Khama love story to light up cinema
THE movie is a gripping true love story proving for the umpteenth time that once Cupid shoots the arrow, no obstacles, no matter how fierce, can stop the union of love.
Set in England and Botswana in the 1940s to the 60s, the movie relives the forbidden romance and later successful marriage between Seretse Khama, a man who rose among his Bangwato nation (in northeastern Botswana) to become his country’s first democratically elected president in 1966.
Schooled at one of the top colleges in London, Khama meets and falls head over heels in love with a young English typist and a whirlwind romance ensues with both families determined to put an end to it.
Khama returns to his village in Serowe with his white wife Ruth Willams-Khama by his side, to the chagrin of his regent uncle and the nation being torn apart.
Khama shakes the political establishment, causing conflict between England and its colonies South Africa and Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), as the rush by English prospectors for diamonds and gold begins in earnest in southern Africa.
Despite being banished to London, with his pregnant wife left in Serowe, his kingship’s unanimously vote by show of hands for him to ascend the throne as the Bangwato king.
It is a heartbreaking love story that will hold cinemagoers spellbound, but is also told with a tinge of humour.
The cinematography setting and backdrop scenes of both London and Serowe are aesthetic and do justice to the film’s romantic theme.
My only gripe was that Hollywood star David Oyelowo, who plays the leading role of Khama, sheds a tear at the drop of the hat in the movie. Not to mention his west African accent, it takes away everything from Batswana.
I cannot imagine the real Khama being a crybaby; he was known to be a strongwilled and brave man. Perhaps the producers know something we do not.
Beyond that, the movie boasts a great cast including Rosamund Pike as Lady Ruth Khama; Terry Pheto as Naledi Khama (sister); Vusi Kunene as Tshekedi Khama (uncle); Abena Ayivor as Ella Khama, Tshekedi’s wife; and Donald Molosi as Kabelo. opens at cinemas countrywide on December 9. DREAMS usually materialise when they are driven by passion.
Back in the day, families had expectations of traditional careers when children were growing up. One was expected to be a lawyer, a doctor, an engineer or a teacher and so on.
However, for some people, following one’s own path is what drives passion to become a means of earning a living.
Jolondy Jacobs, a 24-year-old music newcomer, is one of the young upcoming artists who believes his passion for music will touch hearts and help him reach his dream of becoming a well-known musician.
The East Rand-born musician says he grew up watching his father playing guitar.
My father used to play the guitar and I would sit down and listen to him while singing some songs. From those moments, my father encouraged me to pursue singing,” says Jacobs.
He says he also sang in primary school and the way people responded to his music convinced him to take his passion for music seriously.
Jacobs has now released R&B ballad featuring the hit maker Fiesta Black on vocals. The song will be a hit if given a platform and has already won the hearts of Limpopo music fans as he sings about a girl from the province who he met on Instagram and fell in love with.
I usually sing about real-life experiences. It makes sense to listeners because your song communicates a message not farther from their lives,” says Jacobs, whose voice carries raw talent.
He says even though he has worked with some of the industry’s kings, he just thinks there are not enough platforms for upcoming artists.
I’m very excited about the SABC’s 90% local music [quota], but we still don’t have platforms to showcase our songs.”
Jacobs says if the industry is open for new artists, then we won’t have to listen to the same people all the time. The country has a lot of talent, but all we need is a chance to showcase it”. Jacobs got a big break during his performance at
on SABC1, where he met Lance Stehr, the kingmaker of Ghetto Ruff/Muthaland fame, eight years ago.
That is when some of the doors opened for me. Stehr believed in me and encouraged me throughout my struggle as an artist, and most big musicians don’t understand that we need them to believe in us.”
He has also worked with big artists like Emtee, Red Button and Maraza.
He says his music is R&B gangster, and with this genre as he reaches out to young and old.
Jacobs is currently doing live performances at park picnics and performing in night clubs.