Local Record Label To Promote Local Talent
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Monday February 13, 2017 15:58
Speaking at the record label’s official launch and press conference on Saturday, BlxckMail CEO Nqobizitha Ben said being a record label that consists of many artists of different music genres, poetry, photography and fashion industry, they would like to upgrade and promote local talent. He said their vision was to be an internationally recognised record label.
“We are here to make sure that the Botswana arts and entertainment industry prosper. Our mission is to make things happen. Our industry creates jobs so we would like to see ourselves growing and creating employment for Botswana youth since unemployment amongst the youth is very high in this country,” he said confidently.
Ben added that BlxckMail Entertainment intends to produce quality music as local artists have a very tough competition from neighbouring and international countries that compete for airtime in local radio and television stations. He said for them to succeed, they have to work together to reach a common goal, which was to climb the ladder and measure up to international standards. He stated that BlxckMail has already made its mark in the local music industry as it has a number of artists who have gained recognition.
However, he pointed out that like any other emerging company, they have money issues. He pleaded with the business community, individuals and other stakeholders to sponsor them so that they can deliver on their mandate.
“We would like to make a mark in the international entertainment industry and that will only be possible if we get support from the local business community,” he said.
For her part, Gabane/Mmankgodi Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture programs officer, Omphemetse Kaupa applauded BlxckMail Entertainment members for having seen it fit to bring together the artists under one roof. She further encouraged the artists to never forget their roots.
“It is a good feeling to see our youth coming together to develop talent and enhance our culture through their multi talents. When we make music everything we do be it the singing, dancing and others is influenced by our culture, everyday culture, new and adopted culture. It is okay to infuse our culture with other cultures adopted internationally as long as we don’t forget where we come from,” she said.
She also told the gathering that each artist must be able to maintain his or her dignity by good behaviour, dressing well and being true to themselves as that shows one’s background.
Kaupa also encouraged the artists to stick together in both good and bad times saying that will enable them reach their goals. She said it was better to be a team than a stand-alone.
“We must work together to embrace each other. If you continue like this, all of you here will become successful some day,” she said.
She further told BlxckMail Entertainment members that there were a lot of opportunities in the country. She told them that life was about choices and encouraged them to strive to make their mark in the entertainment industry.