Botswana's Molosi excels in US

Gasebalwe Seretse
Correspondent | Wednesday March 14, 2007 00:00

 

Molosi has not disappeared. He is alive and well in Massachusetts in the United States of America where he is studying Theatre and Political Science. 

Molosi said that he is still very much in love with the country and its people and that he is looking forward to coming back to Botswana to make a positive contribution in the arts. Born in Mahalapye 21 years ago, Molosi was raised by his mother, a single parent, together with his brother. He did his primary education at a number of primary schools including Phikwe, St. Patrick's, Werda and Xhosa, before proceeding to Maruapula Secondary School. Molosi always wanted to be a performer and when he was about four, he and his girl cousin, Morongwa, used to say that they were going to be on TV once Botswana got its own TV station. True to his ambitions, Molosi, at 18, started appearing on Btv for UNICEF speaking of children's rights and societal issues of the day.

He also worked briefly for Yarona FM in 2002 under the tutelage of the famous Luzboy who he describes as 'funny'. At the radio station, he was inspired by Jazzelle, who was part of the founding team of Yarona FM, with whom he was at school.  When he finished schooling at Maruapula, he relocated to the United States where he is studying. It seems like Molosi's talent has not gone unnoticed in the world's most powerful country.

'I have been turning down some Hollywood roles because school comes first for me,' Molosi says. However, he is still very active in theatre. During school vacations, he tours the National Arts Festival with The Theatere Company at Maitisong. Last year, he was not able to do so because he stayed in the United States where he took part in the Williamstown Theatre Festival and he got the chance to do some work with the famous Hollywood actors like Emmy Rossam and the cast of Law and Order.

'I am working on a TV project that Batswana will see as time goes by, but I don't want to over-hype it. It might take a couple of years to complete because school is my priority,' he asserts.

Molosi is inspired by different qualities in different people but it appears his mother is his foremost role model because she instilled in him the will to be educated and also to practice Botho at all time.

'She taught me that as long as I am humble and remember where I come from, doors would open for me. When I went from a government primary school to Maruapula, she reminded me who I am so that even though I was at an elite school, I should not lose myself,' he says. Molosi, who likes describing himself as a simple boy from Mahalapye, says though he is riding on a wave of success, he will never be arrogant. He is also inspired by his cousin, Keneilwe, who is always there for him and ready to offer constructive criticism when necessary.

'Fa a tsholetsa mogala a nteletsa a nkgalemelela sengwe, ke a reetsa ka gore o itse se a se buang.' In the acting world, his favourite actors are either South African or local. In the past, he had the privilege of working with famous South African actors, like John Kani, Seputla Sebogodi and Motshabi Tyelele, who inspired him a lot. In Botswana, his favourite actors are too many to mention but the list includes Mpho Rabotsima and Jessica Lejowa.

Some people, like Mpule Kwelagobe, whom Donald finds inspirational, also respect his work and get inspired by it.

'Some time ago, I emailed Mpule and I was talking about how I like her work for CNN or something and she replied saying she follows my work closely and she is inspired by me. She is one of those people that Batswana are generally proud of. I have been asking her for help with headshots for my acting resume,' Molosi says. When Showbiz asked him about his personal motto, Donald said, 'I don't live by one motto. I choose a motto depending on how life is. Right now, I am on a 'New Beginnings' motto.' Donald Molosi who is fiercely protective of his personal life would not be drawn into revealing whether he has a partner or not.

'Truth is, I am happily single and even if I weren't, I wouldn't be speaking to the media about it,' he says defensively.