Thokolosi man vows to stay away from controversy

MONKAGEDI GAOTLHOBOGWE
Staff Writer | Thursday July 23, 2009 00:00

In Thokolosi, a drama series based on the mythical creature that spins riches for its owner, Moloi told Showbiz, he would do his best to stay away from village politics which forced him to cut out certain scenes of the series the first time the show was aired on Botswana Television (Btv) three years ago.

Moloi's   TV drama had to be discontinued after Botswana Congress Party (BCP) spokesperson Taolo Lucas, who is campaigning for a parliamentary seat in Bobonong, the setting of the drama series, mobilised activists to condemn the play for depicting Babirwa as evil people who practice witchcraft.

Moloi over the last two weeks started auditions for Season Two of Thokolosi, which will air on Btv early next year.

This past weekend Moloi auditioned potential cast in the Gaborone City Council (GCC) hall, Main Mall.

He says he intends to make the upcoming series more sophisticated and entertaining.

' Since last week, I have seen well over 300 people (potential cast members).  But determining the final characters may take a little longer,' he says.

Moloi, however, hinted that people will still see the likes of Diphuka, the evil woman, in the first season of Thokolosi, returning. 

' The story continues...  right now we are still writing... I try to stay away from politics and push something that will entertain Batswana...It was just natural that it should continue, but there will be more sensitivity to issues.'

The producer says he will start filming the film in September. ' Most of it will be filmed in Gaborone, and some of it around Botswana.'

Moloi also told Showbiz that through his company, Mezzanine, he is also busy developing a comedy show for Btv. He attended the comedy and drama finals at Mantlwaneng, Westwood, last week to scout for more acting talent.

' I want to find out what kind of talent there is. I was definitely impressed. The talent coming out needs to be nurtured and given a platform. I want to see an acting community that I can always tap from,' he explained.

Moloi, who lives in Johannesburg, South Africa, was born in Gaborone. His parents hail from Serowe. In South Africa, Moloi says he has been working with an international company producing television shows such as Soul City, Channel O, Mtv, Phat Joe Show, as director or producer.

' I came here to do many projects, but I'm not discussing them now.

I was busy in South Africa developing shows for Mnet, SABC, and e-tv as key creative director developing reality shows, drama, game shows and lifestyle shows for all these channels,' Moloi said.