THE BOTSWANA PRISON BOSS

On a mission to make good of the bad

It was not a smooth walk in for Colonel Silas Motlalekgosi when he took over as Commissioner of Prisons from Herman Kau, last year.
The second member of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) to head Prisons after the retired Brigadier Justice Sebolao, who served as Commissioner of Prisons from 1996-1998, all Motlalekgosi demands is to be given a chance to prove his worth. MOSES MARUPING chats him up.

Why does Botswana Prisons Service exist?
The Botswana Prisons Service exists to protect the society by actively encouraging and assisting offenders to become law abiding citizens through empowerment of staff and abiding by the disciplinary code of conduct. We will exercise reasonable, safe, secure and humane control of offenders in order to achieve National Security, Peace, Tranquility and Economic Growth. The objectives of the Service are to provide safe custodial care to prisoners; to provide effective rehabilitation programmes to prisoners as well as to provide efficient administration of prisons and resources.

To what extent does adult literacy education offered in Botswana prisons prepare its recipients for life after completion of their prison term?
Prisoners are offered training in various trade skills to make them competitive in the labour market after release from prison in an effort to reduce the incidence of crime and re-offending.
Rehabilitation of prisoners involves helping them to identify their weaknesses, which led them to prison to be able to avoid them in future and also learn to build on their strong points in order to face life with confidence and positive determination after release from prison. Very soon I want to start an initiative in which prisoners will be enrolled to pursue training in partnership with the public sector, business community and individuals. I will then approach companies to offer attachment services for these prisoners whilst serving extra-mural labour.

Are there any success stories that demonstrate that indeed ex-prisoners have used the education to make a living?
Yes, indeed. We have a classic example of a former prisoner who is running his own tyre services workshop in Serowe. This gentleman exhibited his products during a Labour Fair held last month. We also have church ministers, pastors and counselors. All these individuals are graduates of our prison education system. I want to implore society to stop shunning prisoners. They are an integral part of our society and it’s everybody’s responsibility.

How will your military background contribute to the efficient running of the country’s Prison Services?
I’m of the view that wars can’t be won by machines alone but by man and combination of machines. I do believe effective communication and flexibility in an organization can work wonders for everybody. Both my academic and professional background will convince you. I graduated from Lacrosse University in Louisiana, USA with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration in 2002. I also completed Executive Project Management from the University of Botswana in 2008 as well as a Certificate in Principles of Management from Cameron University in Oklahoma, USA.
Mind you, I joined the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) in 1987 as an Officer Cadet (trainee) and I was appointed to take charge of various responsibilities in the army’s Artillery, some of which include Commanding Officer for Field Regiment in 2004 and Commander 11 Artillery Brigade in 2007. My military training include Senior Army Command Course (Sacc) from Nanjing Army Command College in China from 2005-2006, Training, Planning, Management and Development course (TPMD), which was conducted in Botswana through United States government for African Contingency Operations Training and Assistance (ACOTA) in 2007. My military training on Command level is qualified by attending the US-Army Command and General Staff Course (USCGSC) in Ft Leavenworth Kansas, USA.
Some of my achievements include coordinating BDF and African Contingency Operations Training and Assistance (ACOTA) and Peace Support Operations (PSO) initiatives. I was Liaison Officer for BDF Second United Nations Operations in Somalia of which I was awarded the United Nations Peace Keeping Medal (UNISOM), following my return from peacekeeping mission in Somalia in 2004. President Ian Khama also bestowed me with the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) for my devotion and dedication in the service.


Do you feel that you are the right man for the job?

I strongly believe so and all I can say is that time will tell. I really want to leave behind a good legacy. I strongly believe in self-discipline.

Could you tell us what you consider as priority areas of your reform programme in the Prison Services?
If you recall I was appointed Commissioner of Prisons on a 2-3 years secondment term effective from 6 October 2008. My aim is to re-strategize and restructure several initiatives within the prison service. This will be achieved through improving conditions of service and turning the tables around. By this I mean, improving prison security, infrastructure and training as well as conditions of service.

How are you going to resolve vocal discontentment expressed in some circles including Parliamentarians about being a personnel from the military heading the Prison Services?
I didn’t decide to be here. All I know is that I was brought here because the powers that be felt that I was capable. I would not want to entertain negative views from detractors who continue to label us as President Khama’s babies (favourites) by discriminating against former army officers. We in the disciplined forces believe that the mission comes first and everything and everybody is subordinate to the mission. My military background will come in handy in executing my duties proficiently. We’re all Batswana and we’re here to serve.

What is the desired staff/prisoner ratio?
Internationally, the acceptable ratio is 1-4 or 1-6 officers per prisoners. However, here at home we’re still struggling as you find that we’re currently sitting at 1-25, which is way beyond these figures.

How could you improve this ratio?
This can only be achieved by improving the whole package by way of restructuring and improving conditions of service. In short, we need to re-strategize, reshape and remodel. We also need highly qualified professionals.

Do you feel the staff recruitment procedures for prison officers come up with personnel capable of dealing with prisoners?
To some extend yes. However, we need to improve our recruitment and screening of prospective employees to effectively deal with prisoners.

What strategies would you bring on board to maintain the prison population at manageable levels?
This is something that the Attorney General’s Chambers and other relevant stakeholders are looking at, alternative sentencing. People who are found guilty on certain minor offences should not be necessarily sent to jail.

Do you know how many years the longest serving prisoner/s have done?
Yes, we do. The prisoner has been in prison for the past 28 years.

Should prisoners be given condoms to prevent HIV/AIDS and other communicable disease transmissions?
These are policy issues. What I do know is that sodomy is a criminal offence in and out of prison.

What do you like about Botswana?
The peace and tranquility that prevails.

What do you hate?
Negative and uninformed criticism.

What is your favourite past time?
I’m a dedicated sports fanatic. I used to play football but these days I spend most of my spare time at my farm.

Do you have any last words?
I would like to pay respect and gratitude to all the officers who continue to make a difference in the prisons service including past commissioners who despite all the hardships stood the test of time. Despite the challenges my officers continue to do a good job. They do more with less.

PERSONAL PROFILE

FULL NAMES: Silas Motlalekgosi
D.O.B: Sometime in 1965
P.O.B: Molepolole
HOME VILLAGE: Molepolole
HOBBIES: Mostly sports and farming.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS: Bsc Degree in Public Administration, and Certificate in Principles of Management
CAR DRIVING: I don’t have a car and I’m not into cars. I hire when the need arises.
DREAM CAR: None
MARITAL STATUS: Married to Malebogo Motlalekgosi and we have three beautiful kids
CURRENTLY READING: The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy, 25 Ways to Win with People by John Maxwell and the Holy Bible.
FAV MOVIE: Boyz in the Hood
FAV ACTOR/ACTRESS: Denzel Washington and Haille Berry
ROLE MODEL: My mother, Mmabatshidi Motlalekgosi

IN HIS OWN WRITE WITH RUDEBOY NECTA

DOMINIC MOTOLOKI A.K.A COMING SOON


CHOREOGRAPHER

IN THREE WORDS, I AM...

Creative, sociable and loving.

IF I’M FRIGHTENED OF ANYTHING IN LIFE, IT’S...

Thieves and diseases.

IF I COULD TRAVEL BACK IN TIME I’D SET THE DIALS FOR...

My days in Zambia (1999) as a struggling performer.

MY FAVOURITE PERSON IN THE UNIVERSE IS...

My mum, Josephine Motoloki.

MY LEAST FAVOURITE PERSON IN THE UNIVERSE IS...

The Devil-Satan, but generally I love everybody.

THE LAST TIME I LOOKED IN THE MIRROR I THOUGHT...

One day I’m going to be very successful.

IF I HAD TO LEAVE A BODY PART TO SCIENCE, IT WOULD BE...

My limbs-they’re the reason I survive.

MY DEFINITION OF LOVE IS...

A warm affection one feels towards those s/he cares about.

THE LAST TIME I VOMITED, IT WAS BECAUSE OF...

Drinking Black Label beer on an empty stomach.

THE GREATEST LESSON LIFE HAS TAUGHT ME IS...

Never ever give up.

IF I KNEW THE WORLD WAS ENDING TOMORROW, THEN TODAY I’D...

Prepare myself for my final destination to the Pearly Gates of Heaven.

THE SONG I WANT PLAYED AT MY FUNERAL IS...

Any Gospel hymn that will cheer up the bereaved.

I WANT MY TOMBSTONE TO READ...

Here lies Coming Soon, the greatest dancer of our times. Rest in Peace Mr. Motoloki.


IN PURELY MONETARY TERMS, I AM WORTH ROUGHLY...

A lot of zeros. Let me just say I’m expensive.

NEED-TO-KNOW

1). Botswana’s number one dancer, Coming Soon, whose choreography moves are the envy of many in the local music circles was born Dominic Motoloki in Chirilabongwe , Zambia on April 4, 1982.
Coming Soon as he’s popularly known by legion of music fans locally said the village where he was born is situated on the border of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia.
 He explained that although he grew up in Zambia where his Zairian mother was married, he has also spent most of his teenage years in DRC. 
“However, my mother’s marriage didn’t last long as the two divorced and we all went back to DRC.” 

The talented dancer who continues to put a sizzle in Vee’s shows courtesy of his acrobatic dance moves revealed that he took interest in performing arts from an early age.
 “I started way back in 1999 with a Zambian Kwasa-Kwasa group called Green Labels. It was an army band and I doubled as a dancer and rapper. Life was tough then and I didn’t stay long in the group.”
 


2). Coming Soon said during the year 2000, he joined yet another Kwasa-Kwasa group of Maureen Bongola. 
‘Things were a bit promising with her as she was also a backing singer for Olivier Mtukudzi. Mind you, during those times Mtukudzi was big and I had hoped I would get a chance to perform with him. But things as usual didn’t pan out as expected and I packed my bags and joined another group in Zimbabwe called College Musica. This was in 2001.”

He did not stay long with the latter as he once more joined another group dubbed New Stars Musica, a group which will later bring the young man into our Botswana shores in September 2003 where he joined a group called Extra Melody until Vee offered him a competitive package in 2007.

3). Quizzed on where he gets his inspiration from, Coming Soon ascribed his phenomenal success to one of DRC’s greatest Kwasa-Kwasa musicians known as Werson.
‘ This man is talented and he’s big in my country; DRC. Some of the dance moves, which I do here, I would have copied from him. Take for instance the popular ‘Sanola’ dance. I first saw it from him and I brought it into Botswana. However, I don’t just copy everything. Some of the moves you see me doing on stage are a result of my creativity and hard work.”

4). Coming Soon is currently in a relationship with a good-looking Motswana girlfriend and the two have a one-year-old daughter called Michelle. 
 “I love these two women and I plan to spend the rest of my life with them. I could only pray that God do continue to smile upon my life for me to realize my dreams.”
He enjoys Pap, Rice and Chicken on any given day.
 His advice to those who want to make a thriving career out of choreography is, “practice and always bring something new to the stage. You should also be active on stage all the time.”

HELLEN GOLEKANE MATHUDI DIKOBE

PERFORMING ARTIST


IN THREE WORDS, I AM...
Gentle, loving and full of fun person.

IF I’M FRIGHTENED OF ANYTHING, IT’S...
Failure.

IF I COULD TRAVEL BACK IN TIME I’D SET THE DIALS FOR...
I don’t look back in my life for the simply reason that I don’t have any regrets so far.

MY FAVOURITE PERSON IN THE UNIVERSE IS...
My mother, Ruth Dikobe.

MY LEAST FAVOURITE PERSON IN THE UNIVERSE IS...
I try not to hate or dislike except for the Devil/Satan.

THE LAST TIME I LOOKED IN THE MIRROR I THOUGHT...
Damn I’m beautiful.

IF I HAD TO LEAVE A BODY PART TO SCIENCE, IT WOULD BE...
My heart; I have a good and loving heart and I would want whoever that gets it to use it wisely.

MY DEFINITION OF LOVE IS...
Gentle, but it can be bitter and sweet.

THE LAST TIME I VOMITED, IT WAS BECAUSE OF...
Untidiness; it makes me puke.

THE GREATEST LESSON LIFE HAS TAUGHT ME IS...
Live a day today and don’t apologize for it tomorrow.

IF I KNEW THE WORLD WAS ENDING TOMORROW, THEN TODAY I’D...
Spend the whole day with my beloved ones; family and those close to me.

THE SONG I WANT PLAYED AT MY FUNERAL IS...
‘You’re true joy’ by Letta Mbulu and Caiphus Semenya.


I WANT MY TOMBSTONE TO READ...
Here lies Hellen; a loving friend, daughter and the greatest singer of our times.

IN PURELY MONETARY TERMS, I AM WORTH ROUGHLY...
An unlimited number of zeros.

NEED-TO-KNOW
1). Born at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Johannesburg on June, 6, 1980, Hellen Dikobe is a talented Afro-Pop singer who as a lady continues to triumph where many fear to trod.
The dreadlocked woman who hails from the small village of Mabalane in the Kgatleng District explained that her father who sadly passed away in 2003 was the reason why she was born at the famous African hospital as during that time the old man was working in one of South Africa’s gold mines.
‘All I know is that we hail from Mabalane. However I didn’t grow up there. I spent most of my life in the city, Gaborone where I attended Ben Thema, Maoka and St. Joseph’s College. I’m glad that most of the country’s renowned celebrities all come from this school. Take the likes of Vee, myself, DJ Sid for instance. Ha-ha!’ noted Hellen with a vivacious smile.
The woman with an ear-piercing voice added that she had always wanted a career in music and so far she had no regrets whatsoever.
‘Music has always being my first love. After completing Cambridge I started doing gigs with the Clement Jackson Crew as a backing singer. I only went solo four years ago with the release of my debut album titled ‘Black Woman’ which had tracks such as the popular ‘Kgangathi.’ It steadily gained local radio airplay and threw me into the eyes and ears of the unsuspecting public.’

2). While many associated the talented singer’s voice with that of the late South African songbird, Lebo Mathosa, Hellen simply said, “People in Botswana have a tendency of associating good Batswana artists with South Africa. I don’t mean to blow my own horn but I am a good singer. I can sing and I want them to know I’m from right here in Botswana. When you listen to my albums, don’t be mistaken. I sing Setswana House music genre which at first was somewhat reserved for men. I changed that.”
Quizzed as to why she chose the latter, Hellen said everything was made possible after she believed in herself.
‘I told myself that I can also do this kind of music. Besides men are human beings just like me and if they can do it so can I. I simply put my foot down and released my debut album ‘Black Woman’ in 2007. Although I didn’t promote it well enough I’m happy that today people know who Hellen is. I’m happy for what I’ve achieved so far.”

3). The 28-year-old songbird said just recently she released her second album simply dubbed ‘The Story of My Life’ which has 11 banging tracks.
She said by the look of things Batswana are receiving the album well adding that she was able to sell over a 100 copies at the album’s premier recently.
“My albums all have Afro-Pop-House feel to it. It’s Popish with an Afro influence that I like to call Afro-Soul. It is fast but also relaxing. I have always admired a person who comes out with their own style, because, there is a lot of Traditional music groups, a lot of Jazz artists, then there’s Vee and his Kwasa-Kwaito. As an introduction to Botswana’s music scene I wanted to bring a new sound to the Botswana scene and see if it is well received. I’m still in control and it’ll be safe to call me the first Botswana woman of House music.’
Hellen has featured in many of the local DJs and musicians’ projects among them DJ Boogie Sid, Owen, Eugene Jackson and HT just to mention a few.
‘I’m happy that these boys continue to engage me. However I’m careful not to have my voice all over the place lest I become tedious.’

4). The last born in a family of three, Hellen paid tribute to the untimely demise of his elder brother and father who passed away in 2001 and 2003, respectively.
‘I’m only left with my mum and sister now. We were five initially.’
On a lighter note Hellen enjoys Serobe dish and just recently finished reading a book titled ‘Art of Praying Together’ which she had borrowed from her mother’s collection.
‘I also enjoy reading magazines and checking their recipes which I normally try at home. I’m a good cook and I love to cook.’
She said as a way of sharing her musical know-how, she is busy mentoring a girlie group called Purple.
‘Sometimes when I play live I bring them on board to back me. I don’t want to stay long in the music business. I think I will retire after five albums and venture into textile. I’d love to have my own clothing label someday.’
Hellen dislikes who like to assume stuff about other individuals. She also hates dishonest people and her message to Batswana is simply, ‘We’re really trying and I wish everyone could support us. Music is my livelihood. Don’t copy my album. If Batswana support us musicians, we will in turn, keep them entertained,” she said as we concluded the interview.

MULTI TALENTED PEPPER

Moemedi Ramogapi Ramogapi is a multi-skilled Motswana bloke who wants to create op¬portunities for others to thrive.
The 29-year-old Multi-Media Design graduate from the University of Johan¬nesburg, South Africa, is the brains be¬hind a music recording studio dubbed Ruff Riddims based in Palapye.
The man with the octopus’ hands also has his fishing rod focused on prop¬erty and farming.
The former Yarona FM presenter who used to host the radio station’s in¬augural Reggae/Dancehall show dubbed ‘The Reggae Bashment Session’ is a firm subscriber to the ideal that, one should not have all his/her eggs in one basket.
Moses Maruping recently had a chat with him about the many things he does…

Please tell us about yourself?
My birth name is Moemedi Ramogapi Ramogapi. I hold a Mul¬ti Media Design Degree from the Univer¬sity of Johannesburg where I studied for 5 years. I’m currently living in Palapye where I have set up a recording studio which I hope will create opportunities and hits for new artistes in the central of Botswana.

What makes you tick?
I try my best not to get ticked off, but some things like people that can’t tell the truth tick me off. People who argue a lot also tick me off.
I want to be happy so I try all my best to stay happy at all times.

What gets you going everyday?
I want to make a difference in peoples’ lives as well as mine.
Many people want to be successful, wealthy, healthy and happy but, very few want to go through the process.
So the desire to make a difference in peoples lives, in my life and the country gets me going.
I’m motivated by knowing that peo¬ple have become successful by following their dreams even when times where hard and failure was near.

What do you do for a living?
I’m an aspiring entrepre¬neur, currently with fishing rods in entertainment, farming and property.
I currently run a studio called Ruff Riddims, based in Palapye, Middle Inn.
We make music and adverts for radio and TV.
We have just released two albums of our artists namely Skeat Basimanyana Mamela Meropa and Tebza Rocka. These albums are available in Choppies stores countrywide.
We also offer recording services to those wishing to do recording of albums, jingles and adverts.

What else do you do besides spending time in the studio churning out beats?
I’m also involved in a property de¬velopment business, so if I’m not in the studio, I’m busy working on building houses for rent.
I also spend some time at the farm where I’m currently harvesting some maize and if I’m not there, I’m busy work¬ing at Thato’s Nite Club in Palapye.

What are your talents?
The most high (God) has blessed me with a lot of different talents and I’m trying to explore them all, simply because they’re all related to art. I’m able to draw, design, paint and pro¬duce music.

Wow! That’s quite a handful. What’s your idea of an ideal night out?
I hardly go out, but if I were in a re¬lationship, it would have to be a relaxed place where we can chill and get to spend some quality time together.
However, with my friends, I prefer small gatherings in a place were can hear each other.

We’re terrible at knowing when to kiss a girl. What signs should we look out for?
Hhhhhm… Maybe Mr. Lover Man Shabba Ranks would know better.
I think maybe body language will guide you.
You can’t try and kiss a girl if she is standing in Francistown and you are in Ga¬borone. You have to be close so that you can observe if she keeps licking her lips. You will also notice if she is comfortable around you and if so, you could try. I really don’t know, maybe that’s why I’m single at the moment.

What’s your first production mem¬ory?
It was when Bruce Dope Se¬bitlo gave me some tutorials on Reason 2.5 (music production software) to help me get the basics of music and production.
It was a big help because it has helped me learn faster.
I was able to make a House tune similar to the tutorial.
That was when I first realized I was on the right track in as far as music and produc¬tion are concerned.


Is music production lucrative?
I believe that music as a business is lucrative. The problem is that here in Botswana it has always been labeled a time waster as many believe that you need to get a job to be successful. We’re currently invest¬ing our time and money into trying to dis¬cover how lucrative music production really is.
We’re busy negotiating with people that deal with African music for digital distribu¬tion in America to deal with our licensing and digital music distribution online.


If music production didn’t exist, what would you do for a living?
I would probably focus on multi¬media design and setting up different busi¬nesses.
I don’t believe in having all your eggs in one basket or just having one fishing rod. In life, one needs to have more than one in¬come so that if there is a crisis with one, you can still eat from the other income.
My aim is to build a net of businesses to sustain the life and the community.


How much is a good beat these days?
For us to make a full song, mixed and mastered, it will cost just a small P1500.00 which is very cheap looking at the quality you are bound to get for a song. But it gets cheaper with bundle packages, like al¬bums and stuff.


And the most expensive beat?
I have heard of beats that cost over R20 000 from guys in South Af¬rica, for doing a song. That’s the likes of DJ Cleo and Thaso. Right now I really don’t know how much they charge. As for me, I will just continue charging P1500 a beat, which in any way is dead cheap.

Are you into Rastafarism teachings and if so how has the religion influ¬enced your life?
A big no. I’m not a Rastafarian, but there are things that I like about the religion’s way of life especially the fact that they don’t take to war and are a bunch of relaxed people. I just live by many teachings, but I mainly keep positive vibrations about a lot of things.

Have you travelled the world much?
I have lived and studied in Zim¬babwe when the way of life there was the envy of many countries in Africa. That was around 1994 where I spent four years. After that, I then went to University of Johannesburg in South Africa for five years.
During my time there, I was invited to Germany for a design workshop and also in Cape Town to exhibit branding work at the Cape Town Design Indaba.

Tell us about your company, Ruff Riddims?
Ruff Riddims is a small com¬pany with huge plans based in Palapye.
We plan to discover talent in the cen¬tral district from different styles of music. The company is fairly new and has just finished construction of the recording studio in November 2008.
Glenn Stanton through the Design John L Sayers from Australia Forum de¬signed the studio for me.It took 3 months to construct the studio and the results are amazing as this was my first studio build via the Internet.
We also offer design services like de¬veloping a branding language for your company called a Visual language. We have done visual language (Branding) work for Yarona FM, DJ Fresh, Morupule Colliery and other companies.
We mainly offer recording services for jingles, adverts, music albums, as well as mixing and mastering.

Do you ever get stupid SMSes from ladies?
I don’t really give my number to ladies, but if they manage to get it somehow, they usually send me ‘call backs’.

What’s the best job you’ve ever had?
I have only had one job and it was at Yarona FM where I hosted a show called ‘The Reggae Bashment Ses¬sion’ every Sunday evening. It was too nice and I enjoyed it to the core.Right now I’m not crazy about a job simply because I want to create jobs and opportunities for others.I only have one life and I don’t want to spend it working for someone else’s dream.

And what makes you cry?
I can’t remember the time I cried, but it has to be something really sad. Take a death of family mem¬ber for instance or the demise of a serious relationship. Other than that I’m just one happy person who tries to keep a smile even when things are bad.

PERSONAL PROFILE:

FUL NAMES: Moemedi Ramogapi Ramogapi
D.O.B: 19-09-80
P.O.B: Gaborone
HOME VILLAGE: Serowe
HOBBIES: Reading Motivationl and Business Books
FAV MUSIC: Reggae, Dancehall, Motswako, Hip-Hop, and some local sounds.
CURRENTLY READING: Richard Brandson- Business Stripped Bare and Donald Trump- Think Big and Kick A**
CAR DRIVING: Nissan 2.4i Pick UP
DREAM CAR: Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe and Range Rover
MOTTO: Great success always comes at the risk of enormous failure. Winston Churchill
The Harder I work the Luckier I get – Gary Player- Donald Trump
ROLE MODELS: My parents, Richard Branson, Donald Trump, Robert Kiyosaki
HOLIDAY DESTINATION: Kingston, Jamaica

ODIRILE SENTO A.K.A VEE

MUSICIAN & SHREWD BUSINESSMAN

IN THREE WORDS, I AM...
Friendly, creative and persevering.

IF I’M FRIGHTENED
OF ANYTHING, IT’S...
Living against God’s teachings especially, The 10 Commandments.

IF I COULD TRAVEL BACK IN
TIME I’D SET THE DIALS FOR...
25 June 2007, the day my son, Elijah was born.

MY FAVOURITE PERSON
IN THE UNIVERSE IS...
Jesus Christ.

MY LEAST FAVOURITE
PERSON IN THE UNIVERSE IS...
The Devil A.K.A Satan.

THE LAST TIME I LOOKED
IN THE MIRROR I THOUGHT...
You can still make it son.

IF I HAD TO LEAVE A BODY
PART TO SCIENCE, IT WOULD BE...
My brain as I strongly believe the upcoming generation could tap into some of my creative juices and thrive.

MY DEFINITION OF LOVE IS...
An unexplainable and boundless feeling.

THE LAST TIME I VOMITED,
IT WAS BECAUSE...
I was sick during one of my shows in Shoshong. I then went backstage and puked my innards out.

THE GREATEST LESSON
LIFE HAS TAUGHT ME IS...
To live by the Golden rule: Do unto Others as You Would Have Them Do unto You.

IF I KNEW THE WORLD WAS ENDING
TOMORROW, THEN TODAY I’D...
Run as fast as I can to church so as to sort out my place of abode in Jehovah’s house (Heaven).

THE SONG I WANT PLAYED
AT MY FUNERAL IS... “
Sefefo.” It’s a hot song from my new album dubbed “Everybady”.

I WANT MY TOMBSTONE TO READ...
Here lies Odirile “Vee” Sento-The Legend

IN PURELY MONETARY TERMS,
I AM WORTH ROUGHLY...
I’m beyond monetary value.

1). This pint-sized musician needs no introduction.
But for those of you who thrive on ignorance, this is Vee, Botswana’s most loved Kwaito- Kwasa sensation who has been riding the crest of the wave in music circles. Born in May 17, 1983, the Hukuntsi native is also proving to be enjoying success off stage as a father and an astute businessman with his own mineral water and condoms called Ma-vee-ta and La-Vee respectively.
He is also the Chief Executive Officer of his own record company, Black Money Makers (BMM). He revealed that owning his own record label was his first and main dream, before he developed all the other dreams. He explained that he always wanted to feel like he was contributing to the community by at least creating employment. The pint sized star said that Black Money Makers Company has always been there and it was the first label to ever sign him before Ramco Loco and Guffy Creations.
“My first album was released under Black Money Makers before I even moved on to Eric Ramco. The company made me who I am and it was always my dream to grow it into something big,” explained the diminutive Kwaito star-turned record label executive.

2). Sento explained that beating competition is quite difficult because there are a lot of companies that are already established.
He said that one therefore needs to be very strategic to succeed in the industry. “When you are new, you find companies that have already established themselves with very loyal fans, so the best thing for you to do as a new company is to be very strategic in your business endeavors.”
Sento said that business is going strong at the moment and it seems to be getting stronger with time.
“All of our artists have succeeded because the company is concentrating on a few artists. That is a big achievement that I feel very proud of.” Sento hopes to see the company at dazzling international heights.
“I want the company to grow globally and to sign artists from outside the country and to also sign some of our own artists outside Botswana.”

3). In a very rare deal in local circles, cell phone giants, Alcatel and Orange Botswana last year teamed up with Vee to release 2000 units of Vee branded Alcatel cell phones.
The cell phone promotion carries the colours of the rejuvenated Vee, who now goes by a military tag, Lieutenant General Vee.
The cell phone is military green and also has a Vee screen saver, and is loaded with ring tones from Vee’s previous music albums. Perhaps most interesting is the fact that the cell phones, which go for P249, come out with an exclusive Vee CD titled Party Animals.
The CD cannot be bought from any music shop, or heard on any Radio Station because it comes as part of the Vee pack package. Vee said his new six tracks CD is very special.
“They are limited copies, and their availability is tied to the cell phone, which means for my fans to have a taste of the album, they must get the Orange Alcatel phone”, said Vee, who added that the Alcatel cell phone is stuffed with more musical works associated with him.
4). The down-to-earth music star broke into local music circles in 2002 with his debut album dubbed “Lamalanga.”
In 2004, he unleashed a powerful album simply entitled “Kasi Angels” which had the nationally-acclaimed track “Taku-Taku” and since then, the young musician never looked back. After the roaring success of Kasi Angels, Vee in 2005 teamed up with renowned South African producer, Godfrey ‘Guffy’ Pilane and released a distratrous project titled “Ntja Mme.”
The deal which initially seemed lucrative failed dismally and the young man came back home in 2006 and under his own record label, BMM, released an album dubbed “Ditshipi Tsame.” A year later, he released another album titled “Kasiology” before tagging the military salutation to his name in 2008 when he released an album called “Stimela.”
He’s busy polishing his latest album titled “Everybady” which is slated for release soon.
Vee enjoys Macaroni Cheese with Mince Meat.