Addressing the gathering, Thato Sikwane also famed as DJ Fresh from Big Dawg Production, said Botswana possessed immense raw talent that needs to be discovered and polished for both national and international creative world. He explained that other artists from countries such as Tanzania, Zambia, South Africa and Zimbabwe had already taken space in the international music industry thereby got recognition beyond their boarders. He further called on local artists not to sell their brands short but rather spread their wings.
DJ Fresh urged the artists to take advantage of being Batswana saying Batswana are known internationally as people with a high level of humility. He said remaining true to himself enabled him to work for 27 years in South Africa because he was set apart from other artists. “It is a privilege for trusting me with this event as a creative talent to empower fellow creative talents about our craft. We travelled across the country searching for talent. We have a big, beautiful, hot and dusty country but above all we have amazing talent. The fact that you are raised in Botswana and born here must set you apart because we are known to have humility. Botswana jwa gago is your super power. Let’s promote our country without being apologetic about it,” he said. DJ Fresh also highlighted that even though they could not choose all contestants from the over 900 they worked with country wide, only 30 made it to the boot camp and were eligible for the awards. He explained that they worked with very talented individuals who amongst them was a seven-year old guitarist from Mahalapye called Frank whom they will find a mentor to make sure he does well academically whilst paving his music career. He added that they also had a 17-year-old self-taught producer who taught himself production two years back during lockdown. He added that the young producer already worked with other producers in South Africa and is in demand.
