Franco calls for artists’ support
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Sunday September 5, 2021 06:00
In an interview with Arts & Culture, Franco as he is known to many of his legion of fans, said while artists have tried to be creative and remain afloat during these trying times, their efforts remain subdued due to lack of sponsorship from local people especially the corporate world.
Franco said although the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted lives in many ways, it has also incited the explosion of ideas for musicians to keep afloat and continue to lead lives in the absence of entrance fees they would normally get after hosting music shows.
According to Franco, enduring over 15 months without festivals was an eye-opener but called on stakeholders to come on board for the benefit of the industry. He said unlike the normal festival, the virtual festival provides affordable and easy access to a large crowd.
“Yes, it was the first time I hosted and organised a virtual festival.
I have realised that it was watched by many people, including those who would normally not attend any outdoor festival. Both the young and the old are catered for because they watch from the comfort of their homes,” he said. However, Franco also said it is not easy to organise virtual festivals in Botswana because of lack of support. “It is very challenging unlike the live music shows that we are used to because with virtual, you must have many sponsors to cover organising costs because you will not have the benefit of collecting entrance fee. As you know, it is very difficult to get sponsors in Botswana especially in this sector. Unlike in other countries, this is one sector which continues to struggle for sponsorships. So it was really not easy,” he added.
The weekend festival coincided with Franco & Afro Musica’s 20th anniversary celebrations in the music industry since their first hit album titled Ke lela le lona, which was released in 2001.
Regarding the festival, the Sephiri Se Dule hit-maker said although he cannot say he made a lot of money, he did not leave empty handed as he has been able to make enough to cover the organising costs.
He said his plan is to host another virtual festival if restrictions barring the hosting of live shows is not lifted in the near future. “At least we do not have any debts emanating from the festival that we held over the weekend.
We did not have sponsors but there were a few who came through for us by buying advertising space. If sponsors were forthcoming, we would have made something out of it.
We were sponsored by one South African company, PSI. They really assisted us get through it. We really appreciate their effort,” he said.
While he appreciated the support that he continues to receive from Batswana, Franco warned against those who continue to pirate music, adding that the industry has the potential to grow and create employment for the many young people roaming the streets if properly run.