Mogomotsi Moloi
17 March 2008
opinion
Poor organisation seem to be the order of the day at the Pop Stars Botswana show as the event fails to live to its billing despite the fact that this is its second edition.
The event was launched over a week ago at a dull ceremony marred by disappointing technicians and sound engineers at the Btv Auditorium. Things got worse last Friday despite the fact that patrons had turned up in good numbers. The show started more than two hours late and this did not go down well with some parents who came to motivate their children and relatives.
The technicians took extremely long to put up bright lights on the stage, and the two microphones cut-off several times during the show. By the time the show started at around 9.30pm, all the excitement had vanished from the audience's faces. "If you are failing to put your things together, why can't you refund our money and tell us to go home? We are elders, we cannot be seated here watching this wall while you fail to show us what we are here for," queried a dejected elderly woman who ran out of patience after the delays.
The contestants were frustrated when instrumentals suddenly cut-off while they were on stage singing to impress the judges. One of them, Caroline Chilufya sang a song with lyrics that goes: "Everything here is a mess. Why is that everything here is so confusing? Please take me somewhere".
In an interview with Showtime, competition organiser Keabetswe Sesenyi, popularly known as Master Dee, defended the show. He said that they came early to prepare everything but were let down by a power blackout in the Auditorium. He promised that things will improve in the next show.
The show was even more dull than the previous one. Perhaps the change of songs also played a negative role on the contestants' performance like the tiny Merriam Robanyane, among others.
Since it was the first elimination stage of the competition, Rose Talenyane became the first to be sent packing. Talenyane, Bonolo Seema and Benjamin Mothibe got the least number of votes. But Seema and Mothibe were lucky to fight back into the competition. Mothibe was saved by the judges but Seema outperformed Talenyane live on the stage.
Being the first to start the show after all the de-motivating factors, Talenyane's voice was not clear, which gave the judges a hard time in taking a decision. She was given the second chance, but it still did not work for her. She, however, told the audience that she leaves the competition happy.
"I have no hard feelings against anyone. The voters have spoken and I have learnt a lesson from this," she stated.
Meanwhile, Tshepang Mogale stole the show from all the 21 contestants. The burly songbird gave a fantastic performance. She had confidence and showed positive attitude. She triggered memories of last year's winner, Tshepo Dikomang.
It would not be surprising if Mogale makes the top 10. Even if she does not win, at least she would have made a mark and those who appreciate her talent might sign her.
Master Dee expressed his satisfaction with the contestants and said that though some failed to impress maybe due to stage fright, they still have a chance to prove themselves in the coming string of shows.
The competition and shooting of Pop Stars Botswana continues every Friday at Btv Auditorium. The show is aired every Sunday evening on Btv and the public is urged to vote for the best star who eventually wins a recording deal in the United Kingdom and prize money.
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