Motlha is My Star winner
Ulla Setswalo | Monday July 13, 2015 18:00
After the beautiful performances by the three talented finalists, Motlha scooped the coverted prize; pocketing P100 000 in cash, a recording deal and a Mascom smartphone.
To win, Motlha gave an amazing and vivacious performance singing Sia’s hit song Chandelier. The crowd went wild as they gave him a standing ovation. There were cheers and some of the fans sang along. To add spice to his performance, Motlha brought lively dancers. With his sweet and melodious voice, the talented young man left the audience in awe.
After the vigorous and tough competition, 21 year old Patricia Modyise who did a comeback from Season 8, scooped 2nd prize, which comes with prize money of P30 000 and Hailey Nyathi aged 24 went home with P20 000 for a postion three slot.
To beat the girls, Motlha received 19 835 votes, with Patricia clocking 16996 and Hailey 14191 votes. Patricia was also a favourite, especially when she did a dramatic performance of Celine Dion’s Mama, which was moving and emotional. The audience cheered and loved her performance. The young woman with a strong voice sang her heart out. Hailey performed alone on stage and sang with a mature voice.
Motlha couldn’t contain his excitement when his name was announced as he jumped up and down.
“I am so happy and give thanks to God, family, friends and fans for believing in me,” Motlha told Showtme. He said he would give all the money to his mother as he would generate his own with his upcoming album. He said his album would feature songs infused with reggae together with rhythm and blues.
Since 2007, Botswana’s first and popular talent search show, My Star has been keeping viewers glued to their screens every Sunday evening. The show held competitions around the country to give the followers a feel of the show.
Speaking at the finale, My Star founder and judge, Keabetswe ‘Master D’ Sesinyi said, “I know there has been media reports that I am leaving the show, but please know that I am here to stay”.
He said he would continue to improve My Star until it reached international standards and only then would he decide whether to leave or stay. The Minister of Youth , Sport and Culture Thapelo Olopeng promised the audience an even bigger and better show next year, as it would be aired on Btv2, a new youth channel.
“The value of the show will be higher because of talent and my ministry will go all out to support initiatives such as My Star that give a platform for youth to develop their talent,” he said.
Olopeng encouraged both the winners and losers not to give up and encouraged them to fly Botswana flag high internationally. Choppies will sponsor the trio for a two week visit to the United Kingdom and offer training courses in South Africa for the Top 5. Ramachandran Ottopath, CEO of Choppies said he wants to see My Star winners being recognised internationally. Mascom chief communications and public relations officer, Tebogo Lebotse-Sebego was also singing praise to the show saying they were particularly happy to continue to sponsor the arts industry in the country. “I am happy to see the impact made in the lives of the youth by My Star,” she said.
One of My Star judges, Kgomotso Tshenyego, revealed that interested My Star winners from Season 1-9 would battle it out next year. She further explained that there would be no auditions.