Connect with us

Culture

I Love Botswana ensemble takes ‘best of Africa’ to Broadway

‘I love Botswana ensemble’ is expected to once again own the international stage, having wowed the world last year. This time, the group is billed for a grand appearance at the glamorous Broadway

Published

on

I love Botswana ensemble’ is expected to once again own the international stage, having wowed the world last year. This time, the group is billed for a grand appearance at the glamorous Broadway.

From August 22nd to 23rd the group is expected to draw crowds with their electrifying performances at the heart of New York at the Times Square.

The ensemble is a collaborative assortment of about seven groups namely, Mophato Dance Theatre, Skit Beat, Nare tsa Pina, Bana ba Kwena, Khudu Thamaga, Ntirelang Berman, and Tsoga Africa.

Speaking at the launch recently, Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conversation and Tourism, Tshekedi ‘TK’ Khama highlighted that ever since his Ministry- through Botswana Tourism Organization (BTO), refocused their energy into marketing Botswana through among others, the prestigious IT Berlin event they have had a turnaround of over P350 million.

“This is the best investment I know of. But today we are talking the next event, we are talking Broadway, we are talking something big. We need to stand up and be counted among the best,” he said.

Khama further said that ‘when we get to Broadway we are going to show them the best of Africa, we are going to blow them away. This is an opportunity that we have to show the world our culture and skill of the youth we have. We are going to show them what Botswana is and who Batswana are . I never imagined we would one day have a group to showcase in Broadway,” he said.

For his part, the man behind taking the group to Broadway, the President of the Battery Dance Festival- Emad Salem, said that they anticipate to put everything together in two months, something which he says is unheard of.

Read Also: Fashion wars over swim suit; If you missed out, get in here

“We are doing this in two months and it really is something that is unheard of. People usually take two years to bring such a production to life. We have a 360 advertising strategy to brand Botswana to millions of people in US, a billboard in the heart of Times Square.

Andrew Kola, the Art Director of the I love Botswana ensemble said: “It is every artist’s wish to stage in Broadway of course it is the biggest platform in the world.”

Kola further explained that their production called ‘Pula’ will represent all of Botswana’s tribes. “We all relate to the word Pula, it means a lot to Batswana and we use the phrase mostly in our celebrations and during gatherings. The production basically focuses on issues of the rainmaker who brings the rain.”

Culture

Namibia govt condemns tourists posing naked on Big Daddy Dune

Published

on

The Namibian authorities have frowned at tourists who posed naked at the Big Daddy Dune, the country’s top tourist attraction located in the Namibian desert.

Reports in the country’s media say locals were shocked to sight the tourists posing naked on the Dune during a safari and have demanded for action against them from authorities.

According to local media, actions that could be taken against the tourists include being blacklisted from entering any of Namibia’s parks.

A spokesperson from the country’s Tourism Ministry told local media that photos and a video from of the naked tourists have been widely shared, sparking sharp reactions.

Vice Chairperson of the Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations, Kenneth Nependa, who condemned the act, told journalists that the behaviour risked attracting tourists “who think anything goes in Namibia.”

“It is very sickening and it really creates a bad image for Namibia,” Nependa said, adding that the Big Daddy Dune was not just a relaxing place for tourists but for families too.

Though it is not clear who took the photos and the video of the three male tourists who were seen stark naked in the sandy dune, next to their clothes, authorities say a stern action will be taken against them.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Romeo Muyunda, described the behaviour as “extremely shocking,” saying it was public indecency punishable by Namibian law.

“We appeal to that section of tourists to summon the conscience so that they do the right things,” Muyunda said.

He appealed to Namibians to report violations of park regulations immediately for swift action.

The Big Daddy dune is one of the three largest dunes in Namibia’s enormous Namib-Naukluft National Park, one of the largest in the world and are popular with tourists who hike to the top to have a stunning view across the crests.

Continue Reading

Culture

Nollywood thrown into mourning as another veteran actor Zulu Adigwe passes on

Published

on

The Nigerian movie industry, popularly known as Nollywood, has once again been thrown into mourning with the death of veteran actor, Zulu Adigwe, who passed away on Tuesday night.

Adigwe’s death has brought the number Nigerian actors who have died in 2024 to seven, which has made Nigerians and movie practitioners wonder why the sudden rash of deaths in the industry.

Fondly called Pa Zulu, Adigwe earned fame for his paternal roles in Nollywood movies and came into limelight in the 1980s sitcom, “Basi and Company” where he acted the role of “Mr. B.”

Adigwe also featured in the 2019 blockbuster ‘Living in Bondage’ and ‘Breaking Free’ among hundreds of movies where he became know for often portraying wicked uncles as well as native doctors.

In just four months gone in 2024, the Nigerian movie industry has been hit with spate of deaths of prominent and budding actors.

The first death of the year was recorded on January 4 when veteran Yoruba actor, Deji Aderemi, popularly known as Olofa Ina, died at the age of 73, of cancer related complications.

A month later, veteran actress, Ethel Ekpe, also passed on February 7 after a long battle with cancer.

On March 1, budding Yoruba Nollywood actor, Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri also died at the age of 44.

The following day, the industry was again hit with the news of the passing of comic actor, John Okafor, who was better known as Mr Ibu, who died at the age of 62.

Three weeks after the demise of Mr. Ibu, another veteran actor, Amaechi Muonagor was also snatched by the cold hands of death on March 24, after battling kidney disease for a long time.

On April 7, another young Nollywood actress, Adejumoke Oreoluwa Aderounmu, popularly known for her role as ‘Esther’ in popular TV series, Jenifa’s Diary, died also passed on.

On Wednesday, April 10th, three days after the death of Adejumoke, the movie industry was once again, thrown into mourning with the untimely passing of Junior Pope Odonwodo who was popularly known as Junior Pope, who drowned while filming a scene on the River Niger in Delta State.

Continue Reading

EDITOR’S PICK

Metro4 hours ago

All my tough policy decisions are in Nigerians’ interest— Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has insisted that all his tough policy decisions and reforms have been taken with the...

VenturesNow4 hours ago

Nigerian oil regulator implements regional fuel standards

Nigeria’s oil authority has clarified that the recent changes to diesel fuel sulphur content standards are part of a regional...

VenturesNow4 hours ago

IMF predicts Kenya’s economy to overtake Angola

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says that this year, Kenya will pass Angola to become the fourth biggest economy in...

Politics4 hours ago

S’Africa lengthens troop deployment in Mozambique, Congo DR 

President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a speech that South Africa’s military would keep sending troops to Mozambique and the Democratic...

Metro6 hours ago

Nigeria govt cancels 924 dormant mining licences

Nigeria’s minister of mines said on Wednesday that 924 expired mining licences had been cancelled immediately. The country now wants...

Tech19 hours ago

Nigeria’s NGX Group enters into strategic investment partnership with Ethiopian Securities Exchange

Leading Nigerian integrated market infrastructure group in Africa, the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), has announced strategic investment in the Ethiopian...

Culture19 hours ago

Namibia govt condemns tourists posing naked on Big Daddy Dune

The Namibian authorities have frowned at tourists who posed naked at the Big Daddy Dune, the country’s top tourist attraction...

Sports19 hours ago

Domestic worker sues Pitso Mosimane, wife following debilitating injuries

Former Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa and Al Ahli of Egypt coach, Pitso Mosimane, and his wife, Moira Tlhagale, have...

Metro1 day ago

Media polarisation blamed for biased coverage, civil society leader calls for mindset shift

Chama Mwansa, Executive Director of the Chandarika Women and Youths Foundation, has attributed media biases to the similarities in coverage...

Metro1 day ago

Nigeria: 118 prison inmates escape after rainstorm destroys facility

At least 118 inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, in northern Nigeria, have reportedly escaped...

Trending