1. It is an honor for me to welcome you all to this event held to honour and celebrate Botswana`s rich creative industry’s talent. Much to my delight, Your Excellency, this time we are looking at our emerging creative artists. I am also filled with immense pride that you found time to grace us with your presence by officiating at this important event. However, I am not surprised because I know, Your Excellency, creatives are close to your heart.
2. Your Excellency, ladies and gentlemen, this event is a culmination of the nationwide road shows that saw the Department of Broadcasting Services traverse the whole country last year.
3. This roadshow conducted in partnership with Big Dawg Productions, covered more than 50 towns and villages around Botswana, during which 13 workshops benefitted more than 900 participants.
4. This roadshow unearthed talent, some of which earned itself a seat to participate at the boot camp which took place from the 9th to the 13th of January 2023.
5. The purpose of the bootcamp was to polish our top 30 and prepare them to become market ready. They had the opportunity to be guided on issues of branding and image, usage of social media for content creation and marketing and ,more importantly, how to monetize their works to derive earnings.
6. Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here to witness the presentation of awards to the best of the 30 artists who were part of this boot camp.
7. A big take home from the roadshow was that we discovered talent and that there is more to be uncovered. Therefore as we honor the current crop of artistry, we recognize that this is just the tip of the Iceberg. Bagaetsho, bana ba rona ba na le di talente.
8. To the creatives, ensure you work hard to harness the conducive environment that Government is availing for your craft. Please take advantage of the fact that you have a President who is passionate about your industry, supportive and deeply desires to see you succeed. Produce and create more to earn royalties as well as boosted earnings from performances.
9. As you are aware, we are committed to empowering local artists by ensuring that they benefit from the bulk of our payments for royalties. To be precise, 80% of COSBOTS payment must accrue to local artists.
10. Furthermore, you should by now be aware of the dedicated sports and entertainment channel on Botswana television.
11. Therein lies massive opportunities for content creation and content procurement. In recognition of this niche, Government has responded by allocating P140 million meant to facilitate the creatives through content procurement and associated expenditure for the year 2023/2024.
12. This is a clear statement of intent by government towards job creation and youth empowerment.
13. In conclusion, Your Excellency, distinguished guests, I wish to invite you all to enjoy the latest of our emerging offerings.
14. I thank you for your attention. More grace to you all. Pula!
