Gasebalwe Seretse
27 October 2008
The talent search show, My Africa Dream (MAD) 2008 ended in grand style at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC) where winners were crowned last Friday.
The setting at the glittering event was typically African with the guests being ushered into the hall amidst ululations as they walked down the red carpet. The versatile traditional group, Mogwana, also entertained guests with an array of traditional dance-styles by the entrance.
The spectacular show, kicked off with a performance by the Gaborone Gymnastic Club who also happen to be the 2005 MAD finalists.Dancer Simran Muthumanimaran performing a contemporary Indian dance to Celine Dion's My Heart Will Go On sang by Rosemarie Hamouir followed them.
Next was Botlhodi Ja Motse, a drama group from Palapye, comprising of Tebogo Moroka, Kakanyo Mokgetsi, Kabo Kgwediedule, Gofaone Mothibi, Mompati Maseba and Nonofo Gontse. The group was in their element and their AIDS drama was one of the highlights of the night.
Up and coming poet, Elissa Nyoni recited a poem titled Ubuntu. Nyoni needs to work hard to nurture her talent because poetry is all about the use of captivating expressions and she fell short. Nyoni, was followed by Desmond Mtokufa, supported by Rocky Lebang. Mtokufa has an amazing voice, which is too mature for his age. He sent his audience into frenzy when he did a cover version of the gospel song, You Raise Me Up. It was disappointing when the little lad did not walk away with any prize that night.
True Dat, comprising Dominic Bosekeng, Tshireletso Mzwinila and Isaac Surtee came after the pint-sized Mtokufa. It must be said of the boys that they are talented and if they work hard enough, they stand a great chance of going international.
The duo from Reggae Boom Doom Era namely Nymrod 'Ladykyla' Mmusi and Seele 'Pride' Moseki followed with an exhilarating performance.The talented reggae/ ragga singers have expressed the dream of becoming professionals and they have what it takes to achieve that.
After Reggae Boom Doom Era came four dance groups in succession namely Buckville Donkeez, Bonandisto, Torrostina Girls and Untouchables. All these groups except Buckville Donkeez were later to prove popular with viewers when the results were announced.
Another highlight of the night was the performance by Dithapong Theatre Group from Maun who staged a comedy about an individual who tries to dodge his creditors (loan sharks). Although the group, made up of Marks Mogwasi, Boitshoko Samotebe, Tshepo Monaapula, Gorato Morapedi and Baakile Mobi did their best to impress, the night did not belong to any of the drama groups and sadly so because, as earlier indicated, their performances were generally outstanding.It looks like Punah Gabasiane's sister, Towelah Gabasiane has taken after her older sibling because she is also a good vocalist.More dance groups, Candy, Exhort, Torrostina and Untouchables followed with electrifying performances.
The dance duo famous for their amazing dance routines, Stemrico, who also happen to be past finalists, made a guest appearance.
The beautiful show was closed in collaboration by Daniel Taric, Ayisha, Towelah and Bonandosita.
The moment of reckoning arrived when the winners, chosen by viewers through Mascom voting lines were announced. The winner in the senior category was Towelah Gabasiane with Reggae Boom Doom Era as the runners-up. In the teens' bracket, Bonandisto walked away with the first prize with Candy on the heels. Torrostina Girls won the juniors' category followed by the Untouchables.The judges' votes went to True Dat and Rosemarie.
Although the show, whose management has returned to Rosalyn Beukes, who came up with the concept was beautiful, there were a few flaws.
First, MC Joe Matome, who also happens to be too old to be MCeeing in a show targeting youth, hogged the limelight, eclipsing talented and youthful presenters Pauline Mabelebele, Prince Macheng and Kago Serole.Then the guest artists, NKD, a South African pop group also borrowed a leaf from Matome, stealing the limelight by performing a good number of songs from their album and some cover version.
The hope is that Beukes will work hard to take the show back to its glory.
The show was sponsored by, among others, Mmegi, Mascom, Air Botswana, Department of Culture and Youth, Cresta, Barlow, Coretalk, Maitisong, Showgroup and Gabzlink.
Be the first to Write a Comment!
Copyright © 2008 Mmegi/The Reporter. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
