Speaking to Showbiz in an interview, the artist said that this is an indication that he has grown remarkably in the music industry. "This shows that I am now being recognised in the whole of Africa. It is certainly the most remarkable milestone I have ever achieved in my music career. I am humbled, excited and grateful for what God has done for me," he said. The artist further appealed for fellow Batswana to vote for him by visiting the Africa Gospel Awards website, adding that in the past, he has enjoyed tremendous support in the country. In other Eric related news, the artist, who is also raising his profile as a philanthropist, is set to perform alongside other local artists at a fund-raising event being hosted by the Botswana Police Service in Selebi-Phikwe early next month to raise funds for a colleague who is due to undergo an important medical operation in South Africa. The artist said that after his efforts to build a house for a poor family in Gantsi, he has been receiving calls from people wising to take part in charity events. He pointed out that his interaction with the family helped him see their plight and therefore he is currently on a mission to raise at least P15, 000 in an endeavour to secure a plot for them because they are illegal squatters who risk eviction by the landboard anytime. He further said that once he has secured a plot he would ensure they have a proper roof over their heads. "It is a family of nine and the only employed person does not earn much, which means she can't properly maintain the family," he said in an earlier interview with Showbiz. The artist said with the help of his management company, Otukile Entertainment, he intends to go on a nationwide tour to raise funds for the housing project. After the Phikwe show, Eric intends to continue to raise money for the family. "After Phikwe, I am going to tour Pilikwe and Maun in July and August respectively," he said. Eric, who is one of the country's foremost gospel artists having performed with some of South Africa's leading artists like Winnie Mashaba, Uche, William Sejake, Keke Phoofolo, Buhle and Sphumelelo Mbambo, urged other local artists to plough back into their communities by helping the needy.
