TSOGO MUSICAL BECOMES A HIT
MAXWELL Dichi might just be Botswana’s next best thing when it comes to theatre plays. After taking an impressive Easter Musical dubbed The Generations to the stage at the Holy Cross Anglican last week, The Legacy actor is already working on his next project, a Christmas Musical.
“While the iron is still hot, we will now be working on a Christmas Special, a musical which portrays the life of a young Jesus, his birth and the love between his earthly parents,” said an elated Dichi.
“Tsogo was actually my first theatre play which out of the ordinary took place in a church and was faith based.” The musical, which attracted an audience of 400 people was set around the events of the crucifixion as told in the book of Mark. With Dichi as the narrator
alongside a stellar choir and band, the Easter story was gracefully and excellently told.
For Dichi, his greatest joy came from giving a platform to budding creatives. “It has been a great delight receiving calls from people who are interested in work
YOUNG, talented and handsome, Noah Moshebe is a Gospel Rapper with the world at his feet. When he’s not belting out brilliant tunes, the 24-year-old Lokgwabe native, who goes by the name Shebeleza in showbiz, also models, acts and plays football.
In this feature, the rising star, a passionate Christian, shares his hopes and dreams for the ing with my team. That is my biggest win from the event because my mandate is and always has been to shine a light on Botswana talent.”
“I believe with the recent play and other interactions I have made in Botswana, I have begun to contribute to the local industry. I have always put it out that I am available to work with Batswana through collaborations and developing talent,” he said and further noted that considering the love they received from the audience, The Tsogo choir will remain intact for future projects.
said and futher noted that
On what other productions his fans can look forward to, Dichi responded; “In the TV space it’s usually tricky to disclose what one is currently working on. What I can say for now is that soon you will have a movie from me, another stage play, TV show and a sitcom. I cannot tell you where these will be based,it could be anywhere.”
The Ramotswa born actor pointed out that he will neither be settling in Botswana nor South Africa as he aims to continue exploring the film industry and seeking out opportunities in both countries. “South Africa will certainly not be my last foreign country to work in, the sky is the limit,” he concluded. future.
How did you get into music?
Although I have always loved music, I only pursued it seriously in 2017 after I finished High School. Since then, I have recorded five songs which I published on different streaming platforms. My first song, ‘I love you Mama’ was a dedication to my dear mother.
Did anyone inspire you to become a musician?
I actually started music because of the Motswako artist, Big L Wasekai. I listened to his songs a lot and I knew I had it in me as well so I decided to go for it. Along the way, I discovered KB, an American Gospel rapper, who inspired me to do Gospel Rap.
Besides being influenced by KB, why did you decide to go with Gospel Rap?
The decision came very easily because I am a Christian. I wanted to serve God through the gift that he has blessed me with. Additionally, I wanted to use that gift to evangelize.
You have a few songs in Shekgalagari, how did people respond?
People actually seem to love those over the ones I do in English and Setswana. The feedback is amazing and I will definitely be doing more in the future.
Besides turning up in the studio, you are also a model. Take us through that.
I would say my career as a model is at its infant stage. I have only participated in one pageant, which was the Mr and Miss Bakgalagari in 2018 where I was crowned 1st Prince. I was brought on for the pageant’s Best of the Best event last year but I did not win anything. However, it was a fun experience. I hope to participate in more pageants and fashion shows in the future.
You are nicknamed Mr Confidence, where does your self-belief come from?
From a young age, I have always believed that I could do whatever I put my mind to. I played a lot of sports and performed exceptionally well because of that mindset. I get so much joy and fulfillment from being on stage delivering a performance and it gives me even more confidence when the crowd is connecting.
But do you ever get nervous before going on stage?
All the time! However, it fades as soon as the music comes on and the performance starts.
As a Christian, how has your faith shaped the content you put out?
My principle is that I cannot do or say anything that I know is against God’s teachings.
You are very expressive in terms of your style and I am guessing not everyone agrees with it. How do you deal with that?
I find people questioning my sexuality a lot because I sometimes plait my hair and have this funky style of dressing. However, it does not bother me because I know that God is more concerned with my heart over what I look like.
Good answer! So what else do you do besides music?
I act, play football and I also have a clothing label called Confidence Kulture.
What projects can we expect from you in the future?
Definitely more music! I also have the honour of performing at Maxwell Dichi’s Easter Musical Tsogo so I am excited about that.
Five things people don’t know about you?
1. I am a Mokgalagari 2. I love kids 3. I am short tempered 4. I love dumplings 5. I don’t listen to music that does not promote positive energy