship.

Fair enough! What qualities do you look for in a woman?
It’s not only about my woman but I also want my friends or the people I hang around with to be truthful and trustworthy. I want them to accept me as I am and not what the expect me to become. I know as the so-called celebrities people often dictate how we live our lives but I detest that.

What do you like about Botswana?
I’m just happy that peace and unity continues to prevail in our land.
What do you hate the most about the same?
Most of Batswana are indolent and rely too much on the government. This mentality has to change.

PERSONAL PROFILE

FULL NAMES: Ntirelang Shima Berman

D.O.B: 7 March 1981
P.O.B: Ramotswa
HOME VILLAGE: Ramotswa
FAV FOOD: Bread in any form with coffee
HOBBIES: I don’t have any
DREAM CAR: I don’t dream cars and I would accept anything God throws my way
HOLIDAY DESTINATION: Germany; it’s a very nice place
ROLE MODEL: I’m self-inspired
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS: Form II certificate. I dropped out of my Form V during second term and didn’t sit for my final examinations. I absconded as I was an intimidation to most of my teachers and they hated me.
FAMILY: I’m the eldest now, cos I lost my older sister when I was young. I have two younger brothers namely; Obakeng Moshingo and Boemo Mosoba Berman.

LIVING FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC

Arguably the most talented guitarist
of his generation, Clement
Jackson is still to launch himself
on the great majority of the unsuspecting
public in his home country.
For a man who has played on the
world stage with legendary guitarist and
rock megastar Eric Clapton, as well as
Shabba Ranks, UB40, Maxi Priest and Oliver
Mtukudzi, the outspoken local muso
deserves to be up there amongst the greats
in the Botswana hall of artistic fame.
His musical adventure began in the
70’s whilst at Mater Spei College. There
he met up with Masilonyana Radinoga
and Louis Mhlanga to form the college
band, Black Serpents. In a career
that has since taken him from the back
streets of Francistown to the golden
gates of San Francisco and beyond, Jackson
has a whole load of stories to tell.
To find out what makes the forty-something
musical pioneer rock, Moses Maruping
recently had a chat with the legend as
he worked on his solo album.

It’s an honour to be in the presence
of greatness. Could you briefly tell
me about yourself?
The pleasure is all mine. I was born
four decades ago in Francistown, but I’m
a descendant of the Ndebele from Borolong
in the north. Given my music career,
I’m known as something of an outgoing
character who makes friends easily.


What’s your claim to fame?
Ha-ha! I really wish I were
famous. Let me just say I’m a seasoned
guitarist who plays a couple of instruments,
among them the alto sax. I’ve
been playing the guitar for the past three
decades. I started playing with the likes
of Ndingo Johwa, Masilonyana Radinoga
and Louis Mhlanga during the mid 70’s.
Then in the mid-80’s, together with the
late Duncan Senyatso, I formed a group
called Kgwenyape and released an album
dubbed “Mephato ya Maloba”. I was the
lead guitarist of this band while Duncan
Senyatso was the lead vocalist. We earned
a certain amount of fame, if not fortune,
when we travelled to Zimbabwe after Duncan
wrote the admired ‘SADC Song,’ and
we shared the stage with renowned singers
Oliver Mtukudzi and Jabu Khanyile.
I’m not blowing my own trumpet, but
our group did steal the show. Ha-ha!
I also stayed in Cape Town for three
years where I had a stint doing gigs at
places such as Inyanga and Gugulethu.
Ah - those were the days my friend.

Tell me about your highlights in
the music industry.
I vividly remember the 80’s
when I had the opportunity to share the
stage with superstars such as UB40, 3rd
World, Maxi Priest, Shabba Ranks and
Mahlathini. However, the highlight was
when we played with the greatest of them
all, the legendary Eric Clapton.
As a guitarist, my entire musical
career went through a huge transformation.
Playing alongside the greatest was
a breakthrough for me. He was the main
man, the guy who inspired me into taking
up the guitar, and I would spend time rehearsing
his songs note for note. When he
came here, I had the opportunity to play
one of his songs called “Crossroads,” and
he was bowled over.
He said to me, “How can you play
my song better than I do?” He just didn’t
expect to find that kind of touch in our region.
All I said to him was that I was passionate
about music and we exchanged
contacts. We kept in touch for some time,
and then out of the blue, he wired me
some money to buy a guitar, exactly like
his. It was a Fender Stratocaster, and it’s
every guitarist’s dream to get their hands
on one. It’s to guitars what a Lamborghini
is to cars. Apart from Clapton, it’s what
guitar greats such as Jimi Hendrix, Richie
Sambora, Mark Knopfler and John Lennon
played.

With such experience, what role
have you played in unearthing
and nurturing young talent locally?
I was supposed to release my
own solo album next month, but I decided to put it on hold so we could
release my son, Eugene’s album.
I have brought on the likes of Helen, Eugene,
Bonnie Fisher and Nono. As testimony to
the fact that they truly respect and recognize
what I have done for their careers, during
my last birthday celebration, the young musicians
raised funds and bought me a guitar.
I was overwhelmed with joy.
What are the challenges you have
faced in the local music industry?
In our time, we didn’t have anyone
locally to model ourselves on, musically,
so we resorted to playing songs
of already established foreign artistes.
I remember after Kgwenyape released the
Mephato ya Maloba album and we took it to
Radio Botswana, one well known announcer,
who shall remain nameless, said e bosula
(it’s boring). That was the greatest challenge
of them all.
I’m happy that today young musicians
have many more opportunities than we ever
did. In our time, for example, when working
with the late Duncan, although it was so
rewarding artistically, and we had enough
songs to carry us through five albums, since
we didn’t have a recording deal we ended
up losing some of the songs. We kept going
because of our love for music, but financially
we were playing for survival.

What’s your take on musicians who
lip-synch?
It is very regrettable. As a musician,
I believe that you need to be able to play at least one instrument. I do believe that
playing in a live band is unbelievably rewarding,
but also expensive. Take for instance my
treasured guitar - you need to pay around
R28 000 for it at the current market prices.
I always tell young musicians that music is
a slippery slope and one needs to tread carefully
if they want to make it as fully-fledged
musicians. It’s wisest to go to school first so
that you have something to fall back on.

Do you also take offence to being
called Rasekanta as many of our
people call musicians?
Ha-ha! I do believe that mindset is slowly
changing, although some people are still
dismissive of musicians. My advice is simpe,
when you do music locally, make sure
there’s something else you do as well, so that
when things get tough, you can still survive.
I believe the word Rasekanta/Masekanta was
a word coined by South Africans for their
musicians. I just want musicians to be able to
plan and save for the future.
We don’t want anyone dying a pauper
and failing to afford his/her own burial.
I guess BOMU is working at establishing
schemes for musicians in the form of funeral
packages. I believe the new president, Socca
Moruakgomo is into the idea of turning the
union around by insuring musicians.

Do you think jealousy exists in our
local music industry and if so
what’s your take on it?
I think it does exist and I hate it badly.
As musicians, we need to be able to
think with our hearts and avoid petty talk. It’s unbefitting and unprofessional.
What else do you do besides
music?
Professionally I’m a qualified
locomotive driver. I was amongst the
first eight people who qualified as train
drivers in 1978. I drove the train for almost
15 years; a job I did even when I was
playing in the Kgwanyape band. Some
of my routes took me as far as Malawi,
Mozambique and Rhodesia. I’m able to
speak fluent Afrikaans, a language that
I acquired during my tenure as a train
driver. One vivid memory I have about
my time as a train driver was during
the apartheid era when a certain white
train driver, who was taking over after
me, grabbed a piece of cloth and wiped
the controls clean, informing me that he
was wiping off my black skin. I was not
amused and I warned him never to repeat
that or else his white face would meet the
skin on my black fist.

Are you married?
I’ve always had cold feet
when it comes to marriage, as I
was scared of getting divorced. Right
now, 99% of all my friends who were
married have divorced and I don’t want
to go through the same trauma. However,
there is a lady I’ve been staying with who
has been very loving and supportive, so
who knows?

What plans do you have for the
future?
I’m very passionate about
music and all I do is accumulate as much
sound equipment as I can. In the future,
I want to be able to supply sound equipment.
Right now I’ve been working on my
home studio and I can tell you it’s coming
up fine. I’m also passionate about alto sax
and I’m perfecting my skills everyday.

Have you had any embarrassing
moment?
I’ve developed balls of steel
and I always take things as they come.
My aim is to triumph over adversity.
Have you a political statement to
make about local music.
Our government continues
to be insensitive towards us musicians.
We want to be allowed to play our music
until the wee hours of the morning. The
amended liquor laws are a pain in our careers.
The association of music and alcohol
is extremely unfortunate and we wish
government had other measures to curtail
excessive alcohol drinking. The new laws
are jeopardizing our existence.

Can you form an honest opinion
about President Ian Khama?
I guess some of his rulings
need some relaxing. However, I do believe
he is a great statesman who is trying
very hard to get the country somewhere,
but I also believe his military background
could be compromising his good side.
Do you have any last words?
The youth must seriously focus
on their education.

PERSONAL PROFILE
FULL NAMES: Clement Njabulo
Jackson
D.O.B: 11 October 19**
P.O.B: Francistown
HOME VILLAGE: Borolong
KIDS: Two sons; Eugene and
Rumbee
FAV FOOD: Pap and Steak on any
given day
FAV DRINK: Glass of wine when
time allows, strictly on weekends
FAV SINGER (voice): Paul McCartney
and Stevie Wonder
FAV MUSICIANS: Frank Zappa and
John McLaughlin
DREAM CAR: BMW X5
MENTOR: My late mum; Elizabeth
Jackson
FAV PAST-TIME: Blowing my alto
saxophone and working on my home
studio

THE FRESH PRINCE OF THE AIRWAVES

Quote for page one: ‘We live in a world where many thrive on taking advantage of others and it’s high time we put our foot down in whatever causes we believe in.’
A short memory back, Prince was an unknown dude about town, whose only claim to fame was partying (dancing from sunrise till sunset) down a storm in many of Gaborone’s various clubs. Fast-forward to 2009, Prince who in the past got many doors shut on his face after trying his luck in many of the local radio stations, now commands respect by co-hosting RB2’s coveted morning show dubbed ‘Rise and Shine Re-Loaded’ with Tebogo Ragontse.
 MOSES MARUPING recently hooked up with the heavy and croaky-voiced radio presenter who is slowly carving himself a golden niche to find out what makes him tick.
You host the most coveted show in the country, tell me about it…
I’m thrilled and I count my blessings everyday.
 Only if people knew the difficult road I’ve travelled to be where I’m at today they’ll realize that nothing in life is impossible.
 If you put your mind to whatever you want to do then for sure you’ll achieve it. This show continues to enrich my brain as I deal with current affairs on a daily basis. 
The show is a mixture of the fast-paced, what’s hot now and we fuse it with the latest trends, be it in music or fashion.
How much preparation goes into this show?
 Dude! A lot really if you consider the fact that I wake up at 0400hrs every morning. As soon as I get up from bed I freshen up before I switch on the radio and TV to get a grasp of what’s going on around the world.
 I get to the studio at exactly 0500hrs and I meet up with the other morning team to discuss all the things lined up for the day.
 It could be revising the questions for the proposed morning interview or simply getting in tune with our producer.
What makes you tick?
 Music, without a doubt, makes me tick.
 I also get thrilled by current affairs. 
But most importantly I get elated when I discuss things in my show which are life altering.
 It also gives me great pleasure whenever I get stopped by a random person on the street saying they appreciate what I do. 
It makes me feel like a mini-God.
I see! So tell me, the celebrity-spotting trend, does it happen a lot?
 Of late yes. It humbles me whenever I’m walking just about town doing my thing when somebody stops me and says, wait I know that voice. Aren’t you so and so? It is the very same thing, which makes me acknowledge and appreciate the power of radio. It makes me super-special and I’m humbled that it has started to occur when I’m hosting a programme with a purpose. Mind you, I’ve only been on radio officially for six months and I’ve gone from hosting the graveyard shift to the after-hours drive and ultimately prime time radio (breakfast show). I’m happy that I have achieved a lot so fast.
Do you often get mysterious phone calls from anonymous women wanting to hit it off with you?
 Ha-ha! Yes, that has also been happening a lot. However I’m not big on taking women’s phone numbers or calls. I’m always not tempted to take these calls but whenever I do pick them up I put them off nicely. I don’t want these callers getting off the phone feeling less of women. I’m not the demeaning or degrading type.
Have you had any embarrassing moments so far?
 Not really but once in a while I do go through the usual ‘choking over words’ trend especially when I’m addressing pressing issues. I’m just happy that the errors I do make are quite minimal and the fact that the RB2 crowd seems to be quite mature in digesting the many issues, which we discuss in our show.
Many people often argue that for one to make a break into radio s/he does not need a college Degree. Your comment…
I always say it’s very important for someone to have something to fall back on whenever things take a nastier turn and what a better way to do it than having the highest academic achievement.
 However, when it comes to radio I believe all you need is your God-given talent and the cocky attitude.
 It is the one field where one does not need a college degree to break through. You need to be able to break down doors without a key.
 You also need to be very persevering.
 Mind you when I told myself I wanted to become a radio presenter, I job-shadowed on Obza’s show for three and a half years without a pay.
 Although it was a bit frustrating I do believe it ultimately paid off and I would encourage young people to do that.
What are the top five things which makes one a good radio presenter?
 Firstly you need to be a good listener, be good on delivery, be confident, have a bit of arrogance and interact a lot so you can very much know what people(listeners) want. The arrogance will always come in handy when you need to stick to your ground. As a radio presenter you are simply a medium of information and you need to be able to stick to your line hence the arrogance.
Don’t you think this ‘arrogance’ will ultimately make you bigheaded?
 Not with me as I was raised in a Christian-inclined background. My mother always told me that although I may be important the next person is more important than I am. Arrogance should only be used as a defence mechanism, say whenever provoked or under attack. We live in a world where many thrive on taking advantage of others and it’s high time we put our foot down in whatever causes we believe in.
Well said mister! So what interests you about Botswana?
 The people in this country are very special especially after you’ve travelled to South Africa. You’ll realize the humbleness Batswana possess.
Is there anything you hate about our country?
 People who always want to take advantage of others. I hate everybody who manipulates others for his/her own benefit. I also hate the fact that most of our people don’t realize their potential. We should stop borrowing trends and cultures from other countries but instead pride ourselves in our traditions and invent our own styles that the rest of the world could also copy. The corporate community should also start seeing some good in their people instead of ploughing their money on foreigners.
I’m told people in the limelight often take advantage of young women by sleeping with them. Your comment…
I sincerely acknowledge the fact that this thing does happen but not with me. One thing which makes me appreciates women the most is the fact that I was raised by a single mother. Unfortunately she passed away in 2001 and I want this interview to be a dedication to her. May her soul rest in peace. She was a friend, a girlfriend and most importantly a mother. I’m not an opportunist and I respect women. I’m dedicated to my work and my life.
Are you dating anyone at the moment? 
I’m single and not looking for the simple reason that many women often fall in the quagmire of dating people on radio simply because they’re on radio. I don’t want to find myself in such a sticky situation.
Ha-ha! So, whenever you do decide to date, what kind of woman would fit the description of a good woman?
 I want a woman who was raised right. She has to be a cultured person with the main ingredient in her being, Botho. She also has to have a phenomenal body, humorous and not really super-intelligent. I want to have smart kids so clearly their mother and father need to have brains closer to Einstein’s. She has to have super looks and light-skinned too.
Is there anything else we need to know about Prince?
 I’m a patriot and I clearly think we’ve achieved a lot as a country and we must not sit back and bask in the sun.
What freaks you out in life?
 I’m afraid of death. A friend of mine once told me that no amount of education readies you for the loss of life. Even if you’re a professor and you lose a loved one you’ll always shed a tear.
What are your future plans? Together with my manager, Christie M, we’re working towards growing the Fresh Prince of GC brand. I would want to have a family and kids one day and they would need somebody to feed them. I have been given a platform to express myself and I want to use it to greater heights so that the businessperson in me comes out. I want, through my brand, to create an alliance market for Botswana and South African artistes to thrive. I simply want to create trade relations between Tswana and RSA arts. Anyone interested in knowing more about the Fresh Prince of GC brand can contact my manager, Christie M on 72258516.
Do you have any last words? 
It can be done. It has been proven. Let’s get together and hold hands and embrace this beautiful thing called life.
PERSONAL PROFILE
FULL NAMES: Prince Dimpho Masololo
D.O.B: 24 November 1981
P.O.B: Serowe
HOME VILLAGE: Serowe
FAV FOOD: Pap and Oxtail
FAV MUSIC: It’s quite diverse for me to pick one genre.
FAV MOVIE OF ALL TIMES: John Q starring Denzel Washington.
DREAM CAR: Hummer; mind you I’m not a small person.
CURRENTLY READING: The Secret by Rhonda Byrne.
HOLIDAY DESTINATION: Kasane

MEET MISS BOTSWANA 2009

THE FAIREST OF THEM ALL

Quote for cover page: “I didn’t sleep with anyone to win Miss Botswana. I guess the judges chose me and that’s that.”

And the winner was …….. Sumaiyah Marope!
Amongst the shrieks of excitement and applause came the usual gasps of wonder and theories of conspiracy. The Miss Botswana pageant is never without controversy, and this year was no exception.
But the bottom line was that Sumaiyah was the unanimous choice of the five judges, which included two of our best celeb exports, Kaone Kario and DJ Fresh, and if the contest proved anything, it is that there are a lot of really hot local beauties out there.
The 22-year-old student from Ramotswa beat thirteen other stunning ladies to clinch the coveted Miss Botswana 2009 crown in a glittering event held at Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC) last Saturday.
She drove away in a stylish Black Mercedes Benz C200 Kompressor worth P300 000 as her main prize, together with a year’s supply of fuel courtesy of BP and a P50 000 school bursary from the pageant organizers.
MOSES MARUPING caught up with the newly crowned queen to find out more about the lady who last week launched herself on the unsuspecting public.

Congratulations on being crowned Miss Botswana 2009. Tell us about it.
Thanks - I’m really proud of the achievement, and I pinch myself every now and then just to make sure I’m not dreaming. I’m completely overwhelmed, and still in a state of shock. During the contest I just tried to stay focused. I kept telling myself, Sumaiyah you can clinch this title, just keep going and strive for the best. I know many are saying, ‘but she’s Muslim, and it’s against their religion,’ but my family gave me the permission and supported me to participate in the pageant. So I sincerely believe that with their blessing I was doing nothing wrong, and there was nothing to stop me.

How did you prepare for the pageant?
The preparations for Miss Botswana were not so hectic, but we had to prepare fully by working out and taking some choreography lessons. It was a big challenge.
Have you participated in beauty contests before?
Yes, many times. I’m the former Miss European Union 2004 as well as Miss Fresher’s Ball 2007 at Taletso College where I was studying in Lehurutshe.
Were you nervous?
Honestly speaking I experienced stage fright throughout the entire show. It took all my inner strength just to keep myself focused. Without this I would have been a nervous wreck and done everything wrong.
What do you say to the usual rumour doing the rounds that contest was fixed. Some are even saying a lot of girls were prettier than you and suggest that you must have slept with someone to secure yourself this title?
I always say people will do anything to bring you down. Rumours will always be rumours. I didn’t sleep with anyone to win Miss Botswana. I guess the judges chose me and that’s that.
So what’s it like to be the proud owner of a P300 000 set of wheels?
I still can’t believe I own that car. It’s a good feeling. As a young person I didn’t believe I would get my first car for a few years yet, and now to have a car of this magnitude is a great gift from above.
I still haven’t come up with plans on where I shall be driving to and when, but whenever I do I will give you a lift. Ha-ha!
Another thing is that although I know how to drive I still haven’t secured myself a driver’s license. I guess I should call prospective chauffeurs for an interview.
And the P50 000 school bursary?
Currently I’ll stick to what I’m pursuing. Maybe in future I can plough the money I’ve won to enhance my degree by pursuing my Masters.
What’s your attitude towards The Voice page 3 and would you pose in it?
I don’t have anything against Page 3 and I guess those who appear in it do that by choice. As for me I would never pose for Page 3. I’d rather stick to what I do best which is beauty pageants.
Tell us more about yourself?
I was born in Ramotswa in 1986 and I have two younger sisters, Shameelah and Isabella. My father is a businessman from Pitshane-Molopo and my mum who works in the FNB Property Division is from Ramotswa. I’m currently a student at Limkokwing University and I’m a big time fan of socializing. I enjoy having people around me all the time. Ignorant people tick me off while anything that gets me in a good mood turns me on.
What interests you about life?
The whole creation thing and God’s Divine plan intrigues me. The beauty, mystery and diversity of human beings is a study I find fascinating.
There’s a general perception that beauty queens think they are superior and a breed apart from mere mortals. What’s your take on this?
I think everything largely depends on who you are, where you come from and how you were raised. Personally I don’t subscribe to such an opinion. I’m not a snob and don’t think I’m better than others. I have never had such an attitude and have no intentions of developing one. If it ever happens that I get an over inflated ego during my reign as Miss Botswana, then there will be something seriously wrong with me.
They say you can tell a lot about a girl from the contents of her bag. So what’s in your bag?
I have a100ml Vaseline, which I can’t leave the house without. I have my purse with my bank cards and other shenanigans. I have my school notebook, sweater, newspaper, pen and my Nokia 6300 phone
Do you have any dating tips for guys?
Ha-ha! Let me just say whatever you do, don’t kiss her on a first date.
That’s a terrible move and guys keep getting it wrong. Keep some of the mystery for the second date.
Speaking of kisses and dates…are you seeing anyone at the moment?
Gosh! You want to get me in trouble with my family. Ha-ha! Yes, I’m currently involved, but don’t want to go into details. Let me just say that’s for you to find out.
Fair enough – so what qualities does a man need to secure a date with the most beautiful woman in the country?
Let me speak about my boyfriend. I guess he understands me better and that’s why we’re together. We’ve only been dating for a few months now. The man I’m with has to understand that I have so many duties to fulfill as Miss Botswana and he should always be willing to compromise. My boyfriend is the same colour and almost the same height as me. He’s also well mannered.
How does a beautiful woman keep men away from her?
It’s a matter of knowing how to communicate with people. I know that like a magnet I will attract men, but I don’t think it’s too big headed to say that I also know how to repel them.
What advice can you give to anyone who aspires to win Miss Botswana?
I always tell people that when you dream of something, you just have to put your mind to it. You will come across several stumbling blocks, but you just have to keep trying until you achieve your goal.
How do you keep fit?
Contrary to popular believe that when you eat a lot you are bound to double in size, I do eat a lot and I still have this sexy figure. Each time when I’m at home I dance a lot. I guess also doing household chores such as washing dishes keeps me fit.
What’s your attitude towards The Voice page 3 and would you pose in it?
I don’t have anything against Page 3 and I guess those who appear in it do that by choice. As for me I would never pose for Page 3. I’d rather stick to what I do best which is beauty pageants.
Any embarrassing moments to recall?
Ha-ha! Yeah! I once tripped whilst on stage during the Miss European Union Pageant in 2004. I thought I was going to fall in front of everyone, but I was able to regain my step and the show went on. I was amazed when I was announced the winner. It was a bitter-sweet moment.
Do you have any regrets in life?
I don’t have any regrets. So far life’s too good to have any regrets.
What’s the most hilarious thing you’ve ever heard?
There are so many things that always crack me up. I’m one person that enjoys laughing and I can always see the funny side of life.
What expectations should Batswana have about you during your reign as Miss Botswana 2009?
All I can say is that Batswana will see a lot of me as I intend to get my hands active in projects especially those tied to the NGOs.
What do you like about Botswana?
I love everything. Be it our diamonds, beauty or infrastructure. I also like the fact that Batswana are amongst the most understanding people in the world.
I just hope that this is not something that will change in the future.
What changes would you like to see in the Country?
As a student I would like to see the education system change. I would also like to see our local politics and politicians much more accommodating to its people especially the youth. In turn I feel that our people could be more proactive in getting politically involved.
If you were to sit on a table with President Ian Khama, what would you say to him?
I would pat him on the back for the good job he continues to do. I’m in total agreement with most of his policies particularly his abhorrence of alcohol abuse. I think he has a vision for the future, and plans on how to achieve it. I believe he has the interests of all his people at heart and he’s simply trying to help Batswana achieve their dreams.
What’s your ultimate dream?
I am determined to build my own business empire and own a thriving Advertising Company. I want to own a glass house as well as drive a 4.5 Land Cruiser and BMW 760 Li, plus have a lovely husband and three kids. Funnily enough I want my first child to be a boy!
Do you have any last words?
I’d like to thank everybody, especially my parents, for their support. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for them.

PERSONAL PROFILE

FULL NAMES: Sumaiyah Marope

NICKNAMES: Bobo or Somi

D.O.B: 17 September 1986

P.O.B: Bamalete Lutheran Hospital, Ramotswa

HOME VILLAGE: Ramotswa

CAREER: Currently studying BA in International Business (Limkokwing University)

HOBBIES: Socializing. I enjoy having people around me.

CURRENTLY READING: Memoirs of Geisha by Arthur Golden

FAV DISH: Nothing in particular as I love most food. I’m food’s biggest fan and everyday at school I devour Serobe ka magwinya.

FAV PIECE OF LINGERIE: Ha-ha! My pink underwear with my matching French knickers.
FAV SONG: ‘Wa Mpahela’ by Lira Molapo
HOLIDAY DESTINATION: Brazil and I want to go alone. Ha-ha! Locally I’d love to go to Kasane.
MOTTO: Live your dream.
ROLE MODEL: My younger sister; Shameelah. She’s always smiling at the world.

AN AUDIENCE WITH… SHAGGY

Quote: “If Bob Marley walked in the room right now I would probably sit down and smoke the biggest spliff with him, then do a jam session”

For someone who has gloried in the celebrity limelight for twenty years, and is reputed to have an ego big enough to match his superstar status, Orville Richard Burrell turned out to be surprisingly humble.

Interviewing Shaggy for this week’s TGIF was both a privilege and a pleasure, and I don’t mind admitting that the sound of his voice sent a shiver down my spine as we talked.

The chart-topping troubadour who has been booked to headline a spectacular show in Gaborone on 21 May has sold over 20 million albums and is certain to add the ‘wow’ factor to the local entertainment scene with his music and stage presence.

The former US Marine will be performing right here in our city at a show dubbed ‘Urban Legends.’ Under the guidance of experienced local promoter and entrepreneur Olivier Prentout, and backed by the progressive thinkers at Orange, it is an event that you will not want to miss.

The say that life begins at 40. You are now a few months past that landmark, so how is life in the middle ages?
Things don’t really change as far as age is concerned. I basically do my things regardless of age. I’m like fine wine and I get better with age.

You have been described in a biography as a friendly (if horny persona). What is your current level of horniness?
My current level of horniness! Ha-ha! I don’t think I’ve ever been approached that way. This is a first. You know what, it’s nice to be stimulated and music can be stimulating, and women also can be stimulating. There is different level of things that stimulate someone and if that leads to a level of horniness well, I hope I will stimulate as many women in Botswana as possible!

Well, let me tell you about the women of Botswana.
Halle Berry is nothing compared to them…
Wow! I can’t wait.

That is the feeling here too! So describe for us Mr. Lova Lova’s woman of choice. Is she bombastic?
My woman of choice would be a woman with a body like Halle Berry, a heart like Mother Theresa and a brain like Einstein.
I think that will be my perfect woman.

In order of merit how much have you enjoyed the fame, fortune, sex and drugs and rock n’ roll of superstardom?
Well, everybody deals with superstardom in a different way.
You just have to appreciate the things you get in real life bearing in mind that not everything lasts forever. In this game of Reggae music it’s always a challenge since we’re not mainstream pop music.
So whatever I got to do as a Reggae artist to be on top, I got to do it ten times harder than any genre of music.
I’ve learnt over the years to appreciate whatever it is I’ve achieved in music. You know what I mean. Yeah you have fun in life, but for me music is the bigger pie.

What posters did you have on you bedroom wall when you were a kid?
When I was really young I was in Jamaica. If you’ve been to Jamaica you’ll realize Jamaicans are really not proud of that tabloid type of thing. My heroes were local Dancehall heroes. King Yellowman was the person who actually inspired me to do Reggae/Dancehall after I went out to a club one day and I saw him and I told myself that’s what I want to be, and that’s who I want to be.

If Bob Marley were to walk into the room right now, what would you like to say to him?
Ha-ha! That’s a crazy question. I would probably sit down and smoke the biggest spliff with him, then do a jam session. There really isn’t much to say to a man like Bob because it has already been said throughout his music.
Even in his death he’s still the man to be. Yeah – we’d just play some music and smoke some weed.

What do you like about being you?
I like the fact that I have since grown into a very wonderful creative place.
You know where I’m at a place where I can be creative and I can call my own shots. It might not have been as lucrative as it was before since I did a lot of compromises.
I really like where I’m at. I like the type of music I’m making and the impact I’m causing worldwide.
I’m happy to be in this thing for this long and be a force to be reckoned with.

Any dislikes?
I think there’s always dislikes but I don’t think there are any regrets. There are certain things and activities which I don’t enjoy doing. I certainly don’t enjoy flying around in a different country everyday. None of this is easy. People always look at me and ask me how do you live out of a suitcase. It’s not an easy job by any means, but at the end of the day I look at it and think there could be a lot worse things I could be doing. You know right now I give thanks.

This will be your first visit to Botswana. What do you know about our country?
Not very much. I normally don’t listen to propaganda. You know if you listen to everything that’s on the news or you listen to everything people tell you, you are bound to be misled. Somebody comes to you and tells you Botswana is similar to Jamaica, my own country and I say to them you will never understand my own country unless you are there yourself. My experience might be different from your own experience.

You’re scheduled to do a gig in Harare (Zimbabwe) on this tour. If it were pressed upon you, would you shake the hand of Robert Gabriel Mugabe?
Put it this way, if he is the high elected official of a country and I’m a guest of his country, most definitely. I think it will be disrespect not just for the country but also for the office of the country. Regardless of what I think of the man personally, the office should be respected.

You once said in an interview, ‘the kids at the clubs don’t want to hear about social issues,’ but would you consider writing a song about HIV/AIDS, and what would you include in the lyrics?
I’ve actually written a song about HIV/AIDS before with a friend of mine called Ninjaman, a renowned and famed Reggae/Dancehall star from the 90s.
To say that the kids don’t want to hear it, they will hear it but not just in the club. If it’s on the album they will probably play it and listen to those songs. When you’re in a club environment you really research at yourself. Most of the songs that are played in the club are not songs that are intimate with social issues or content.

Speaking of social issues, what are your social concerns as Shaggy?
Well there are a lot of things which I’m involved in. One of my biggest charities is the Boston Hospital for Children in Jamaica for which I’m a big fundraiser. I also have other different charities across Jamaica that I’m involved with. Pretty much we go around trying to raise money. I just had a concert in January where we raised US$350 000 for the hospital. In most countries I’ve been to, places like Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya we built a couple of orphanages, and whenever we do concerts we kind of give back a portion of the money to these orphanages whether it’s US$10 000 or US$50 000. We basically do a lot more.

There is so much excitement about your visit here. What can fans expect?
Well it’s going to be a very energetic show. The songs really speak for themselves. We have a couple of incredible musicians and it’s a very high energy performance. We normally have about eight or nine people on stage. It’s a full band and we’re really big on crowd participation. We really encourage the audience to get involved in the performance.

What Shaggy track do you never get tired of singing?
‘Strength of a Woman’ is always a beautiful song to sing.
It’s certainly a very well-appreciated song. The lyrics are beautiful and moving.

Given the inevitable one or two songs that you always throw in your albums praising God such as ‘Give Thanks and Praise’, “Forgive them Father’, ‘Thank you Lord’ and ‘Why me Lord’ etc…what are your spiritual influences?
You know it’s good that you say spiritual because I consider myself more of a spiritual person than a religious person. I’m not really big on religion or its different denominations. I think a lot of it is hypocrisy. I do things to be spiritual and I think it’s a perfect thing. Someone has to be responsible for what man cannot create, and when you look at all the beautiful things around that is life itself, you realize that whoever is responsible for that is worthy to be called great. But at the end of the day to really sit there and listen to the poor pastor preaching to people in a God-like figure is to me sometimes preposterous.

Assuming you were honorably discharged from the US Marines (Field Artillery Cannon Crewman with 5^th Battalion, 10^th Marines), following your tour of duty in Desert Storm, would you be willing to re-enlist for service in Afghanistan under the new Commander-in-Chief?
You know I’ve done my piece as far as the military is concerned. I was in the military for four years and I’ve done my duty. It doesn’t matter what commander in chief is involved. When you serve you serve.
I’ve done that and the question should be would I encourage people to serve?
Definitely! Being there for four years got me off the streets as I was going down the wrong road. My experience in the military will definitely be different from another man’s experience.

How has the award ‘Order of Distinction’ been helpful career wise?
This award was bestowed upon me by the Jamaican government and it’s an honour in my country, but it hasn’t done anything for me as far as career is concerned. It’s just a couple more letters behind your name and that’s it. It’s however a pleasant situation. The fact that you’re recognized by your country and some of the highest officials as an honourable member. You’re simply recognized because you went overseas and did something great and came back to your country. It’s great.

Mr. Bombastic. What are you doing to help your fellow African artist brothers?
Well put it this way, we have a saying in Jamaica which goes like, ‘you can take a horse to the river, but you can’t force it to drink.’ At the end of the day I come from a poor neighbourhood in a very small island in Jamaica. I basically fought and went against all odds to achieve what I wanted. I think anybody can do that, if you have enough heart and want it bad enough. They’d have to want it as bad as I wanted it. So if I live in Africa and I do music I’ll find a way to make my music heard. When I was in Jamaica doing music I opened for a lot of the big artists and I showed them what I was made of. When I was in Brooklyn, Reggae music wasn’t even a major music or mainstream music. It wasn’t even played in mainstream radio, but I made enough noise and I was not ignored. That’s what you have to do if you want to do music. You can’t sit there and wait for someone to help you. They are not going to help you. People have their own problems. You should not wait for someone to give you a hand out. I went out and got mine and I expect people to do the same.

How important is it for you to change your image, and what aspects do you change to keep afloat?
You know I don’t change images for the market. This is just in my own self, but maybe I keep changing to keep myself from getting bored. If it’s a trend or a re-invention it’s definitely something not pre-meditated, it’s just something that I’m trying not to be bored.