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Young minds from all corners of the world are flying to Africa in search of both adventure and fortune. \\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003c/p\\u003e","pagelayer-id":"tsw4980"} --><p><strong>Africa is a continent of opportunities, and more individuals are realizing this. Young minds from all corners of the world are flying to Africa in search of both adventure and fortune. </strong></p><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_text -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_text {"ele_padding":"0%,0%,0%,0%","animation":"","animation_delay":"700","animation_speed":"slowest","text":"\\u003cp\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eIn an effort to capture this narrative, Africa''s Very Own Magazine goes out on a mission to showcase Africa not only as a hub of adventure but also as the home of innovation \\u0026amp; excellence through our website and other media channels..\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u0026nbsp;\\u003c/p\\u003e","pagelayer-id":"uhv849"} --><p><strong>In an effort to capture this narrative, Africa''s Very Own Magazine goes out on a mission to showcase Africa not only as a hub of adventure but also as the home of innovation &amp; excellence through our website and other media channels..</strong>&nbsp;</p><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_text -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"6zi5578"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","pagelayer-id":"60m6972"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"heading_state":"normal","color":"","heading_typo":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","ele_css":"{{element}} .pagelayer-heading-holder span{\\nfont-size: 40px !important; \\n}","align":"center","ele_padding":"20px,0px,0px,0px","heading_typo_mobile":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","heading_typo_tablet":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","animation":"","animation_delay":"800","animation_speed":"slowest","text":"\\n\\u003ch3\\u003eHISTORY, EXPANSION, \\u0026amp; GROWTH\\u003c/h3\\u003e\\n","pagelayer-id":"aim3552"} -->\n<h3>HISTORY, EXPANSION, &amp; GROWTH</h3>\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"hyb6425"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","pagelayer-id":"sw98141"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_text {"ele_padding":"0%,0%,0%,0%","animation":"","animation_delay":"700","animation_speed":"slowest","text":"\\u003cp\\u003e\\u003cb\\u003eFounded in Selebi-Phikwe, Botswana, Africa''s Very Own Magazine began as a Facebook based online magazine, first published as Phikwe''s Very Own, in 2018, before rebranding to Botswana''s Very Own in 2019 and later revamping to Africa''s Very Own Magazine, in 2020.\\u003c/b\\u003e\\u003c/p\\u003e","pagelayer-id":"kfg734"} --><p><b>Founded in Selebi-Phikwe, Botswana, Africa''s Very Own Magazine began as a Facebook based online magazine, first published as Phikwe''s Very Own, in 2018, before rebranding to Botswana''s Very Own in 2019 and later revamping to Africa''s Very Own Magazine, in 2020.</b></p><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_text -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"mzx8588"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col_width":"28.95","pagelayer-id":"qpd6819"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"text":"\\n\\u003ch6\\u003e2018\\u003c/h6\\u003e\\n","heading_state":"normal","pagelayer-id":"nlb4856"} -->\n<h6>2018</h6>\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col_width":"70.99","pagelayer-id":"1bn8646"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"heading_state":"normal","color":"","heading_typo":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","heading_typo_mobile":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","heading_typo_tablet":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","text":"\\n\\u003ch6\\u003eLaunched Phikwe''s Very Own Magazine\\u003c/h6\\u003e\\n","pagelayer-id":"jeb7704"} -->\n<h6>Launched Phikwe''s Very Own Magazine</h6>\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"7kc9135"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col_width":"28.95","pagelayer-id":"xww789"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"text":"\\n\\u003ch6\\u003e2019\\u003c/h6\\u003e\\n","heading_state":"normal","pagelayer-id":"2mq7153"} -->\n<h6>2019</h6>\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col_width":"70.99","pagelayer-id":"xjx7911"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"heading_state":"normal","color":"","heading_typo":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","heading_typo_mobile":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","heading_typo_tablet":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","text":"\\n\\u003ch6\\u003eRebranded to Botswana''s Very Own Magazine\\u0026nbsp;\\u003c/h6\\u003e\\n","pagelayer-id":"8m39610"} -->\n<h6>Rebranded to Botswana''s Very Own Magazine&nbsp;</h6>\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"go15670"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col_width":"28.95","pagelayer-id":"ml06310"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"text":"\\n\\u003ch6\\u003e2020\\u003c/h6\\u003e\\n","heading_state":"normal","pagelayer-id":"vps7365"} -->\n<h6>2020</h6>\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col_width":"70.99","pagelayer-id":"61t2104"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"heading_state":"normal","color":"","heading_typo":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","heading_typo_mobile":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","heading_typo_tablet":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","text":"\\u003ch6\\u003eRebranded to Africa''s Very Own Magazine\\u003c/h6\\u003e","pagelayer-id":"htf9246"} --><h6>Rebranded to Africa''s Very Own Magazine</h6><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"y9y2408"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","pagelayer-id":"j6n4980"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"text":"\\n\\u003ch3\\u003eOUR VISION\\u003c/h3\\u003e\\n","heading_state":"normal","align":"center","pagelayer-id":"jhh8437"} -->\n<h3>OUR VISION</h3>\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"1vj9564"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","pagelayer-id":"pkg633"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_text {"text":"\\u003cp\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eOur vision is to be one of the most popular magazine in Africa.\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003c/p\\u003e","pagelayer-id":"uee9131"} --><p><strong>Our vision is to be one of the most popular magazine in Africa.</strong></p><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_text -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"6fk1160"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","pagelayer-id":"lgp4421"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"text":"\\u003ch3\\u003eOUR MISSION\\u003c/h3\\u003e","heading_state":"normal","align":"center","pagelayer-id":"swn4420"} --><h3>OUR MISSION</h3><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"nsg4927"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","pagelayer-id":"kya989"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_text {"text":"\\u003cp\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eOur mission is to converse with leaders with excellent African leaders across industries.\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003c/p\\u003e","pagelayer-id":"e3d6606"} --><p><strong>Our mission is to converse with leaders with excellent African leaders across industries.</strong></p><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_text -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row 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{"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"iu12933"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","pagelayer-id":"can1076"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_phone {"icon":"fas fa-phone-alt","linked":"true","align":"center","pagelayer-id":"gw29550"} /-->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"9um7377"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","pagelayer-id":"pie287"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_email {"icon":"fas fa-envelope","linked":"true","align":"center","pagelayer-id":"wyl144"} /-->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n', 'About AVO', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'about-2', '', '', '2022-08-29 13:28:40', '2022-08-29 11:28:40', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?page_id=2', 0, 'page', '', 0),
(29, 1, '2021-06-24 19:34:52', '2021-06-24 19:34:52', '<h1>Privacy Policy</h1>\nLast updated: May 10, 2021\n\nThis Privacy Policy describes Our policies and procedures on the collection, use and disclosure of Your information when You use the Service and tells You about Your privacy rights and how the law protects You.\n\nWe use Your Personal data to provide and improve the Service. By using the Service, You agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. \n<h1>Interpretation and Definitions</h1>\n<h2>Interpretation</h2>\nThe words of which the initial letter is capitalized have meanings defined under the following conditions. The following definitions shall have the same meaning regardless of whether they appear in singular or in plural.\n<h2>Definitions</h2>\nFor the purposes of this Privacy Policy:\n<ul>\n 	<li><strong>Account</strong> means a unique account created for You to access our Service or parts of our Service.</li>\n 	<li><strong>Company</strong> (referred to as either "the Company", "We", "Us" or "Our" in this Agreement) refers to Africa''s Very Own Magazine , Kgagodi Street.</li>\n 	<li><strong>Cookies</strong> are small files that are placed on Your computer, mobile device or any other device by a website, containing the details of Your browsing history on that website among its many uses.</li>\n 	<li><strong>Country</strong> refers to: Botswana</li>\n 	<li><strong>Device</strong> means any device that can access the Service such as a computer, a cellphone or a digital tablet.</li>\n 	<li><strong>Personal Data</strong> is any information that relates to an identified or identifiable individual.</li>\n 	<li><strong>Service</strong> refers to the Website.</li>\n 	<li><strong>Service Provider</strong> means any natural or legal person who processes the data on behalf of the Company. It refers to third-party companies or individuals employed by the Company to facilitate the Service, to provide the Service on behalf of the Company, to perform services related to the Service or to assist the Company in analyzing how the Service is used.</li>\n 	<li><strong>Third-party Social Media Service</strong> refers to any website or any social network website through which a User can log in or create an account to use the Service.</li>\n 	<li><strong>Usage Data</strong> refers to data collected automatically, either generated by the use of the Service or from the Service infrastructure itself (for example, the duration of a page visit).</li>\n 	<li><strong>Website</strong> refers to Africa''s Very Own Magazine , accessible from <a href="africasveryownmagazine.co.bw" target="_blank" rel="external nofollow noopener">africasveryownmagazine.co.bw </a></li>\n 	<li><strong>You</strong> means the individual accessing or using the Service, or the company, or other legal entity on behalf of which such individual is accessing or using the Service, as applicable.</li>\n</ul>\n<h1>Collecting and Using Your Personal Data</h1>\n<h2>Types of Data Collected</h2>\n<h3>Personal Data</h3>\nWhile using Our Service, We may ask You to provide Us with certain personally identifiable information that can be used to contact or identify You. Personally identifiable information may include, but is not limited to:\n<ul>\n 	<li>Email address</li>\n 	<li>Phone number</li>\n 	<li>Usage Data</li>\n</ul>\n<h3>Usage Data</h3>\nUsage Data is collected automatically when using the Service.\n\nUsage Data may include information such as Your Device''s Internet Protocol address (e.g. IP address), browser type, browser version, the pages of our Service that You visit, the time and date of Your visit, the time spent on those pages, unique device identifiers and other diagnostic data.\n\nWhen You access the Service by or through a mobile device, We may collect certain information automatically, including, but not limited to, the type of mobile device You use, Your mobile device unique ID, the IP address of Your mobile device, Your mobile operating system, the type of mobile Internet browser You use, unique device identifiers and other diagnostic data.\n\nWe may also collect information that Your browser sends whenever You visit our Service or when You access the Service by or through a mobile device.\n<h3>Information from Third-Party Social Media Services</h3>\nThe Company allows You to create an account and log in to use the Service through the following Third-party Social Media Services:\n<ul>\n 	<li>Google</li>\n 	<li>Facebook</li>\n 	<li>Twitter</li>\n</ul>\nIf You decide to register through or otherwise grant us access to a Third-Party Social Media Service, We may collect Personal data that is already associated with Your Third-Party Social Media Service''s account, such as Your name, Your email address, Your activities or Your contact list associated with that account.\n\nYou may also have the option of sharing additional information with the Company through Your Third-Party Social Media Service''s account. If You choose to provide such information and Personal Data, during registration or otherwise, You are giving the Company permission to use, share, and store it in a manner consistent with this Privacy Policy.\n<h3>Tracking Technologies and Cookies</h3>\nWe use Cookies and similar tracking technologies to track the activity on Our Service and store certain information. Tracking technologies used are beacons, tags, and scripts to collect and track information and to improve and analyze Our Service. The technologies We use may include:\n<ul>\n 	<li><strong>Cookies or Browser Cookies.</strong> A cookie is a small file placed on Your Device. You can instruct Your browser to refuse all Cookies or to indicate when a Cookie is being sent. However, if You do not accept Cookies, You may not be able to use some parts of our Service. Unless you have adjusted Your browser setting so that it will refuse Cookies, our Service may use Cookies.</li>\n 	<li><strong>Flash Cookies.</strong> Certain features of our Service may use local stored objects (or Flash Cookies) to collect and store information about Your preferences or Your activity on our Service. Flash Cookies are not managed by the same browser settings as those used for Browser Cookies. For more information on how You can delete Flash Cookies, please read "Where can I change the settings for disabling, or deleting local shared objects?" available at <a href="https://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/disable-local-shared-objects-flash.html#main_Where_can_I_change_the_settings_for_disabling__or_deleting_local_shared_objects_" target="_blank" rel="external nofollow noopener">https://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/disable-local-shared-objects-flash.html#main_Where_can_I_change_the_settings_for_disabling__or_deleting_local_shared_objects_</a></li>\n 	<li><strong>Web Beacons.</strong> Certain sections of our Service and our emails may contain small electronic files known as web beacons (also referred to as clear gifs, pixel tags, and single-pixel gifs) that permit the Company, for example, to count users who have visited those pages or opened an email and for other related website statistics (for example, recording the popularity of a certain section and verifying system and server integrity).</li>\n</ul>\nCookies can be "Persistent" or "Session" Cookies. Persistent Cookies remain on Your personal computer or mobile device when You go offline, while Session Cookies are deleted as soon as You close Your web browser. Learn more about cookies: <a href="https://www.privacypolicies.com/blog/cookies/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What Are Cookies?</a>.\n\nWe use both Session and Persistent Cookies for the purposes set out below:\n<ul>\n 	<li><strong>Necessary / Essential Cookies</strong>Type: Session Cookies\n\nAdministered by: Us\n\nPurpose: These Cookies are essential to provide You with services available through the Website and to enable You to use some of its features. They help to authenticate users and prevent fraudulent use of user accounts. Without these Cookies, the services that You have asked for cannot be provided, and We only use these Cookies to provide You with those services.</li>\n 	<li><strong>Cookies Policy / Notice Acceptance Cookies</strong>Type: Persistent Cookies\n\nAdministered by: Us\n\nPurpose: These Cookies identify if users have accepted the use of cookies on the Website.</li>\n 	<li><strong>Functionality Cookies</strong>Type: Persistent Cookies\n\nAdministered by: Us\n\nPurpose: These Cookies allow us to remember choices You make when You use the Website, such as remembering your login details or language preference. The purpose of these Cookies is to provide You with a more personal experience and to avoid You having to re-enter your preferences every time You use the Website.</li>\n</ul>\nFor more information about the cookies we use and your choices regarding cookies, please visit our Cookies Policy or the Cookies section of our Privacy Policy.\n<h2>Use of Your Personal Data</h2>\nThe Company may use Personal Data for the following purposes:\n<ul>\n 	<li><strong>To provide and maintain our Service</strong>, including to monitor the usage of our Service.</li>\n 	<li><strong>To manage Your Account:</strong> to manage Your registration as a user of the Service. The Personal Data You provide can give You access to different functionalities of the Service that are available to You as a registered user.</li>\n 	<li><strong>For the performance of a contract:</strong> the development, compliance and undertaking of the purchase contract for the products, items or services You have purchased or of any other contract with Us through the Service.</li>\n 	<li><strong>To contact You:</strong> To contact You by email, telephone calls, SMS, or other equivalent forms of electronic communication, such as a mobile application''s push notifications regarding updates or informative communications related to the functionalities, products or contracted services, including the security updates, when necessary or reasonable for their implementation.</li>\n 	<li><strong>To provide You</strong> with news, special offers and general information about other goods, services and events which we offer that are similar to those that you have already purchased or enquired about unless You have opted not to receive such information.</li>\n 	<li><strong>To manage Your requests:</strong> To attend and manage Your requests to Us.</li>\n 	<li><strong>For business transfers:</strong> We may use Your information to evaluate or conduct a merger, divestiture, restructuring, reorganization, dissolution, or other sale or transfer of some or all of Our assets, whether as a going concern or as part of bankruptcy, liquidation, or similar proceeding, in which Personal Data held by Us about our Service users is among the assets transferred.</li>\n 	<li><strong>For other purposes</strong>: We may use Your information for other purposes, such as data analysis, identifying usage trends, determining the effectiveness of our promotional campaigns and to evaluate and improve our Service, products, services, marketing and your experience.</li>\n</ul>\nWe may share Your personal information in the following situations:\n<ul>\n 	<li><strong>With Service Providers:</strong> We may share Your personal information with Service Providers to monitor and analyze the use of our Service, to contact You.</li>\n 	<li><strong>For business transfers:</strong> We may share or transfer Your personal information in connection with, or during negotiations of, any merger, sale of Company assets, financing, or acquisition of all or a portion of Our business to another company.</li>\n 	<li><strong>With Affiliates:</strong> We may share Your information with Our affiliates, in which case we will require those affiliates to honor this Privacy Policy. Affiliates include Our parent company and any other subsidiaries, joint venture partners or other companies that We control or that are under common control with Us.</li>\n 	<li><strong>With business partners:</strong> We may share Your information with Our business partners to offer You certain products, services or promotions.</li>\n 	<li><strong>With other users:</strong> when You share personal information or otherwise interact in the public areas with other users, such information may be viewed by all users and may be publicly distributed outside. If You interact with other users or register through a Third-Party Social Media Service, Your contacts on the Third-Party Social Media Service may see Your name, profile, pictures and description of Your activity. Similarly, other users will be able to view descriptions of Your activity, communicate with You and view Your profile.</li>\n 	<li><strong>With Your consent</strong>: We may disclose Your personal information for any other purpose with Your consent.</li>\n</ul>\n<h2>Retention of Your Personal Data</h2>\nThe Company will retain Your Personal Data only for as long as is necessary for the purposes set out in this Privacy Policy. We will retain and use Your Personal Data to the extent necessary to comply with our legal obligations (for example, if we are required to retain your data to comply with applicable laws), resolve disputes, and enforce our legal agreements and policies.\n\nThe Company will also retain Usage Data for internal analysis purposes. Usage Data is generally retained for a shorter period of time, except when this data is used to strengthen the security or to improve the functionality of Our Service, or We are legally obligated to retain this data for longer time periods.\n<h2>Transfer of Your Personal Data</h2>\nYour information, including Personal Data, is processed at the Company''s operating offices and in any other places where the parties involved in the processing are located. It means that this information may be transferred to — and maintained on — computers located outside of Your state, province, country or other governmental jurisdiction where the data protection laws may differ than those from Your jurisdiction.\n\nYour consent to this Privacy Policy followed by Your submission of such information represents Your agreement to that transfer.\n\nThe Company will take all steps reasonably necessary to ensure that Your data is treated securely and in accordance with this Privacy Policy and no transfer of Your Personal Data will take place to an organization or a country unless there are adequate controls in place including the security of Your data and other personal information.\n<h2>Disclosure of Your Personal Data</h2>\n<h3>Business Transactions</h3>\nIf the Company is involved in a merger, acquisition or asset sale, Your Personal Data may be transferred. We will provide notice before Your Personal Data is transferred and becomes subject to a different Privacy Policy.\n<h3>Law enforcement</h3>\nUnder certain circumstances, the Company may be required to disclose Your Personal Data if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g. a court or a government agency).\n<h3>Other legal requirements</h3>\nThe Company may disclose Your Personal Data in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to:\n<ul>\n 	<li>Comply with a legal obligation</li>\n 	<li>Protect and defend the rights or property of the Company</li>\n 	<li>Prevent or investigate possible wrongdoing in connection with the Service</li>\n 	<li>Protect the personal safety of Users of the Service or the public</li>\n 	<li>Protect against legal liability</li>\n</ul>\n<h2>Security of Your Personal Data</h2>\nThe security of Your Personal Data is important to Us, but remember that no method of transmission over the Internet, or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. While We strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect Your Personal Data, We cannot guarantee its absolute security.\n<h1>Children''s Privacy</h1>\nOur Service does not address anyone under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from anyone under the age of 13. If You are a parent or guardian and You are aware that Your child has provided Us with Personal Data, please contact Us. If We become aware that We have collected Personal Data from anyone under the age of 13 without verification of parental consent, We take steps to remove that information from Our servers.\n\nIf We need to rely on consent as a legal basis for processing Your information and Your country requires consent from a parent, We may require Your parent''s consent before We collect and use that information.\n<h1>Links to Other Websites</h1>\nOur Service may contain links to other websites that are not operated by Us. If You click on a third party link, You will be directed to that third party''s site. We strongly advise You to review the Privacy Policy of every site You visit.\n\nWe have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies or practices of any third party sites or services.\n<h1>Changes to this Privacy Policy</h1>\nWe may update Our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify You of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page.\n\nWe will let You know via email and/or a prominent notice on Our Service, prior to the change becoming effective and update the "Last updated" date at the top of this Privacy Policy.\n\nYou are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Changes to this Privacy Policy are effective when they are posted on this page.\n<h1>Contact Us</h1>\nIf you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, You can contact us:\n<ul>\n 	<li>By email: info@africasveryownmagazine.co.bw</li>\n</ul>', 'Privacy Policy', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'open', '', 'privacy-policy-2', '', '', '2021-06-24 19:34:52', '2021-06-24 19:34:52', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?page_id=3', 0, 'page', '', 0),
(30, 1, '2021-06-24 19:35:09', '2021-06-24 19:35:09', '', 'Blog', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'articles', '', '', '2021-07-30 20:52:50', '2021-07-30 20:52:50', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/blog/', 0, 'page', '', 0),
(77, 2, '2020-06-24 23:01:33', '2020-06-24 23:01:33', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Q. Tell me a little about yourself. Tell us a bit about your upbringing.</strong><br><br><strong>A.</strong> I was born in Harare, and also raised in USA and South Africa. My father was a rising musician, while my mother was the bread winner of the household. They were both self made, with mixed ethnicities of different kinds. This contributed to my complex upbringing, as my cultural exposure was quite vast. My talents were nurtured from the age of 4. I started playing mbira at the age of 8, and got into professional acting at age 9. My journey has certainly been riveting.<br><br><strong>Q. What is your favorite childhood memory? </strong><br><br><strong>A.</strong> Eating oranges on a hot day as my big sis and I played outside in white dresses.<br> <br><strong>Q. When is your birthday?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>A. </strong> 6.9.88<br><br><strong>Q. Your full names?</strong> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>A.</strong> Ammara Nury Brown<br><br><strong>Q. Home name/nickname?</strong>  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>A.</strong> Mai Khameel/ Mmara<br><br><strong>Q. Who''s the most important person in your life? Can you tell why he/she is the most important person in your life? What role do they play in your career?</strong><br><br><strong>A</strong>. My son is the most important person in y life. He gives me drive when nothing else will and is joy personified. I actually have a song called Khameel''s Kick, on my first album.<br><br><strong>Q.</strong> <strong>When do you feel truly “alive”?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>A.</strong> With my son, with good food, walking in nature and whenever I''m singing.<br><br><strong>Q.</strong> <strong>What are your 10 rules??  </strong><br><br><strong>A</strong>. <br>1. Talk to and walk with God<br>2. Be present within self<br>3. Learn to dance in the rain.<br>4. Remember success is a journey<br>5. Money is your friend and tool.<br>6. Share your wisdom with compassion<br>7. Guard your reputation with your life<br>8. Love with honest borders.<br>9. Win win win win win<br>10. Serve your highest purpose <br><br><strong>Q. What are three interesting facts about you?</strong><br><br><strong>A.</strong><br>    1. I pick up stuff with my toes<br>    2. I''m hyper mobile<br>    3. I have a huge natural afro but I was bald as a baby for 2 years<br><br><br><strong>Q. What are you absolutely determined to do?? </strong><br><strong>A.</strong> Succeed on my own terms, and become one of the greatest forces of influence in the entertainment sector, on the African continent.<br><br><strong>Q. Do you have any upcoming projects?</strong><br><br><strong>A.</strong> I’m currently working on my sophomore album Flaming Lily. I’m also about to release a music video for “Glow in the Dark”. It’s been selected as the title track for the very first Zimbabwean movie on Netflix, Cook Off.<br><br><strong>Q. Tell us about the industry you''re in [Generally the music industry in Zimbabwe]. Why did you decide to be a musician? What challenges do you meet, and how do you tackle them?</strong><br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>A.</strong> It first began because singing was the one time I felt completely free. I met many challenges but the greatest of all is mastering self. That has been the key.<br><br><br><strong>Q. Who/what inspired you to pursue a career in music? Who gave you an uplift in this industry?</strong><br><br><strong>A.</strong> I was 12 when I realized that this passion was a greater part of my path. My parents were an integral part of my support structure. Dad on music industry boot camp, and creative freedom.  While mom was the all round superwoman, with consistent motivation and true sacrifice. They’re just 2 of the many giants I’ve been honored enough to learn from. Chiwoniso, Tuku, Hugh Masekela just to name a few more. <br><br><strong>Q. What''s the one mistake that artists make when entering the music industry? </strong><br><br><strong>A.</strong> They don’t look at it as a business. Emotions can annihilate progress. <br><br><strong>Q. Would you quit the music world for a different career path? Why?</strong><br><br><strong>A.</strong> I have always been one to follow my spirit. A career is fine but a purpose is greater. If I ever felt that my highest purpose is not being served, I would morph it into what it needs to be. That’s true success. Freedom. <br><br><strong>Q. What impact does music have on your life, and on the society? </strong><br><br><strong>A.</strong> For my music is how I make sense of the world and my purpose in it. Human connection is golden in a time where people are glued to devices instead. Music awakens the spirit in connection with the rest of humanity. <br><br><strong>Q. Which music shows have you had the opportunity to partake in? And how did these impact on your career?</strong>  <br><br><strong>A.</strong> There are so many that have shaped and propelled me forward. Idols East and Southern Africa. Entertaining millions of people every week while camera shy was a great learning experience. HIFA main stage 2014, Micasa and I combined to make a fierce concert. The production level was a great challenge. Headlining at O2 arena in London ‘18. What intense beautiful pressure. <br><br><strong>Q. Where do you see yourself in 5 years to come?</strong><br><br><strong>A.</strong> I see myself continuing to grow as a creative and as a brand on a more powerful continental level. From music to film I am definitely maximizing on all my gifts. Family life is my big reward. <br><br><strong>Q. What''s the most important assert in the music business? How does ''it'' help in building up career, and relationships?</strong><br><br><strong>A.</strong> Discipline, because hard work outshines talent in the long run. <br><br><strong>Q. The song that caught our attention the most was ''TICHICHEMA''. Can you explain the word, Tichichema, and can you also explain the message behind the song? </strong><br><br><strong>A.</strong> Tichichema means “as we cry”. The song is about a woman on an abusive relationship with an alcoholic. Loving your abuser is a common problem in society. You tend to empathize with them to your own detriment. I wanted to portray the pain and emotional conflict so many women go through everyday. The video is one of my proudest works. <br><br><strong>Q. By far, which has been the biggest single release of your career? </strong><br><br><strong>A.</strong> Akiliz has definitely been my biggest hit. With millions of streams it broke me through the Zimbabwean borders and into the international scene. It was responsible for my Ammartia Ignite tour. This was after a string of hit songs like “Mukoko”, “Bhachura”, “Kure Kure” and “Wachu want”. All these songs showcased different facets and levels of my artistry, which drew in my fan base in legions at a time. I’ve been blessed.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'Q&A WITH THE AMMARA BROWN', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'ammarabrown', '', '', '2021-07-20 23:15:41', '2021-07-20 23:15:41', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=77', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(128, 2, '2020-06-26 17:42:25', '2020-06-26 17:42:25', '<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_post_props {"post_title":"Q\\u0026amp;A WITH THE DEAF DESIGNER","post_status":"publish","post_date":"2021-06-26 17:42:25","post_author":"2","post_name":"qa-with-the-deaf-designer","featured_image":"125","pagelayer-id":"qde1627"} /-->\n\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"pagelayer-id":"y4f9053"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"col":"12","pagelayer-id":"plc8499"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_text {"text":"\\n\\n\\u003cp\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eWho are you and what do you do?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eI now find the question \\u0022Who are you\\u0022 deeply philosophical! Anyhow, my given name is Thembalenkosi Moyo and I''m a Creative, particularly, a Graphic Designer by profession.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eWhat’s your background?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eI was born in Zim in 1989, December. Grew up the African way, down in a village somewhere in central Zimbabwe, did my primary in Christian village schools then a bit of Christian boarding school for secondary. \\u003c/p\\u003e\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u003cp\\u003eEventually completed my high school at an amazing government school called Prince Edward School in Harare where I studied Art, Accounting and Management of Business while doing music with the choir and another Acapella group we started. \\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eI sang bass...\\u0022second bass\\u0022 as my choir master called it, cause my voice is quite deep! I''ve actually been singing since I was about 10 but started doing bass at 16 after my adult voice developed.\\u003cbr\\u003eFrom high school, I took 3 \\u0022gap years\\u0022 because of a terrible illness. I then went to Cape Town in 2012 to study a 4-year Graphic Design course.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003ePlease tell us a bit about your personal life.\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eI''m the last born in a family of 5. Siblings are currently all over Southern Africa while I moved back with my folks in Francistown after varsity to start building my own base. I discovered Calligraphy at the age of 11 (the art of beautiful writing), used it to make cards for girls and impressed quite a few! That was my earliest experience with design.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eI consider myself a very understanding person, I''m usually the last guy to start a fight. My whole family is kinda gifted in music, so I sing to myself for about 80% of my waking time. It might be a mechanism to deal with loneliness or boredom cause the \\u0022playlist\\u0022 rarely matters. I lost my hearing in 2009 after the illness I mentioned earlier. \\u003c/p\\u003e\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u003cp\\u003eIt has taken a lot of adjusting ever since! And I officially had to quit singing publicly since I can no longer hold a key. I''m now building a new set of hobbies that fits this new reality as a deaf guy :) \\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eWhat qualities and skills should a great graphic designer have?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eGraphic designers deliver messages to people through pictures, words, shapes and colors. One needs to be able to develop communication concepts, compose then execute them. That takes creativity/intuition and expressiveness. You \\u0022connect the dots\\u0022 then present a message from the \\u0022connection\\u0022 you made. \\u003c/p\\u003e\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u003cp\\u003eBeing able to draw is an advantage, since you need hand-eye coordination to execute the things you imagine as sketches on paper or other media. \\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eThere are some people who aren''t very good in drawing but have successful GD careers, they probably found another strong point to work with. You also need to be very attentive to detail. Soft skills: you may work with a lot of different people with diverse ideas to be executed, so you need good people skills. \\u003c/p\\u003e\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u003cp\\u003eFrom there, you can choose from the many computer programs available today for drawing or picture manipulation. Examples are Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw (drawing), Adobe Photoshop (Photo manipulation and painting). Some of the software have to be paid for but there are some that are open source (free to use). Project management skills are also important, you must start and finish on time, whether it''s a few hours or weeks\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eWhy did you choose graphic design as a profession?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eI dreamt of being a fine artist while I was in high school, but I was advised to do a course that was more \\u0022marketable\\u0022, something to get me a job because art \\u0022poorly sells in Africa\\u0022 they said. So Graphic design was a good compromise since it involves a lot of drawing and conceptualisation as well. \\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eThen I had another childhood dream (which I only discussed with friends), of owning a clothing brand and it seems to be fulfilling accidentally. I realised towards the end of my course that Graphic design allows one to build brand communications, so I got into a profession that may help my other dream unknowingly.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eWhat makes you a good graphic designer?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eI think I am good at composing my messages in not only MEANINGFUL ways but also ATTRACTIVE ones. If it looks good and it makes sense to the people involved, I think my job is well done.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eWhat are your strengths and weaknesses?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cem\\u003eStrengths\\u003c/em\\u003e: I''m naturally expressive, with pictures, words or sounds. I can draw, speak/write or sing in ways people appreciate.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cem\\u003eWeaknesses\\u003c/em\\u003e: I''m slow... in everything! I take my time to understand things and follow through. But my mom says I''m \\u0022never hurried\\u0022, I''m starting to think it''s actually a good thing that ONLY looks bad in a busy or demanding world. Hahaha. I also design for myself, meaning I can be too emotionally involved in my work, fussing about little things that take time.\\u003c/p\\u003e\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u003cp\\u003eA real weakness is that I''m terrible with some technical design terms, because of poor hearing, I learnt by watching, not listening.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eCan you tell us what you know about branding?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eIt''s not what many people might think it is. Branding is an emotional or psychological exercise. We as human beings have a natural tendency to put a \\u0022mental mark\\u0022 on something that is useful to us so we can easily find that thing when we need it. \\u003c/p\\u003e\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u003cp\\u003eBe it an old baobab tree in the bush with fruit and shelter, a street wear brand or our girlfriend/boyfriend. We do the \\u0022branding\\u0022 by attaching that thing to ourselves. \\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eNow businesses realised this natural tendency and developed ways to make themselves easy to identify and remember. If they didn''t, it''d be hard to find them when we want our problems solved. \\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eThen, exclusivity came in later and became associated with branding. But branding shouldn''t mean \\u0022expensive\\u0022, in its basic form, it means \\u0022memorable solver of my problems\\u0022. The complication with branding now comes from the fierce competition among businesses as well as society''s tendencies to stack things and people against one another.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eWhy is branding important?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eBranding makes it easy for the one who wants their problems solved to find their \\u0022problem-solver\\u0022. It''s a win-win. On the money side, branding is very valuable! What people perceive about you could guarantee your future usefulness to them...or sales.\\u003c/p\\u003e\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u003cp\\u003eSo we must really invest in it! If there''s 5 of us selling oranges but people think you''re the best, your future oranges are as good as sold too... Don''t mind the hilarious illustration. \\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eHow do you Price your work?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eI consider 3 things: \\u003cbr\\u003e1. The time and effort it may take me to complete the work (2, 5 or 10 hours? Then I multiply by my hourly rate, considering my skill level)\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e2. The importance of the work to the client. For example, an event poster is temporary, it expires soon after the event but a logo or product packaging are permanent, lasting for as long as the product or business exists (5, 20 or 100 years). They''re like gifts that keep giving. It''s called Net Present Value in business language. So I charge higher for them.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e3. The client''s budget. This usually comes with a lot of negotiation because people will pay as little as possible for anything and I have to convince them that it''s worth a lot more or I let them go.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eWhat themes do you pursue?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eThat largely depends on the client''s needs. Making it the main difference between GD and Art. You must express what works for the client. In art, you express whatever you want.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eWhat memorable responses have you had to your work?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eI mostly work remotely, so my clients use emojis in our chats to express their delight: usually 👏👏👏👏 or 😍😍😍😍 or 👐👐👐👐 after receiving their work. 98% of their responses are quite memorable. \\u003cbr\\u003eCome to think of it, I rarely see my client''s faces when they receive their work and that''s kinda sad.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eWhat jobs have you done besides Graphic Design?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eNone. I left school and started freelancing. I have developed a keen sense of Marketing strategies though, since my designs are usually used within marketing, I''ve come to understand it better. \\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eI''ve also developed a keen interest in Consumer Psychology. GD has to do with sending visual signals, Consumer Psych has to do with psychological and social signs that people use to make decisions. I might just pursue that path soon. They seem to be \\u0022sister studies\\u0022 with Graphic design. Writing or Editing is another thing I''d possibly do.\\u003c/p\\u003e\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u003cp\\u003eIt can be unpredictable! It evolves so much and you may be kept chasing trends so you can stay relevant since a lot of creativity is involved. I doubt Engineers or doctors have this problem. Metals remain metals and human organs remain organs throughout your career.. haha\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eWhat do you like about the art world?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eYou don''t easily get bored! Creating things that never existed everyday is exciting if you have the natural ability. Boredom = unhappiness\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eWhat do you dislike about your work?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eI can be reserved or conservative in my expressions. Which might not be what other people expect from Graphic designers. I get straight to the point in my work and leave extravagance to other people.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eWhat do you like about your work?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e- I always aim for balance or good composition.. So a person with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) is safe while looking at my work. Hahaha. You''ll rarely experience discomfort while looking a it\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eAmong your works, which one is your favorite? Why?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eMy work falls into many classes with their own charisma. But a logo I did for a company called \\u0022Leap Synergy\\u0022 may top its class. I think I communicated the \\u0022leaping\\u0022 very well and the \\u0022synergy\\u0022 too. It could become iconic like the Nike swoosh, hahaha. Their Philosophy is well represented hey. \\u003c/p\\u003e\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u003cp\\u003eThen I branded some clothing for my university''s faculties, it was a fun and fulfilling challenge from the design to seeing students wearing the brand all over Cape Town.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eWhat is the one thing you wish you knew when you started designing?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eExplore! Explore! Explore! Don''t wait to be spoon fed. Waiting to be given instructions to create is a terrible way to live for a creative person.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eWhat kind of tools/softwares do you use for designing? Explain your work flow.\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cem\\u003eTools\\u003c/em\\u003e: A computer with at least 8Gb Ram and a good processor. For software, I depend on Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, After Effects). I still sketch a lot on paper to get my ideas out of my head. I also use an entry-level graphic tablet to draw directly into the computer.\\u003c/p\\u003e\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u003cp\\u003e\\u003cem\\u003eWorkflow\\u003c/em\\u003e: After receiving a request from a client, I decide what kind of artwork I need to produce, make rough sketches then open the software most suitable to produce that kind of work. I may scan my pencil drawings or create the design from scratch on the computer. From there, I present the final artwork in a suitable way and send it.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eWhat You hate/challenges with design\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eMost people don''t understand how the creative industry works, they think just because you''re a graphic designer, you can do any kind of creative work: web design? Illustration? 3D rendering? Photography? Packaging? And more... \\u003c/p\\u003e\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u003cp\\u003eAll those are different aspects of the creative industry that take a few years to master but everyone expects a \\u0022designer\\u0022 to have it all. This is causing a lot of stress, creatives are now expected to evolve and very fast... it can be mentally taxing.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eSo, why \\u0022\\u003cem\\u003eTheDeafDesigner\\u003c/em\\u003e\\u0022?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eI don''t know if it was out of frustration or inspiration but there''s something intuitive about it... a little unexpected. It struck me during my final year at varsity and my housemate found it intriguing. Now I''m looking forward to the challenge of \\u0022selling myself\\u0022 with a name that appears negative from a distance. All other brand names are aspirational…\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eI''m sure people first think \\u0022What''s with the guy? Is he advocating disability? Is he begging for help?\\u0022\\u003cbr\\u003eNo. No and No. I''m celebrating my abilities and highlighting my limits in one... when you look at my work, I don''t think there''s anything deaf about it :) \\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eIs it working well for you?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eI think those who do appreciate the mix of vulnerability and confidence. It''s only been 2  years since I introduced the name though, still hard to tell if it''s brand worthy. But I think people look for me for my work, than my name.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eHow did you lose your hearing?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eAbout 12 years ago, I''d just been discharged from hospital after 49 days in an isolation ward. I stayed in the same room the whole 7 weeks, I wasn''t allowed to see anyone but my parents and the few pretty nurses. \\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eAfter being discharged, I''d go on to receive medication through an injection on the butt everyday for the next 5 months… E-very-day! \\u003cbr\\u003eAfter the 1st month, I basically had no more ass to prick, it was all hard as rock. I couldn''t sit, couldn''t take a proper bath, couldn''t bend over to pick something that fell.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eThen the real devastation came that August, the meds started to destroy the nerves in my ears and my hearing went with it. This happened in a space of about 2 weeks that felt like years. I thought I was losing my mind! How does sound just start to disappear around you?! The Botswana August wind is blowing violently and you can see the neighbour''s kids are screaming at the top of their voices but...its...not getting to you!\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eMy favourite songs! All my favourite songs! I played them as loud as I could, they simply became duller \\u0026amp; duller till it all faded away like rocks falling in the distance. I wanted to screeeaaaam, ruuuuuun, escape this unbearably weird place! It wasn''t a place. It was me! \\u003c/p\\u003e\\n\\n","pagelayer-id":"ev62010"} -->\n<p><strong>Who are you and what do you do?</strong><br>I now find the question "Who are you" deeply philosophical! Anyhow, my given name is Thembalenkosi Moyo and I''m a Creative, particularly, a Graphic Designer by profession.<br><br><strong>What’s your background?</strong><br>I was born in Zim in 1989, December. Grew up the African way, down in a village somewhere in central Zimbabwe, did my primary in Christian village schools then a bit of Christian boarding school for secondary. </p>\n<p>Eventually completed my high school at an amazing government school called Prince Edward School in Harare where I studied Art, Accounting and Management of Business while doing music with the choir and another Acapella group we started. <br><br>I sang bass..."second bass" as my choir master called it, cause my voice is quite deep! I''ve actually been singing since I was about 10 but started doing bass at 16 after my adult voice developed.<br>From high school, I took 3 "gap years" because of a terrible illness. I then went to Cape Town in 2012 to study a 4-year Graphic Design course.<br><br><strong>Please tell us a bit about your personal life.</strong><br>I''m the last born in a family of 5. Siblings are currently all over Southern Africa while I moved back with my folks in Francistown after varsity to start building my own base. I discovered Calligraphy at the age of 11 (the art of beautiful writing), used it to make cards for girls and impressed quite a few! That was my earliest experience with design.<br><br>I consider myself a very understanding person, I''m usually the last guy to start a fight. My whole family is kinda gifted in music, so I sing to myself for about 80% of my waking time. It might be a mechanism to deal with loneliness or boredom cause the "playlist" rarely matters. I lost my hearing in 2009 after the illness I mentioned earlier. </p>\n<p>It has taken a lot of adjusting ever since! And I officially had to quit singing publicly since I can no longer hold a key. I''m now building a new set of hobbies that fits this new reality as a deaf guy :) <br><br><strong>What qualities and skills should a great graphic designer have?</strong><br>Graphic designers deliver messages to people through pictures, words, shapes and colors. One needs to be able to develop communication concepts, compose then execute them. That takes creativity/intuition and expressiveness. You "connect the dots" then present a message from the "connection" you made. </p>\n<p>Being able to draw is an advantage, since you need hand-eye coordination to execute the things you imagine as sketches on paper or other media. <br><br>There are some people who aren''t very good in drawing but have successful GD careers, they probably found another strong point to work with. You also need to be very attentive to detail. Soft skills: you may work with a lot of different people with diverse ideas to be executed, so you need good people skills. </p>\n<p>From there, you can choose from the many computer programs available today for drawing or picture manipulation. Examples are Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw (drawing), Adobe Photoshop (Photo manipulation and painting). Some of the software have to be paid for but there are some that are open source (free to use). Project management skills are also important, you must start and finish on time, whether it''s a few hours or weeks<br><br><strong>Why did you choose graphic design as a profession?</strong><br>I dreamt of being a fine artist while I was in high school, but I was advised to do a course that was more "marketable", something to get me a job because art "poorly sells in Africa" they said. So Graphic design was a good compromise since it involves a lot of drawing and conceptualisation as well. <br><br>Then I had another childhood dream (which I only discussed with friends), of owning a clothing brand and it seems to be fulfilling accidentally. I realised towards the end of my course that Graphic design allows one to build brand communications, so I got into a profession that may help my other dream unknowingly.<br><br><strong>What makes you a good graphic designer?</strong><br>I think I am good at composing my messages in not only MEANINGFUL ways but also ATTRACTIVE ones. If it looks good and it makes sense to the people involved, I think my job is well done.<br><br><strong>What are your strengths and weaknesses?</strong><br><em>Strengths</em>: I''m naturally expressive, with pictures, words or sounds. I can draw, speak/write or sing in ways people appreciate.<br><br><em>Weaknesses</em>: I''m slow... in everything! I take my time to understand things and follow through. But my mom says I''m "never hurried", I''m starting to think it''s actually a good thing that ONLY looks bad in a busy or demanding world. Hahaha. I also design for myself, meaning I can be too emotionally involved in my work, fussing about little things that take time.</p>\n<p>A real weakness is that I''m terrible with some technical design terms, because of poor hearing, I learnt by watching, not listening.<br><br><strong>Can you tell us what you know about branding?</strong><br>It''s not what many people might think it is. Branding is an emotional or psychological exercise. We as human beings have a natural tendency to put a "mental mark" on something that is useful to us so we can easily find that thing when we need it. </p>\n<p>Be it an old baobab tree in the bush with fruit and shelter, a street wear brand or our girlfriend/boyfriend. We do the "branding" by attaching that thing to ourselves. <br><br>Now businesses realised this natural tendency and developed ways to make themselves easy to identify and remember. If they didn''t, it''d be hard to find them when we want our problems solved. <br><br>Then, exclusivity came in later and became associated with branding. But branding shouldn''t mean "expensive", in its basic form, it means "memorable solver of my problems". The complication with branding now comes from the fierce competition among businesses as well as society''s tendencies to stack things and people against one another.<br><br><strong>Why is branding important?</strong><br>Branding makes it easy for the one who wants their problems solved to find their "problem-solver". It''s a win-win. On the money side, branding is very valuable! What people perceive about you could guarantee your future usefulness to them...or sales.</p>\n<p>So we must really invest in it! If there''s 5 of us selling oranges but people think you''re the best, your future oranges are as good as sold too... Don''t mind the hilarious illustration. <br><br><strong>How do you Price your work?</strong><br>I consider 3 things: <br>1. The time and effort it may take me to complete the work (2, 5 or 10 hours? Then I multiply by my hourly rate, considering my skill level)<br><br>2. The importance of the work to the client. For example, an event poster is temporary, it expires soon after the event but a logo or product packaging are permanent, lasting for as long as the product or business exists (5, 20 or 100 years). They''re like gifts that keep giving. It''s called Net Present Value in business language. So I charge higher for them.<br><br>3. The client''s budget. This usually comes with a lot of negotiation because people will pay as little as possible for anything and I have to convince them that it''s worth a lot more or I let them go.<br><br><strong>What themes do you pursue?</strong><br>That largely depends on the client''s needs. Making it the main difference between GD and Art. You must express what works for the client. In art, you express whatever you want.<br><br><strong>What memorable responses have you had to your work?</strong><br>I mostly work remotely, so my clients use emojis in our chats to express their delight: usually 👏👏👏👏 or 😍😍😍😍 or 👐👐👐👐 after receiving their work. 98% of their responses are quite memorable. <br>Come to think of it, I rarely see my client''s faces when they receive their work and that''s kinda sad.<br><br><strong>What jobs have you done besides Graphic Design?</strong><br>None. I left school and started freelancing. I have developed a keen sense of Marketing strategies though, since my designs are usually used within marketing, I''ve come to understand it better. <br><br>I''ve also developed a keen interest in Consumer Psychology. GD has to do with sending visual signals, Consumer Psych has to do with psychological and social signs that people use to make decisions. I might just pursue that path soon. They seem to be "sister studies" with Graphic design. Writing or Editing is another thing I''d possibly do.</p>\n<p>It can be unpredictable! It evolves so much and you may be kept chasing trends so you can stay relevant since a lot of creativity is involved. I doubt Engineers or doctors have this problem. Metals remain metals and human organs remain organs throughout your career.. haha<br><br><strong>What do you like about the art world?</strong><br>You don''t easily get bored! Creating things that never existed everyday is exciting if you have the natural ability. Boredom = unhappiness<br><br><strong>What do you dislike about your work?</strong><br>I can be reserved or conservative in my expressions. Which might not be what other people expect from Graphic designers. I get straight to the point in my work and leave extravagance to other people.<br><br><strong>What do you like about your work?</strong><br>- I always aim for balance or good composition.. So a person with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) is safe while looking at my work. Hahaha. You''ll rarely experience discomfort while looking a it<br><br><strong>Among your works, which one is your favorite? Why?</strong><br>My work falls into many classes with their own charisma. But a logo I did for a company called "Leap Synergy" may top its class. I think I communicated the "leaping" very well and the "synergy" too. It could become iconic like the Nike swoosh, hahaha. Their Philosophy is well represented hey. </p>\n<p>Then I branded some clothing for my university''s faculties, it was a fun and fulfilling challenge from the design to seeing students wearing the brand all over Cape Town.<br><br><strong>What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started designing?</strong><br>Explore! Explore! Explore! Don''t wait to be spoon fed. Waiting to be given instructions to create is a terrible way to live for a creative person.<br><br><strong>What kind of tools/softwares do you use for designing? Explain your work flow.</strong><br><em>Tools</em>: A computer with at least 8Gb Ram and a good processor. For software, I depend on Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, After Effects). I still sketch a lot on paper to get my ideas out of my head. I also use an entry-level graphic tablet to draw directly into the computer.</p>\n<p><em>Workflow</em>: After receiving a request from a client, I decide what kind of artwork I need to produce, make rough sketches then open the software most suitable to produce that kind of work. I may scan my pencil drawings or create the design from scratch on the computer. From there, I present the final artwork in a suitable way and send it.<br><br><strong>What You hate/challenges with design</strong><br>Most people don''t understand how the creative industry works, they think just because you''re a graphic designer, you can do any kind of creative work: web design? Illustration? 3D rendering? Photography? Packaging? And more... </p>\n<p>All those are different aspects of the creative industry that take a few years to master but everyone expects a "designer" to have it all. This is causing a lot of stress, creatives are now expected to evolve and very fast... it can be mentally taxing.<br><br><strong>So, why "<em>TheDeafDesigner</em>"?</strong><br>I don''t know if it was out of frustration or inspiration but there''s something intuitive about it... a little unexpected. It struck me during my final year at varsity and my housemate found it intriguing. Now I''m looking forward to the challenge of "selling myself" with a name that appears negative from a distance. All other brand names are aspirational…<br><br>I''m sure people first think "What''s with the guy? Is he advocating disability? Is he begging for help?"<br>No. No and No. I''m celebrating my abilities and highlighting my limits in one... when you look at my work, I don''t think there''s anything deaf about it :) <br><br><strong>Is it working well for you?</strong><br>I think those who do appreciate the mix of vulnerability and confidence. It''s only been 2  years since I introduced the name though, still hard to tell if it''s brand worthy. But I think people look for me for my work, than my name.<br><br><strong>How did you lose your hearing?</strong><br>About 12 years ago, I''d just been discharged from hospital after 49 days in an isolation ward. I stayed in the same room the whole 7 weeks, I wasn''t allowed to see anyone but my parents and the few pretty nurses. <br><br>After being discharged, I''d go on to receive medication through an injection on the butt everyday for the next 5 months… E-very-day! <br>After the 1st month, I basically had no more ass to prick, it was all hard as rock. I couldn''t sit, couldn''t take a proper bath, couldn''t bend over to pick something that fell.<br><br>Then the real devastation came that August, the meds started to destroy the nerves in my ears and my hearing went with it. This happened in a space of about 2 weeks that felt like years. I thought I was losing my mind! How does sound just start to disappear around you?! The Botswana August wind is blowing violently and you can see the neighbour''s kids are screaming at the top of their voices but...its...not getting to you!<br><br>My favourite songs! All my favourite songs! I played them as loud as I could, they simply became duller &amp; duller till it all faded away like rocks falling in the distance. I wanted to screeeaaaam, ruuuuuun, escape this unbearably weird place! It wasn''t a place. It was me! </p>\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_text -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->', 'Q&amp;A WITH THE DEAF DESIGNER', '', 'publish', 'open', 'closed', '', 'qa-with-the-deaf-designer', '', '', '2021-07-20 23:18:28', '2021-07-20 23:18:28', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=128', 0, 'post', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `wpxx_posts` VALUES
(195, 2, '2020-06-27 08:33:11', '2020-06-27 08:33:11', '<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_post_props {"post_title":"RENÉE DIPHEKO TALKS ABOUT HER BOOK: MIDNIGHT THOUGHTS","post_status":"publish","post_date":"2021-06-27 08:33:11","post_author":"2","post_name":"renee-dipheko-talks-about-her-book-midnight-thoughts","featured_image":"196","pagelayer-id":"bjs5847"} /-->\n\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"pagelayer-id":"zy58694"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"col":"12","pagelayer-id":"7fb1926"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_text {"text":"\\n\\n\\u003cp\\u003e\\u0022I find the night sky very surreal. I''m really interested in constellations , meteorites and eclipses.Not only that , I love the tranquility of the night sky. Most of my poems are written in the night time because there''s so much peace and quietness , I get to be alone with my thoughts...\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eMy book is in the anthology category under elegy poetry.An elegy poem is one that reflects upon loss. My poems contain themes of mourning, loss, and reflection. However,  they also explore themes of redemption and consolation.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eI wasn''t really allowed to express my feelings and emotions and writing has granted me a way to do just that.The \\u0022negative emotions\\u0022 like — anger, panic, anxiety, depression, disappointment, jealousy, hatred, and so on are suppressed over the much the \\u0022positive ones\\u0022 by the elders of our society. I just want everyone to know that , it''s very well to feel sad/angry.The most important thing that I have learnt is to know how to appropriately respond to feeling that way.I write about my past and present experiences. Writing poems has changed my life tremendously because I use it as a therapeutic mechanism.To sum it all, up the book is about some of my downfalls and how I''ve grown as an intellect by learning from them.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eThe book consists of 13 odes.They all have short titles that really mean a lot to me. I have tried to write happy poems and they don''t turn out as the ballads.They say \\u0022stick to what you know best\\u0022 but I do try to expand my form of art. \\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eThe publishers are none other than  \\u0022Show Casing Talents\\u0022 Publishers. I managed to publish my book through a publishing sponsorship competition that I won, and it''s all thanks to Maatla B Oreng-Tsheole .She too is a poet and an author of a book called \\u0022Be hinde impedements \\u0022. A kind lady she is.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eMy family contributed to the book through their support financially and tangentially.My online friends too did help me accomplish my dream.Almost all the people in my life did also did contribute , but  3 cohorts of people majorly did emotionally contribute to my book . I write mostly of the life experiences that I go through hoping to heal myself. Even though they have put me through a lot of agony and suffering, I am grateful for them. They are the reason why I write , they are the reason why I am the person that I am today.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eIt took me about an hour or two to complete a single poem because I had to gather my thoughts and feelings , I strongly feel that by doing that adds to the authenticity and beauty of my poems. At times it would take me a week to complete a poem because I write about what I feel , hear and see and that can change very quickly.It''s quite difficult to channel the exact same emotions caused by that certain character/object. Luckily , that rarely occurs.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eWhen it comes to poetry , I leave no room for error.Everything has to be well written and organized in a systematic series.Most if not all of my poems consist of rhymes , direct parallelism, imagery , symbolism and oxymoron. Some of them show a shadow of assonance and alliteration.Not only that I used punctuation marks like ellipses to emphasize a pause in my thoughts . I used tonnes of question marks because up to today I have questions that still are unanswered hence I used rhetoric questions. Moreover , I don''t like it when people know a lot about myself so I implemented suspense to create anticipation of the outcome of a plot. Furthermore, it builds up the reader''s interest and it makes the readers more concerned about the character(s) to whom they might have created sympathetic attachments with. My poems have a double entendre.  This implies that you may have  interpretations which can be understood in two different ways.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003eI tried to be relatable as possible and still be myself.I hope that my writing establishes an emotional impact on readers after reading a poem or the book as a whole.You most likely will introspect and retrospect if you read the poems in detail.\\u0022\\u003c/p\\u003e\\n\\n","pagelayer-id":"0944406"} -->\n<p>"I find the night sky very surreal. I''m really interested in constellations , meteorites and eclipses.Not only that , I love the tranquility of the night sky. Most of my poems are written in the night time because there''s so much peace and quietness , I get to be alone with my thoughts...<br><br>My book is in the anthology category under elegy poetry.An elegy poem is one that reflects upon loss. My poems contain themes of mourning, loss, and reflection. However,  they also explore themes of redemption and consolation.<br><br>I wasn''t really allowed to express my feelings and emotions and writing has granted me a way to do just that.The "negative emotions" like — anger, panic, anxiety, depression, disappointment, jealousy, hatred, and so on are suppressed over the much the "positive ones" by the elders of our society. I just want everyone to know that , it''s very well to feel sad/angry.The most important thing that I have learnt is to know how to appropriately respond to feeling that way.I write about my past and present experiences. Writing poems has changed my life tremendously because I use it as a therapeutic mechanism.To sum it all, up the book is about some of my downfalls and how I''ve grown as an intellect by learning from them.<br><br>The book consists of 13 odes.They all have short titles that really mean a lot to me. I have tried to write happy poems and they don''t turn out as the ballads.They say "stick to what you know best" but I do try to expand my form of art. <br><br>The publishers are none other than  "Show Casing Talents" Publishers. I managed to publish my book through a publishing sponsorship competition that I won, and it''s all thanks to Maatla B Oreng-Tsheole .She too is a poet and an author of a book called "Be hinde impedements ". A kind lady she is.<br><br>My family contributed to the book through their support financially and tangentially.My online friends too did help me accomplish my dream.Almost all the people in my life did also did contribute , but  3 cohorts of people majorly did emotionally contribute to my book . I write mostly of the life experiences that I go through hoping to heal myself. Even though they have put me through a lot of agony and suffering, I am grateful for them. They are the reason why I write , they are the reason why I am the person that I am today.<br><br>It took me about an hour or two to complete a single poem because I had to gather my thoughts and feelings , I strongly feel that by doing that adds to the authenticity and beauty of my poems. At times it would take me a week to complete a poem because I write about what I feel , hear and see and that can change very quickly.It''s quite difficult to channel the exact same emotions caused by that certain character/object. Luckily , that rarely occurs.<br><br>When it comes to poetry , I leave no room for error.Everything has to be well written and organized in a systematic series.Most if not all of my poems consist of rhymes , direct parallelism, imagery , symbolism and oxymoron. Some of them show a shadow of assonance and alliteration.Not only that I used punctuation marks like ellipses to emphasize a pause in my thoughts . I used tonnes of question marks because up to today I have questions that still are unanswered hence I used rhetoric questions. Moreover , I don''t like it when people know a lot about myself so I implemented suspense to create anticipation of the outcome of a plot. Furthermore, it builds up the reader''s interest and it makes the readers more concerned about the character(s) to whom they might have created sympathetic attachments with. My poems have a double entendre.  This implies that you may have  interpretations which can be understood in two different ways.<br><br>I tried to be relatable as possible and still be myself.I hope that my writing establishes an emotional impact on readers after reading a poem or the book as a whole.You most likely will introspect and retrospect if you read the poems in detail."</p>\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_text -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->', 'RENÉE DIPHEKO TALKS ABOUT HER BOOK: MIDNIGHT THOUGHTS', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'renee-dipheko-talks-about-her-book-midnight-thoughts', '', '', '2021-07-20 23:19:22', '2021-07-20 23:19:22', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=195', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(203, 2, '2020-06-27 10:41:32', '2020-06-27 10:41:32', '<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_post_props {"post_title":"Q\\u0026A WITH RASUN","post_status":"publish","post_date":"2021-06-27 10:41:32","post_author":"2","post_name":"qa-with-rasun","featured_image":"204","pagelayer-id":"ysp19"} /-->\n\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"pagelayer-id":"ojb3165"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"col":"12","pagelayer-id":"cpp3802"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_text {"text":"\\u003cp\\u003eRasun, one of the best Dancehall/Raggae musicians in the world, is loved by many for his crisp fresh voice. \\u003c/p\\u003e\\u003cp\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003c/p\\u003e\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u003cp\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eQ:Tell me a little about yourself. Tell us a bit about your upbringing.\\u003c/strong\\u003e \\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eA:\\u003c/strong\\u003eI’m passionate about what I do. I do it with purpose. I want to bring good vibes and positivity to people everywhere. Music has been my entire life, I was born into a family of musicians and spent my childhood backstage and eventually transitioned into being the one on stage. It all came from my father.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eQ:What is your favorite childhood memory?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eA\\u003c/strong\\u003e:Favorite childhood memory was my first time performing on stage.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eQ:When is your birthday?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eA:\\u003c/strong\\u003eMy birthday is on June 28th.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eQ:What does your name mean?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eA:\\u003c/strong\\u003eThe name given to me by my father, my legal name, is Rasun which is something a lot of people ask me… how did you come up with that name? That’s just what I was given. My friends call me Raw and my daughter calls me dad.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eQ:Who''s the most important person in your life? \\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eA\\u003c/strong\\u003e:That’s a difficult question… to name one person as the most important is hard. But my father was by far the most influential. He gifted me with music and set me on the right path in life.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eQ:When do you feel truly “alive”?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eA:\\u003c/strong\\u003ePerforming. I can’t explain the high and feeling of accomplishment it gifts me.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eQ:What irrational fear do you have?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eA:\\u003c/strong\\u003eI don’t really mess snakes or heights.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eQ:What would be your spirit animal? Why?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eA:\\u003c/strong\\u003eSpirit animal, I’ve never thought of that before…  people do say I have the voice of a lion. Shark comes in a close second.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eQ:What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eA\\u003c/strong\\u003e:Humble yourself or life will do it for you.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eQ:What are three interesting facts about you?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eA:\\u003c/strong\\u003eI don’t write any of my lyrics down, it’s all about the flow and the energy.\\u003cbr\\u003eI was a drummer for years before I transitioned into writing songs.\\u003cbr\\u003eI lived in multiple countries and dozen of cities before the age of ten.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eQ:Do you have any upcoming events or projects?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eA:\\u003c/strong\\u003eMore than I can mention, stay tuned. Always have something in the works.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eQ:What do you normally do when you''re not in the studio?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eA:\\u003c/strong\\u003eMy life outside of music is pretty laid back… I spend time with my family but music is my life so no other businesses, just this.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eQ:Tell us about the industry you''re in. Why did you decide to be a musician? How do you tackle the challenges you meet?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eA:\\u003c/strong\\u003eThe music industry is difficult. Anyone who works in it knows that. It’s constantly changing. It’s all about things lining up at the right time with the right people, that’s why some professionals call it a moving target. As soon as you conquer one part of it or figure something out the entire game changes and you have to learn and evolve all over again. Learning, growth, and evolution are the key aspects of staying relevant and successful. As I mentioned earlier, my father gave me my uplift in this industry.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eQ:Have you ever dealt with Rumours arising about yourself? How did you tackle these?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eA:\\u003c/strong\\u003eYou know, people say if they ain’t hating, you ain’t doing it right. Part of putting yourself out there in the world is opening yourself up for criticism. People will always have their opinions, I don’t pay much attention to it. I just do what I do and know that some will love and some will hate. That’s just the game and I love it.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eQ:Would you quit the music world for a different career path? Why?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eA:\\u003c/strong\\u003eAbsolutely not. Never thought of it, never crossed my mind. If you’re in this industry and you have a backup plan, you need to reconsider. This music business is all or nothing. Music is life.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eQ:What impact does music have on the society?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eA:\\u003c/strong\\u003eMusic sets the vibe and energy of the world. It’s the sound of creation and emotion. It gives the opportunity for people who haven’t lived or experienced something to understand another’s perspective or it offers those going through a hard time the gift of finding common ground with the music they love. We’ve all struggled in our own ways, music connects us and teaches us.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eQ:What are your work ethics? Who do you work with?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eA:\\u003c/strong\\u003eWork hard every day, that’s what I do. The most important part of work ethic is putting in the time. Any skill is all about time and effort, that’s how we achieve growth. My brother, Don Juan Cartel, is my producer and the other half of Rasun’s artistic vision and sound. We’re a team. We also work with countless artists and producers from around the world.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eQ:Which music shows have you had the opportunity to partake in? And how did these impact on your career?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eA\\u003c/strong\\u003e:Throughout our life, we’ve had the opportunity to see many great artists perform. We’ve drawn inspiration from many of those. Recently we’ve been focusing on staying busy in the studio and we are looking forward to jumping back into the touring lifestyle soon.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eQ:Professionally, what''s your goal?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eA:\\u003c/strong\\u003eTake over the world… no, really to continue making music that people love.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eQ:Where do you see yourself in 5 years to come?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eA:\\u003c/strong\\u003eOn top of the world, living positive, happy, and prosperous.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eQ:Is money important in the music industry? How does it help?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eA:\\u003c/strong\\u003eMoney is important in life, so of course, it’s important in this industry. There’s a reason why they call it the music business. I do this for a living so it’s crucial that I keep my business right, my family fed, and food on my table. There’s a common mistake that people have coming into the music industry that it’s all about the talent or the art… and I wish this was true. It’s more complicated than that. You have to work, you have to hustle and you have to stay on top of your game.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eQ:Where can potential fans find your music?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eA:\\u003c/strong\\u003eOn all major digital streaming platforms.\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eQ:By far, which has been the biggest single release of your career?\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003cbr\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eA:\\u003c/strong\\u003eThat would depend on where in the world you are. In Africa, “Hard To Walk Away”. In America, “Love You The Way I Do”. In Costa Rica, “Through It All”. In Polynesia, “Always Love You”. But the real answer is, the best is yet to come. We’re always focused on what’s now.  \\u003c/p\\u003e","pagelayer-id":"rwf9798"} -->\n<p>Rasun, one of the best Dancehall/Raggae musicians in the world, is loved by many for his crisp fresh voice. </p><p><br></p>\n<p><strong>Q:Tell me a little about yourself. Tell us a bit about your upbringing.</strong> <br><strong>A:</strong>I’m passionate about what I do. I do it with purpose. I want to bring good vibes and positivity to people everywhere. Music has been my entire life, I was born into a family of musicians and spent my childhood backstage and eventually transitioned into being the one on stage. It all came from my father.<br><br><strong>Q:What is your favorite childhood memory?</strong><br><strong>A</strong>:Favorite childhood memory was my first time performing on stage.<br><br><strong>Q:When is your birthday?</strong><br><strong>A:</strong>My birthday is on June 28th.<br><br><strong>Q:What does your name mean?</strong><br><strong>A:</strong>The name given to me by my father, my legal name, is Rasun which is something a lot of people ask me… how did you come up with that name? That’s just what I was given. My friends call me Raw and my daughter calls me dad.<br><br><strong>Q:Who''s the most important person in your life? </strong><br><strong>A</strong>:That’s a difficult question… to name one person as the most important is hard. But my father was by far the most influential. He gifted me with music and set me on the right path in life.<br><br><strong>Q:When do you feel truly “alive”?</strong><br><strong>A:</strong>Performing. I can’t explain the high and feeling of accomplishment it gifts me.<br><br><strong>Q:What irrational fear do you have?</strong><br><strong>A:</strong>I don’t really mess snakes or heights.<br><br><strong>Q:What would be your spirit animal? Why?</strong><br><strong>A:</strong>Spirit animal, I’ve never thought of that before…  people do say I have the voice of a lion. Shark comes in a close second.<br><br><strong>Q:What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned?</strong><br><strong>A</strong>:Humble yourself or life will do it for you.<br><br><strong>Q:What are three interesting facts about you?</strong><br><strong>A:</strong>I don’t write any of my lyrics down, it’s all about the flow and the energy.<br>I was a drummer for years before I transitioned into writing songs.<br>I lived in multiple countries and dozen of cities before the age of ten.<br><br><strong>Q:Do you have any upcoming events or projects?</strong><br><strong>A:</strong>More than I can mention, stay tuned. Always have something in the works.<br><br><strong>Q:What do you normally do when you''re not in the studio?</strong><br><strong>A:</strong>My life outside of music is pretty laid back… I spend time with my family but music is my life so no other businesses, just this.<br><br><strong>Q:Tell us about the industry you''re in. Why did you decide to be a musician? How do you tackle the challenges you meet?</strong><br><strong>A:</strong>The music industry is difficult. Anyone who works in it knows that. It’s constantly changing. It’s all about things lining up at the right time with the right people, that’s why some professionals call it a moving target. As soon as you conquer one part of it or figure something out the entire game changes and you have to learn and evolve all over again. Learning, growth, and evolution are the key aspects of staying relevant and successful. As I mentioned earlier, my father gave me my uplift in this industry.<br><br><strong>Q:Have you ever dealt with Rumours arising about yourself? How did you tackle these?</strong><br><strong>A:</strong>You know, people say if they ain’t hating, you ain’t doing it right. Part of putting yourself out there in the world is opening yourself up for criticism. People will always have their opinions, I don’t pay much attention to it. I just do what I do and know that some will love and some will hate. That’s just the game and I love it.<br><br><strong>Q:Would you quit the music world for a different career path? Why?</strong><br><strong>A:</strong>Absolutely not. Never thought of it, never crossed my mind. If you’re in this industry and you have a backup plan, you need to reconsider. This music business is all or nothing. Music is life.<br><br><strong>Q:What impact does music have on the society?</strong><br><strong>A:</strong>Music sets the vibe and energy of the world. It’s the sound of creation and emotion. It gives the opportunity for people who haven’t lived or experienced something to understand another’s perspective or it offers those going through a hard time the gift of finding common ground with the music they love. We’ve all struggled in our own ways, music connects us and teaches us.<br><br><strong>Q:What are your work ethics? Who do you work with?</strong><br><strong>A:</strong>Work hard every day, that’s what I do. The most important part of work ethic is putting in the time. Any skill is all about time and effort, that’s how we achieve growth. My brother, Don Juan Cartel, is my producer and the other half of Rasun’s artistic vision and sound. We’re a team. We also work with countless artists and producers from around the world.<br><br><strong>Q:Which music shows have you had the opportunity to partake in? And how did these impact on your career?</strong><br><strong>A</strong>:Throughout our life, we’ve had the opportunity to see many great artists perform. We’ve drawn inspiration from many of those. Recently we’ve been focusing on staying busy in the studio and we are looking forward to jumping back into the touring lifestyle soon.<br><br><strong>Q:Professionally, what''s your goal?</strong><br><strong>A:</strong>Take over the world… no, really to continue making music that people love.<br><br><strong>Q:Where do you see yourself in 5 years to come?</strong><br><strong>A:</strong>On top of the world, living positive, happy, and prosperous.<br><br><strong>Q:Is money important in the music industry? How does it help?</strong><br><strong>A:</strong>Money is important in life, so of course, it’s important in this industry. There’s a reason why they call it the music business. I do this for a living so it’s crucial that I keep my business right, my family fed, and food on my table. There’s a common mistake that people have coming into the music industry that it’s all about the talent or the art… and I wish this was true. It’s more complicated than that. You have to work, you have to hustle and you have to stay on top of your game.<br><br><strong>Q:Where can potential fans find your music?</strong><br><strong>A:</strong>On all major digital streaming platforms.<br><br><strong>Q:By far, which has been the biggest single release of your career?</strong><br><strong>A:</strong>That would depend on where in the world you are. In Africa, “Hard To Walk Away”. In America, “Love You The Way I Do”. In Costa Rica, “Through It All”. In Polynesia, “Always Love You”. But the real answer is, the best is yet to come. We’re always focused on what’s now.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_text -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->', 'Q&A WITH RASUN', '', 'publish', 'open', 'closed', '', 'qa-with-rasun', '', '', '2021-07-20 23:20:04', '2021-07-20 23:20:04', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=203', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(335, 3, '2020-07-01 21:31:34', '2020-07-01 21:31:34', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Puisano Sane</strong> is the Founder and Creative Director of The Denim Loft BW. We had the chance to discuss fashion and styling with him.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Introducing himself, Puisano said, “I am Puisano Sane, well known as P. I am an aesthetically rich and pleasing student at the University Of Botswana, currently pursuing Bachelor Of Arts, Social Sciences. Professionally, I am a Stylist. I dress people for a living. I am the founder and the creative director of The Denim Loft BW. I am also a Pro Denim expert and a digital content creator. Basically, I am a jack of all trades, lol. 😂 I would describe my style as Minimalist; sometimes a little sporty, vintage and a bratzboy.“ </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Puisano took his first fashion steps in 2015 as a blogger writing articles on Wordpress. After a year, he quit blogging and deleted his Wordpress. That is how The Denim Loft BW was born. He had always wanted to do something profitable in fashion. As a result, on 27 October 2017, he launched his brand as the head stylist, content creator and page manager. Since then, his career highlights include being featured twice on Botswana’s best selling newspaper, The Voice, and the overall growth of his brand across all social media platforms. The brand’s official Facebook page recently hit the 10 000 followers mark.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>With these statistics, I was drawn to ask Puisano what his core brand values are. In his own words:“ 1. Professionalism and best service - professionalism keeps clients happy, and a client who is happy with your services keeps coming back for more, and also recommends more to you. 2. Creativity - creativity is a core value that goes hand in hand with the passion that truly defines our company. 3. ORIGINALITY - not trying to imitate what anyone else is doing.4. Communication - is our foundational value because it combines our focus on open source, and sharing everything we do with the clients, focusing on constant improvement as individuals and as a company.” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>P mentioned that he has gotten a satisfactory amount of support from his family and close friends in his fashion journey. He said almost all his family members own something by The Denim Loft BW and that there are friends who treat his company like their own, in terms of support and responsibility. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In order to balance being productive at work and giving attention to his loved ones, P expressed that he plays with his strengths instead of trying to be everything for everyone. He also prioritizes time. “Time is money, money is honey and honey is sweet 😉”, he explained. Therefore, he manages his time well by planning personal time and setting working hours, most importantly, sticking to them. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Getting personal personal, the talented creative director told me that he is single. Most probably because he has not found the right person yet. But then again, single is the new black and he would rather have a significant amount of money than a significant other (just joking 😂).The Denim Loft BW was not exempted from the effects of Covid-19 on local businesses. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The business was mostly affected by the closing of borders, as he sources his merchandise internationally, hence causing a shortage of stock. In addition, they lost a significant amount of clients due to delayed orders which were stuck at the borders.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>According to P, there has been a significant improvement in our fashion industry. “It would be unwise to deny the paramount fact that the mushrooming of local brands everyday forces the existing ones to up their game and strive for greatness. Everyone is thriving. I would really love to see them compete with quality and not quantity”. He further stated that he prefers to remain private about his future work and does not disclose anything until it fully materialises and is actually being launched. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In conclusion, P said that he dreams of being a personal stylist to a member of parliament, as he already has corporate clients under his styling wing and an MP would be a big step forward. Internationally, he would love to work with Rihanna. He further elaborated that her work ethic is amazing. “I would also kill to work as Jahleel Weaver, her Stylist’s assistant.My social media handles are as follows:Facebook: Puisano Sane Instagram: puisanosane Twitter: @PuisanoSane" </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'ESTHETICALLY RICH AND PLEASING FASHION DESIGNER', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'esthetically-rich-and-pleasing-fashion-designer', '', '', '2021-07-20 23:05:39', '2021-07-20 23:05:39', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=335', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(360, 2, '2020-07-12 23:11:42', '2020-07-12 23:11:42', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Pedro Oliveira</span></strong> is a Brazilian dude, fanatic for soccer, who spent most of his adult life in the United States of America, loves M&amp;Ms and taking pictures. In his own words, "I am an Advertising and Documentarist Photographer/Director. Basically, whenever an advertising company needs imagery or motion, they hire someone like me to produce and bring to life the concept their creative and art directors developed. Therefore, when you see an ad on a big billboard, there is a slight chance I photographed that ad."</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Oliveira''s other branch of work is as a Travel Documentarist. His personal projects generally involve covering social issues or ethnic portraiture. He still does photography mainly, but has directed and produced at least three different traveling videos. He described how the plan is to incorporate more videography into his photography."</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I was 24 years old when I first touched a camera and was 26 when I first made money with photography. I used to be a computer scientist back in Brazil, and never thought about photography at all until I went back to college to earn my Communications/Journalism degree," Oliveira beamed. "Videos have become a huge thing just recently (last year), and I have directed only a couple of them, but like I said earlier, the plan is to incorporate them to my productions now on. My first camera was a Canon Rebel T3i. It was a great camera and I still recommend it as a beginner''s camera," he continued.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The talented photographer loves the idea of making a living out of photography, although he stated it to be pretty hard. However, he thinks that it is pretty interesting to be able to bring your vision to an audience. His work radiates that of a natural storyteller, and he believes that the most amazing part of photography is the fact that he can share a little bit of the experiences he has on the field with his audience, and let them feel a bit of what he felt at that time of the shoot.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He further explained that there is also a pleasure in registering stories that would not be discovered by others. For him, it is almost like a treasure hunt and where you have to find the stories which are waiting to be told. Apart from the stories, he gets to meet people on a personal level, who are from different backgrounds all over the world. He found those experiences to be enriching because their perspectives are not necessarily like his.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Some of his favourite images are ''Medieval Beauty,'' ''King James'', and ''The Guardian of the Island: Taro Farmer'' segment; check comments section for the pictures. In his book, whichever time of the day we do not have full-blown sunlight, is great, whether it is because it is sunset, sunrise, or a dramatic and cloudy day. As long as the light is even, he knows he will get great photographs. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>However, his personal favourite time of the day to photograph is during the golden hour - that time of the day right before the sunset. He finds it pretty dramatic with a huge chance of getting amazing pictures.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giving us an insight on his love to photograph different cultures, Oliveira told us that he is dying to visit Africa, a continent that he has never visited before. One of the places that he would love to visit is Omo Valley. Apart from Africa, he is also planning a trip to Mongolia and Mexico to find different untold stories. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Pedro is an all-about-people photographer and director. Technically, he considers himself as a portraits'' photographer. He believes his photography has much more richness than just the typical "portraits." At its core though, it is still considered portraiture. "There is a long list of photographers and film makers who influenced me, being: Joey L, Randy Olson, Melissa Farlow (who are now close friends), Jimmy Nelson (who is a mentor to me), Steven Curry, (the also Brazilian) Sebastiao Salgado, and so many other names. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>These are people whose bodies of work have inspired and humbled me. What they do is where I want to be in 10 years, and that has become my fuel to improve myself every day," he smiled.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Pedro uses the following gear to inspire us with his work: <em>Camera body – Canon 5D mark iv (photography), Canon 1dx mark II (Video), Sony R5 (video), GoPro Hero 6 (video/BTS photos), Mavic Pro 2 Zoom (Video+images).Lens - Canon 24-105mm 4, 16-35mm 2.8, 50mm 1.2.Tripod</em> - He uses one with no brand. As long as it is sturdy enough, he is good to go! ^_^ Filters - <em>Hoya 77mm polarizer filter, Hoya 77mm ND filter. Flash - Profoto b10 plus head+ Profoto B2 head.</em> In studio, Profoto d2 500ws heads.Camera bag – Whichever cheap ones he has around. “Pelican cases are expensive but also great to protect your gear,” he said.His favourite lens is the 16-35mm because it is such a versatile lens. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It can take landscape/environmental images as well as close-ups. He describes the 50mm to come as a close second by a hair. It has a very fast and silent focus and it is absolutely sharp.Getting more up close, Oliveira explained that there are a bunch of gadgets which he wished he had not bought, which he did not mention on the previous list. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Fortunately for Oliveira, he noticed that the US market is pretty active so he could just get rid of it pretty quickly. He explained how he had bought a Speedlight once that he found close to useless for his craft. He also has a fisheye lens that he almost never uses, and one of those collapsible backdrops, which he swears know Kong-Fu and kicks his buttocks every time he tries to fold it.Pedro has several canvas backdrops, but invariably only uses the same two over and over again. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Basically, he would say that he is addicted to camera gear, and sometimes he buys them without judging if he will have a long term need for them. He further emphasised that the settings depend on an array of factories such as available light, condition of the weather, skin tones, or even the colour of the walls around the scene, and wardrobe.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>According to Oliveira, you are rarely going to find a professional photographer who can give you precisely the settings he or she uses, particularly if this photographer is shooting environmental portrait. He often shoots in manual or priority mode, and 99% of the time he shoots <em>Raw:Aperture –Shutter Speed –ISO –White Balance –Focus – Manual/AutoImage Format – RAW/JPEG</em>. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Concerning post processing, Oliveira uses Lightroom and Photoshop. However, as he grows his craft he has been trying to spend much less time in front of the computer but more on trying to get it straight out of the camera. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As a result, his workflow is pretty simple: Colour correction in LR, imperfections adjustments, and sharpening in Photoshop."I am obsessed with becoming a world-class photographer on the same level as those inspirations I mentioned to you. I want to be one of the really amazing people and would like them to recognise my work as equivalent to theirs. This feeling drives me to try and learn more about photography every day. I feel like I have my techniques down. Now, I am no longer focusing on understanding the ''hows'' but instead the ''whys'': ''Why did they shoot like this?'' ''Why did she decide to go with a wide-angle instead of a close-up?'' etc.," the creative photographer stated.According to Oliveira, Joey L has had the most influence on his work and it shows. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He is often reminded with what he take as a compliment: "Your work reminds me of Joey L''s". In Pedro''s perspective, it takes time to become a professional. It takes a lot of time, frustration, failure, tears (literally), and money out of your own pocket until you make money out of it. “I wish I knew that when I started taking photos,” he chuckled. “On that account, if you are in this for only money or glory, you are chasing the wrong profession.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A fun fact about the Brazilian photographer is that he is often caught staring at strangers’ faces, while at a restaurant or coffee shop, wondering how he would photograph them. He told us that sometimes people notice it before he even notices himself, which makes for a very awkward situation.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As Oliveira mentioned earlier, making a living out of photography can be pretty hard. He believes that it is a profession which art producers are not ashamed of and feel no guilt in ignoring your emails. He narrated that for every thousand people you contact, you hear back from just one or two. "It is common to message a creative director for literally years before you hear back from them," he said. “Sometimes you make a lot of money in one gig, but you can often go months without booking anything. Consequently, money does not flow in a month-to-month style, which can be tricky if you do not know how to manage your finances.”Follow Pedro on Instagram: @pedrontheworld</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'THE COMPUTER SCIENTIST PHOTOGRAPHER', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'the-photographer-computer-scientist', '', '', '2021-07-20 23:03:48', '2021-07-20 23:03:48', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=360', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(365, 4, '2021-05-18 23:31:34', '2021-05-18 23:31:34', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Visual art covers a broad spectrum, and as unique as they come they all have a way of fascinating the human eye. Today AVO magazine is pleased to share pleasantries, so relax and have a one on one with one of Botswana''s amazing young artists, whose artworks speak louder and scream perfection, attention to detail. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Martin Sefako</span></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Martin Sefako</span> is a 23 year old young man from Mahalapye. He is an Architecture student at the <em>University of Botswana</em>, who is very passionate about art. Martin specializes in hyper realism art; which illuminates an object in its exact shape and form. When looking at his drawing portraits, one can see the energy invested into making sure that all features in the artwork are striking. He uses his pencil to show each and every detail, from the smile on the person''s face, the hair as it falls off and emotions through the person''s face. “People often compliment my work, saying the drawings are so real that they look like photographs”, he said.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The artistic young man said hyper realistic art brings his work to life. “It makes people relate more to my work and get the emotion and inspiration behind each portrait”, he expressed. He believes that in that way, it''s not only just art but rather a tool that communicates. A form of expression that carries meaning, that is fascinating and appealing.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Drawing has always been a part of me” Martin stated. The young man started drawing at a really young age. He used art as a way of expressing himself, his fantasy imaginations, and at times art was his way of escaping from his troubles. One can see the connection that art has on human life, to some it''s a form of expression, to some an imaginary friend who brings a smile to one''s face, while others use it as a means of healing and relaxation. Sefako says that currently what inspires him to come up with wonderful pieces is trends.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The young man works alone, although sometimes he gives upcoming artists a platform to nurture their skills, by giving them some of his clients to draw. He is a man who believes in sharing and mentoring those who look up to him. Martin always leaves room for challenges, as he takes them head on as they come. “I don''t know if at all I can say I have encountered challenges,” he expanded. To Martin, art is about putting effort and trying to perfect your skills in every art piece.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>When asked about how he markets himself, Martin revealed that he uses social media platforms, preferably Facebook because that is where he attained a lot of followers. He has a facebook page called ''Art League Botswana,'' where he shares some of his skills with fellow artists and people who have the desire to draw their very own portraits. The young artist currently has a following of around sixty three thousand. “I believe i can still reach more people”, he stated.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Martin''s portraits are very affordable and worth every cent. For an A4 paper size portrait, black and white he charges 500 pula. For customers who would rather opt for a coloured and framed portrait, the price is a whooping 600 pula. For those who would like to see themselves in a rather bigger picture frame, that is a black and white portrait in an A0 page size, the young artist charges a minimum amount of 8000 pula, and 9600 pula for a coloured one. His artworks are priced at less than 10 000 pula, which gives individuals as well as organizations an opportunity to get their lifes penciled into a masterpiece which they can refer to and critique in years to come, and even get the opportunity to pass it to the next generation.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Art has evolved over decades. From the famous Mona Lisa artwork by Leornardo Da’Vinci, to the likes of Pablo Picasso and Vincent Van Gough. We have seen so much improvement with some of the artwork stored in museums  to date. When asked about his inspiration Martin stated that indeed he acknowledges the good work of these famous artists. “I don''t see myself as the next Leornado Da Vinci, as much as I admire these great artists, I don''t like comparing myself to them." he expressed. He says that art is not a field of comparison or grading oneself looking at the work of another. He believes in creating his own legacy, at his own pace and in a unique manner.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>When dealing with each and every profession, the mentorship ladder goes down from one hero in the field to another. An upcoming artist goes on to envy the artist at the top, and a young lawyer in the making, still pursuing his course, will look up to one highly recognised lawyer who''s already making strides in court. But for Martin, that''s not the case. He noted that <em>Hungani Ndlovu</em>, who is one of South Africa’s biggest acts, is his mentor when it comes to life and everything. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He went on and on to explain how much he admires the man he is, his confidence in what he does has highly motivated him. “But if you wanted to know who I look up to in the art industry, then I would say it''s Heather Rooney, I really love her work, she really pours herself onto every portrait she does,” he explained. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Lastly, Martin advises upcoming artists that they should never stop drawing no matter how imperfect they may think their work is. They should not stop at all because in art there is always room for improvement, and that perfection in art is not a destination but a journey.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:gallery {"ids":[367,368,369,370],"linkTo":"none"} -->\n<figure class="wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped"><ul class="blocks-gallery-grid"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG-20210516-WA0002-817x1024.jpg" alt="" data-id="367" data-full-url="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG-20210516-WA0002.jpg" data-link="https://www.avo.co.bw/?attachment_id=367" class="wp-image-367"/></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG-20210516-WA0003-882x1024.jpg" alt="" data-id="368" data-full-url="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG-20210516-WA0003.jpg" data-link="https://www.avo.co.bw/?attachment_id=368" class="wp-image-368"/></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG-20210516-WA0000-721x1024.jpg" alt="" data-id="369" data-full-url="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG-20210516-WA0000.jpg" data-link="https://www.avo.co.bw/?attachment_id=369" class="wp-image-369"/></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG-20210516-WA0001-734x1024.jpg" alt="" data-id="370" data-full-url="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG-20210516-WA0001.jpg" data-link="https://www.avo.co.bw/?attachment_id=370" class="wp-image-370"/></figure></li></ul><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-caption">Martin''s artwork</figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:gallery -->', 'USING TRENDS AS A MEANS OF ILLUMINATING LIFE THROUGH EYE CATCHING PORTRAITS.', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'using-trends-as-a-means-of-illuminating-life-through-eye-catching-portraits', '', '', '2021-07-20 23:23:45', '2021-07-20 23:23:45', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=365', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(372, 5, '2021-05-18 23:43:25', '2021-05-18 23:43:25', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Baone Peace Moalosi</span></strong> is a 20 year old, Mochudi born writer/poet and author of Pain Isn’t The Worst Thing. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Finance and Banking at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology. Life is her biggest inspiration, hence she managed to write a 400 page novel about it. She laughs and makes mention of the fact that is where she is, is her creative peak. “<em>But as a writer, I understand that my words will not last, no matter how wise they may seem, because time will dust them away. But if by grace I am able to inspire one other soul to continue living and take the risk of love, then I will have written something that will forever endure, because it will be written on the heart of another human being</em>," she said. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>"<em>Pain Isn’t The Worst Thing is a riveting tale by yours truly. I take you into the mind of a teenager. I intricately detail the cost of love and the price of living. It is a brutal story of taboos; mental health &amp; depression and suicide… And a world filled with a roller coaster of emotions. Grief is the price we pay for loving. Laura and her brother know this all too well. They had it all, the perfect family, supportive and loving – that is until their father passed away and all hell broke loose. Every truth Laura had known turns into a lie as she comes face to face with an old enemy. An enemy new to her but known in every corner of the world,</em>" Baone explains. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>She mentions that she never knew she would be an author or even a writer for that matter. “<em>I have always loved science(particularly astronomy), even though I am not doing anything related to it now. I started writing when I was sixteen after my father’s demise, but I only took it seriously when I was nineteen. And that is when I started writing this very first novel and somehow managed to get it published</em>," she said. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A passionate and driven young lady who has big dreams and sees herself directing the best movies and tv shows the world has ever seen. "<em>I am just getting started, so brace yourself good humans.</em>" She depends on writing to face this life thing. It takes little effort for her to write, but it takes everything inside of her to try and quit writing. <em>“I am a slave to it</em>," Baone claims. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Writing her book taught her that pain isn’t the worst thing, she laughs. Writing this book  taught her that sometimes we break for the pieces to learn independence. And that we do not heal from time, but from acceptance.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'PAIN ISN’T THE WORST THING', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'pain-isnt-the-worst-thing', '', '', '2021-07-20 14:56:56', '2021-07-20 14:56:56', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=372', 0, 'post', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `wpxx_posts` VALUES
(375, 6, '2021-05-15 00:02:54', '2021-05-15 00:02:54', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Among the many artistically brilliant young people in the land of Botswana is the very versatile <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Winnie Karabo Moalosi</span></strong>. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Winnie</span></strong> has an innate talent for drawing potraits using coloured pencils. She started drawing when she was around 8 years old as she recalls. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Young <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Winnie</span></strong> had felt the urge to just start drawing and has not stopped since. She has for many years used her drawings as a way to relax or as a pastime. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Moalosi</span></strong> chose Art classes at Junior &amp; Senior Secondary School in order to hone her natural skills of artistic excellence in the fine arts. She says that by taking lessons on different forms of art, it gave her the opportunity to realise and explore the many different areas she could excel at and which aspect of art she loved and enjoyed more than others. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For much of her time growing up, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Winnie</span></strong> focused her energy in school and her career as a professional model where she has made great strides. “Modelling has allowed me to work with a couple of photographers, designers and also got me featured in one of the early editions of Celebrity World Magazine. I also love that it blends well with my art which can easily be used in the talent sections of pageants that I’m competing in, plus I get to meet my favourite celebrities when I draw their potraits. It is in a way fulfilling.” she said. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Having gone professional into the professional modelling world in 2016 where she participated in the Miss Boitekanelo pageant and going all the way to become a TOP 5 finalist. She was in the following year asked to be a judge in the Miss Ministry of Health pageant. This move further propelled her to reach greater milestones in her career as model. In the years that followed, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Winnie</span></strong> entered the Miss <strong>Botswana Bikini Model</strong> in the years 2017/2018 season where she was crowned Queen. The award afforded her the opportunity to represent Botswana at the <strong>Miss Africa Continent</strong> pageant in the 2018/2019 season in Johannesburg, South Africa. In this pageant she was a Top 7 finalist. In 2018 she entered the Summer Fashion &amp; Style Show &amp; Awards where she was awarded the title and award for Overall Face of Summer. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Moalosi</span></strong> has in this year (2021) entered the <strong>Miss Christian Botswana</strong> competition where she was a Top 5 finalist. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Since then she took the role of a dedicated student and song minister at her local church denomination, Assemblies of God Botswana. Doubling as an occasional drawer and writer, she is most passionate about her modelling than most of her other talents. At least for the time-being as she continues with her studies that she currently gives most of her attention. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>While many youth are uncertain of their future plans especially considering the pandemic and everything it has brought with it, young Miss <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Moalosi</span></strong> has plans to venture full time into the drawing and the writing arts, mentioning that she sees her potential in the arts as sources of income in the future especially coupled with her modelling career and other personal investments. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Winnie Karabo Moalosi</span></strong> is an artist of multiple talents that are yet to be unearthed and being a young Motswana, proud of her heritage, she stands tall in representing the values the nation stands for.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For commissions of drawings and appearances as guest speaker or judge at pageants and other events contact <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Winnie</span></strong> on Facebook: @Winnie Karabo Moalosi</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'ARTIST OF MULTIPLE TALENTS', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'artist-of-multiple-talents', '', '', '2021-07-20 21:57:05', '2021-07-20 21:57:05', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=375', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(378, 15, '2021-05-15 00:26:43', '2021-05-14 22:26:43', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Ms <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Lame Pusetso</span></strong> is a writer, poet, master of ceremony, spoken word artist, motivational speaker, poetry adjudicator and owner of a publishing company. Quite the jack of all traits we might say. She is the author of the two works of art, <strong>Tears On My Mother''s Shoes</strong>, &amp; <strong>Oceans Of Untold Goodbyes</strong>. Ms <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Pusetso</span></strong> takes us through her journey as an author in Botswana, and how she managed to get where she is now, but, first and foremost, who is she?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Lame</span></strong> is a young lady born and raised in Hukuntsi to a passionate, not well known, guitarist father and a devoted mother. She is the last born of a family of seven girls, thus she has ridiculed the stereotype of ''a lazy last born'', as she has managed to make the most of her abilities.<br>She got her passion from her father, who has relentlessly instilled his passion for the arts by playing his guitar while writing sweet numbers to her mother as a declaration of his undying love. She tells us that her father also used to read her the famous book, How to kill a mocking bird.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Despite coming from humble beginnings, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Pusetso</span></strong> managed to build a great career and brand. Her passion and talent helped her achieve great milestones. She tells us that growing up, at times she would want to write and scribble down her poems, but there was no electricity and no paraffin for the lamp or candle. "My parents would then suggest that we can go to the fireplace, then they made a big fire for me to be able to write my poetry." <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Lame</span></strong> says.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>She also goes to recognise the support from her senior school teacher of English, who would go the extra lengths of reading and analysing her work thus accelerating her improvement. “The drive I had pushed me to go knocking on every door, non stop, until I got help,“ she says.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>At this point in time she has two books, the first, <strong>Oceans Of Untold Goodbyes</strong>, which has won the <strong>African Authors Awards 2020</strong>, and the second book, <strong>Tears On My Mother''s Shoes, </strong>which was nominated for a <strong>French award </strong>and <strong>African authors awards 2021</strong>. Currently she is working on two more books that we can look forward to mid 2021.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Lame</span></strong> says social media has really helped her progress in writing. “When I first posted my book on Facebook, I got a lot of feedback, people were touched by what I wrote“, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Lame</span></strong> explains. She goes on to say that if you really want to change a person’s life it’s through your writing, “What you write can either make or break a person." On the other hand she tells us that social media has brought about a lot of piracy as most artists do not copyright their work. She encourages young aspiring writers out there to knock on every door and make their dream a reality.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As for the government, she claims their efforts to support artists in their industry is recognized but it’s more about finding a market and helping the artists publish quality material than cash handouts. She usually ''work'' only becomes successful after the authors have passed on, but this should not be the case.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In the nearby future, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Pusetso</span></strong> aspires to own a book store whereby local authors will be able to sell their books therefore expanding their market.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>From the nurturing hands of humble beginnings in an average Tswana village with only the support of family and limited financial resources. She could only hold onto her passion as a writer, the one that drove her to school and ultimately a published author and owner of a publishing company. She closes, “Never give up on your dreams."</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {"id":1021,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} -->\n<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IMG-20210502-WA0021-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1021"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->', 'TEARS ON MY MOTHER''S SHOES', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'tears-on-my-mothers-shoes', '', '', '2021-08-24 08:13:05', '2021-08-24 06:13:05', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=378', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(387, 2, '2021-06-19 00:44:41', '2021-06-19 00:44:41', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Han C</span></strong>, a Botswana singer-songwriter, has been sitting on international charts and hundreds of thousands of streams.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The musician released ''Itsatsaula'' with <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color">Charma Gal</span></strong>, Botswana music veteran, earlier this year, which became a hit and one of the most streamed songs in Botswana. The song video has already received over <kbd>700,000</kbd> views on YouTube.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://youtu.be/jq4CvdYcrkk","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} -->\n<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">\nhttps://youtu.be/jq4CvdYcrkk\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:embed -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Han C</span></strong> is attracting not only thousands of streams, but is also working with <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-purple-color">King Monada</span></strong> and <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color">Dj Clock</span></strong> , two well-known South African musicians. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-purple-color">King Monada</span></strong> announced on Facebook that he is collaborating with Han-C on a single. "Working On Something With My Bro <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">HAN C,</span></strong>" he said specifically. We''re excited to hear the results of this two-flavor collaboration.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color">Dj Clock</span></strong>, who had a hit song ''Pluto (Remember You)'' seven years ago, recently released ''Do I Qualify'' with <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Han C</span></strong>, which is presently at number one on the Apple Music Playlist, Mzansi House. The song is also playing consistently on South Africa radio stations, and people are loving it! We are loving the height Han C''s career is taking.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://open.spotify.com/album/4ylBN28DcA9tNeEmO0b3Ak?si=T2KuuQHSSAuJ10ZCglFNjA\\u0026utm_source=copy-link\\u0026dl_branch=1","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"spotify","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} -->\n<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">\nhttps://open.spotify.com/album/4ylBN28DcA9tNeEmO0b3Ak?si=T2KuuQHSSAuJ10ZCglFNjA&amp;utm_source=copy-link&amp;dl_branch=1\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:embed -->', 'HAN C ON TOP OF THE CHART', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'han-c-on-top-of-the-chart', '', '', '2021-07-20 23:26:48', '2021-07-20 23:26:48', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=387', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(398, 5, '2021-06-11 02:03:15', '2021-06-11 02:03:15', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>AVO managed to get a moment with the young and talented <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">AbTheActivist</span></strong>. In the interview,he said he best describes himself as a free spirited, passion driven individual. When asked where he gets his inspiration from <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Ab</span></strong> confidently told the AVO team that he believes that he draws inspiration from everything around him, but mostly from his emotions and all that is life.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>When we asked about his new song he said , “<strong>To The Top</strong>" was one of the first songs I recorded with <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">OneTake</span></strong>. It''s basically about two young rappers venting about their trials and tribulations as they manoeuvre their way through the cut throat music industry. I made the beat, and the drums were inspired by Kendrick Lamar''s ''Sing for Me I''m Dying of Thirst.'' At first, I didn''t know what to do with it, but OneTake heard it and was instantly inspired, he helped form the whole direction of the song”.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">AbTheActivist</span></strong> said in future, he would like to see himself work with the likes of <strong>Veezo View</strong>, and is currently still figuring out what kind of joint would be suitable for both their style of music.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As we concluded the interview ,He said his top 3 most played local songs are Summer 21 by Apexxxx featuring himself, Missing You by Fuzzy featuring Lu Young and Why So Faded by Faded Gang. He further said that his favourite BW artist is currently Lincoln Fuego and continues to mention that he is easily one of his biggest inspirations and that there wouldn''t be <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">AbTheActivist</span></strong> without him. Oh that was heartfelt if we do say so at AVO. We are expecting a tape from the young talent but it seems like we have to wait a bit longer; but with "To The Top" already out there, we should have an idea of what’s to come.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'ABTHEACTIVIST DROPS "TO THE TOP" WITH ONETAKE', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'abtheactivist-drops-to-the-top-with-onetake', '', '', '2021-07-19 17:48:52', '2021-07-19 17:48:52', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=398', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(405, 4, '2021-06-09 02:25:43', '2021-06-09 02:25:43', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In life one never stops learning, we got an opportunity to talk to one of the best cinematographers, who goes by the name <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Ronald Moabi</span></strong> aka <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">ClouttGrapher X</span></strong>, an 18 year old young man who comes from Lobatse.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>When asked about the kind of software he uses to make the best videos, the young man explained that his favourite software is Adobe Premiere, as it entails everything that will help one to create a video where they can carefully control the lighting. He explained that its attributes allows it for one to control the lighting in a way that will give the clip a precise feel that matches the mood of the song, and concept the director wants it to flow which makes it beautiful.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He went on to introduce us to the men who inspired him to work hard and be where he is right now. “I was influenced by <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-pale-pink-color">Director X</span></strong>, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color">Cole Bennet</span></strong> and <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-amber-color">Cyc Jouzy</span></strong>”, he said. What made <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">ClouttGrapher X</span></strong> to like <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-pale-pink-color">Director X</span></strong>’s work is the fact he has an awesome mind and his visual interpretation of a song is soul taking. Ronald narrated that he also loves <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color">Cole Bennett</span></strong>’s work and the way he do things, he built a promotional platform which goes by the name <strong>Lyrical Lemonade</strong> which he managed to pull off by shooting visuals. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A platform that he now uses to promote young American rappers which is very inspirational to <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Ronald</span></strong>. He could not stop praising <span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color"><strong>Cole Bennett</strong></span>. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Ronald</span></strong> went on to explain that he was inspired by <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-amber-color">Cyc Jouzy</span></strong> in the sense that he put effort in all his work, is very consistent and always gets better with every video, “Who would not be inspired by his work”, he said.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Motivation is free of charge and so is learning. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">ClouttGrapher X</span></strong> is a self taught cinematographer, he worked himself up by shooting promotional videos for his friends who are in the rap field. He also learned to sharpen his skill by working on already made videos before he managed to raise capital for his own equipment. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The young man’s dream became a success as he aslo used online platforms like YouTube in his process of learning. Through YouTube he managed to learn how to manipulate his environment and use DIY tools when he could not afford gear used for video making. With all this learning he grew conscious of the cinematography field, what it entails and what one needs to become successful in the field.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Its funny how one factor inlife helps harness the other. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Ronald</span></strong>''s has always being found of script writing at a young age. We all know that script writers are very imaginative and always write scenes that are inticing, exciting and always bring the suprising factor into every  scene. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">ClouttGrapher</span></strong>''s love for script writing helped him when it came to putting a rappers ideas into the video and making it come to life. In that way he was able to relay the right message, mood and feel that a rapper wants his lyrics to potray in a video. He exlained that it is one of the key factors that made his video shooting days a smooth sail.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The young man considers night shots and colour grading as one of his favourite specialities. We always wonder how videographers make night shooting a sucess. He went on to argue that his goal is to tap into Botswanas Hip Hop scene and work with much talent as possible. He would like to see his counter parts music videos become a success.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I shot Safe Hands for <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-purple-color">AbTheActivist</span></strong>”, he stated. It was an amazing experience to work with <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-purple-color">AB</span></strong> because of how open he was when it came to executing ideas and the research he does to make sure a scene goes well. He explained that in the cinematography field it is always wonderful to wrok with improvisers.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://youtu.be/UbqlrpZFEvc","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} -->\n<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">\nhttps://youtu.be/UbqlrpZFEvc\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:embed -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He went on to narrate that when walking with <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-purple-color">AB</span></strong> its team work that helped them to come up with a video that managed receive positive reviews and over three thousand views. It is through working witth <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-purple-color">AB</span></strong> that he was able to show the world his potential, it opened doors for him as more potential artists began to hit him up and work with him.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'THE BRAINS OF CINEMATOGRAPHY', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'the-brains-of-cinematography', '', '', '2021-07-19 17:06:42', '2021-07-19 17:06:42', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=405', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(410, 6, '2021-06-06 02:42:02', '2021-06-06 02:42:02', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Kefentse Keboitse</span></strong>, a 29 year old Serowe native, is a full time artistic coloured pencil drawer. He is a youthful man who finds art as a part of his journey and uses it to serve others and himself. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Going back all the way to his junior secondary school days, his journey with the fine arts has been, to him, something beyond interesting and introspective. In his journey into the art of drawing, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Kefentse</span></strong> has since realised that it is his divine gift and it is a part of his life he Chose to make it his main source of income. The phrase “making your passion your profession” is to Kefentse, a motto for living.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Coloured pencils are his medium of choice, earning him a nickname “Jakamotako” which simply takes after his reputation of providing for himself through his art of coloured pencil drawings. Providing for himself through his art is simple for the Serowe native who offers commissioned artworks for a price. Most of his income has been through the works that people have commissioned him to produce.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Since the year 2016, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Kefentse</span></strong> has been involved in a number of local competitions among which were the Presidential Arts Competitions. It was in the 2017 regional competition where his exhibited artwork scooped second place. The following year he scooped another regional second place position with his art. He continued with the competitions and commission works up untill today where most of his commission work is the primary source of income.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Portrait commissions are the most requested of his commission works and he believes that they are well received by people. Despite the fact that he has other types and kinds of drawings that are not necessarily portraits, he without a doubt does more portraits than all the others because of that reason. <strong>Keboitse</strong> has a dream of exhibiting his artworks before a great audience especially where his inspirational artist Wilson Ngoni would be showcasing. Participating in an event of such a calibre would in many ways be a highlight and high accomplishment of his career as a coloured pencil drawer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Having a lot of time gives him enough to practice and become a better artist. “My recent artworks outclass the ones I did a few years ago and those ones outclass the others I did years before.” Kefentse said as he remarked on what he does to keep himself inspired to continue with the fine art of coloured pencil drawing. He does not make any long term plans concerning his artworks and his future as an artist because a few years ago he did not see himself as accomplished as he is today. “I do not want to miss out on opportunities by tying myself to plans. So I choose to be free and flow with things as they come and see what I become in the process.” He said when asked about future plans.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>With a recent feature in the Mmegi newspaper, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Kefentse</span></strong> has in so many ways found himself favoured and blessed especially when he considers how he did not foresee himself being in the position he is when he decided to take drawing as a full time career. He exhibits his artworks on his Facebook page “Decade Artworks” where he also shares his charges and methods of payment for commissions of his work. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Kefentse Keboitse</span></strong> is one of Botswana''s great artists whose art has a place in many of the homes of Botswana.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'JAKAMOTAKO ART’S LIFE', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'jakamotako-arts-life', '', '', '2021-07-19 13:59:55', '2021-07-19 13:59:55', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=410', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(417, 7, '2021-05-28 03:04:46', '2021-05-28 03:04:46', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He has a voice that always melts the ladies’ hearts and sounds so angelic, probably why he has dubbed himself <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Sal AngeL</span></strong>. He is this country’s very own RnB king. Born <strong>Poloko Jeremiah Baleseng Bagai</strong> in 1996, the singer is a profound independent recording artist and producer who has worked with the likes of <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">William Last KRM</span>, <span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">ATI</span>, <span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Motha</span>, <span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Veezo View</span>, <span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">M.P.3rd</span>, <span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Hhs</span>, <span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">The M.X.C</span> </strong>and<strong> <span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">IceColdMob</span></strong>. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Sal</span></strong> grew up listening to various local and international artists from a variation of genres which greatly influenced his sharp musical ear and versatility in both fields of rapping, singing and music production.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He began his music journey professionally when he became part of the biggest local music group, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">IceColdMob</span></strong>, as a singer and producer in 2015. In pursuit of his dreams of becoming an influential and international award winning producer/singer, he parted ways last year with the group to embark on solo projects. He has written, produced, recorded, mixed and mastered all his solo songs of which have done well and gained him more fans, his most recent single that stood out is “<strong>Segotholo</strong>” which features <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">William Last KRM</span></strong>. The artist has won two YAMAs when he was still with <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">IceColdMob</span></strong>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><kbd>Q&amp;A</kbd></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Can you tell us more about you as an artist and your background?</strong><br>I am a producer, a recording artist, and an aspiring singer/rapper. I come from the north, but grew up in Phikwe, Gaborone and Francistown. Music has always been a meaningful part of my life, although I was not very good at it. It took a lot of time and practice for me to be able to make bearable music. I am still in a journey of self-discovery and improvement whilst enjoying the process.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>When did you join the industry?</strong><br>I started pursuing music professionally in 2015 within a group called IceColdMob, we had somewhat of a big break later on in 2019, thanks to the song ‘About You’ featuring ATI, which I also produced, mixed and mastered.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>How did this talent of yours get discovered and when was that?</strong><br>I learnt everything I know now and I am still in the learning process.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Which genres have you dabbled in?</strong><br>The genres I have worked on are Hip Hop Rap, R&amp;B, Electronic Dance Music (Progressive House and Future Bass), Pop and Afro pop.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>You have managed to become well established as an artist through the Botswana’s biggest music group Ice Cold Mod but late last year parted ways, why?</strong><br>We had different visions, missions that we could not combine and work with to push the group forward, which left it in a stagnant state. There was no common ground to work on and therefore we decided to pursue different paths.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Will the group continue giving fans the music they have come to love?</strong><br>Yes indeed I do believe so.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Now as a solo artist what are your aspirations?</strong><br>My aspirations are still the ones I have always had, to become one of the best producers/artists in the global sense.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Do you think it will be any different being solo?</strong><br>Not really, but of course the stage will be bigger and the performances will be longer, but the work will still be as hard as it was.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>How have your fans reacted to your parting ways with the group?</strong><br>They were sad of course but surprisingly supportive, which I genuinely appreciate.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Do you think music in Botswana is growing at the moment?</strong><br>In terms of talent, quality, skill and quantity, yes it very much is.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>What about achievements and awards, what have you won and achieved thus far?</strong><br>As a solo, nothing yet, with my ex group, just 2 YAMAs. An achievement would be the seemingly strong support from my fans who I genuinely appreciate.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Which is your biggest achievement of them?</strong><br>The support I have from my fans.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Do you aspire to work with any international artists?</strong><br>Very much. And I will at some point in time.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>So what are you cooking up at the moment?</strong><br>I am working more on getting visuals out.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'LONE RnB KING SINGLE HANDEDLY AIMS FOR THE STARS', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'lone-rnb-king-single-handedly-aims-for-the-stars', '', '', '2021-07-20 14:49:30', '2021-07-20 14:49:30', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=417', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(424, 5, '2021-06-25 03:31:32', '2021-06-25 03:31:32', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Another week another great local Author and this week we are getting wisdom from <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Ozzil Gopolang </span></strong>with his book titled ''<strong>Against the odds</strong>''. Catching up with an interview with AVO, he mentions what inspired and gave him the courage to have written such a great read. He claims that he is mostly inspired by his  own life experiences and challenges he came across, and goes on to even say it is more like a self-explanatory book.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Gopolang</span></strong> continues to say he had always been more of a writer than a reader and not really good at verbal communication. Growing up, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Ozzil</span></strong> was a stoic and did not share his personal emotions with anyone. He  was always lonely and engaging in his thoughts from time to time, "I am more of an introvert if I do say so myself," he exclaims.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Against The Odds</strong> is a motivational and inspirational book which is aimed at giving the youth hope. Hope that they can triumph even if the odds are against them. It shares emotional expressions, life tribulations and it addresses social ills which take place in our everyday community. That is divorce, fornication, corruption, poverty, teenage pregnancy and crime. It depicts the life of an individual who grew up with a dream, but because of the societal environment he grew up in it made it seem impossible for him to reach his goal.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Against The Odds</strong> is not just a book for aspirants of Medicine, it collectively indulges anyone who has an underlying dream that anyone would like to put it into fruition. No matter what they are going through, be it a channel of I''m possibilities, they are going to succeed; through hard work and determination, to reach culmination in a midst of thorny odds.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The phrase, “Against The Odds” is a bet, like when playing a game of dice. In life, most believe that the probability of life has been decided thus our lives are being controlled by destiny. In the case of ''Against the Odds'', seems to see things in a different light. People should know that the odds do not define destiny. Even if they seem to be against you, you also have to go against them and defy them if that is what it takes to follow your dreams.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>"Whenever I write I try by all means to chronologically link the story to my emotions, it brings out the best in me. Also to release that I have been hoarding in my consciousness for all the past 20 years I’ve lived. Right now I’m exploring which type of writing I enjoy the most, as such, I’m writing fiction and erotica at the moment. I’m trying to find my stance." Ozzil explains.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Ozzil Gopolang</strong> is a 20 year old Ngwato from Serowe, who is currently doing his second year in Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences.  He grew up in Letlhakane. Gopolang makes mention that his mother is his biggest and greatest motivation, he is longing to see her living a better life than when she raised him and that drives him to work hard in everything that he gets to see that come to pass.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He has abstained from many things just to be a better version of himself. The dream of one day becoming a Doctor is what drives him, as he finds great pride in his mentor Dr. Kelly Champagne. Some of his biggest challenges are having to balance schoolwork and writing, so every scholar on a novelist journey needs patience and organisation. Having to divide time for the two is stressful, when your head starts filling up with plot ideas the lecturer gives out an assignment and you will have to put everything you wrote on hold to focus on schoolwork.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The other challenge that at times people may feel may not be a problem is self-doubt; wondering how people will react to your book and all the critics that come with it. This has proven to him that as an author one has to practice emotional intuition, know how to deal with such and use it as a constructive element for future work. When asked about his greatest successes, he mentioned that he is someone who is keen to know and master a whole lot of fields.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Ozzil</span></strong> craves new information and does a lot of research. However, he did not know anything about literature and linguistic mastery until he began writing. "It has really helped me improve my writing prowess and helped me to ease out, like I highlighted before I’m not much of a verbal talker. Writing has been an escape arsenal in unraveling whatever I have been bottling up my chest," he said.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For someone who aspires to be a Doctor one day, he is set to sacrifice 10 years of his life to school and eventually attain his long life dream. Writing is his second nature and will continue to publish more books. The idea is to keep himself relevant and release at least 2 books per year and be Botswana''s own <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-purple-color">Danielle Steel</span></strong>, as she is his favourite author. We look forward to reading more books from <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Ozzil</span></strong>, keep shining!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:gallery {"ids":[426],"linkTo":"none"} -->\n<figure class="wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped"><ul class="blocks-gallery-grid"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/183367262_1135972413554708_8624548388790259078_n.jpg" alt="" data-id="426" data-full-url="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/183367262_1135972413554708_8624548388790259078_n.jpg" data-link="https://www.avo.co.bw/?attachment_id=426" class="wp-image-426"/></figure></li></ul></figure>\n<!-- /wp:gallery -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'AGAINST THE ODDS', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'against-the-odds', '', '', '2021-07-19 17:04:38', '2021-07-19 17:04:38', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=424', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(429, 5, '2021-05-24 03:43:27', '2021-05-24 03:43:27', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This week we are shining the spotlight on the all new <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Ubuntu Band</span></strong>. Ubuntu Band is a trio of exceptionally talented young musicians with an afrobeat infrared sound and rhythmically driven tribal sounds. With their newly released song ''<strong>NGWANAMSETSANA</strong> '', we are sitting at the edge of our seats to find out what more incredible sounds are coming up.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>''Ngwana Msetsana'' which translates to  ''A girl child'' is an afrocentric song that encourages the girl child and celebrates the girl child. The recently released hit is performed by <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Thami</span></strong>, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Gavin</span></strong> and <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Maney</span></strong>; and  was directed by Botswana''s very own immensely talented <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">DirectorMo</span></strong>. The african instrumental and acapella sounds make it so fresh and very distinctive. The song speaks of how much a girl child is loved and how much they bring warmth and positivity to life and to one day build a family altogether.  It is very catchy, relatable and fresh. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Ubuntu Band</span></strong> and <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Director Mo</span></strong> have truly given us something to dance to.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This song is dedicated Ngwana wa Mosetsana. Girl child find your worth and add tax because you deserve all the best things the world has to offer.Ngwana Msetsana- Be Your Own Kind Of Beautiful and remember, the world is what you make it.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://youtu.be/exP1mCixngg","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} -->\n<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">\nhttps://youtu.be/exP1mCixngg\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:embed -->', 'NGWANA''MSETSANA', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'ngwanamsetsana', '', '', '2021-07-24 21:44:55', '2021-07-24 21:44:55', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=429', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(444, 4, '2021-05-22 04:15:17', '2021-05-22 04:15:17', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><a href="https://web.facebook.com/Neutralfoto" target="_blank" data-type="URL" data-id="https://web.facebook.com/Neutralfoto" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neutral Photography</a></strong> is a Botswana-based freelance action sports and events photography company owned by <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Kagiso Keorapetse</span></strong>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Kagiso</span></strong> hails from Sefophe, a small village near Selebi Phikwe mining town. The home to Botswana former vice president honourable <strong>Ponatshego Kedikilwe</strong> and former national team football star <strong>Barnse Radipotsane</strong>. Neutral<strong> Photography</strong> has now ventured into a whole lot of photography genres to stay afloat. A very wise move if you ask because in photography one ought to be flexible, creative and ready for any challenge.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Keorapetse</span></strong> is a very huge fan of bike racing. When asked about when he started his photographic journey, his answer was quite fascinating. “I am not sure what year it was, but I would say 2014, when I completely stopped racing dirt bikes and picked up the camera,” he said. We all have moments we long to keep and keep rewinding because they define us. This is where keorapetse’s passion for action sports photography began. "I did not choose photography, i think photography chose me,'''' said the young <strong>Keorapetse</strong>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>They say some dreams come as an unforeseen blessing. <span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color"><strong>Kagiso</strong></span> never thought of being a photographer when growing up. “I never dreamed of it,” claimed <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Kagiso</span></strong>. He was never curious about it even when he saw a camera or a photographer. It all changed when his racing career started demanding a lot of money that he did not have. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Thats where things started to shift for him and his life pointed to a whole different direction. At that particular point in time kagiso needed sponsors. His mind went wild, he asked himself questions like; what do sponsors need?, and advertising was the answer. At that point he knew that sponsors like to be seen and that''s when photography came to his mind.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We all want our bread buttered on both sides, but life is not always black and white. Kagiso needed his own personal photographer who would dedicate their time to capture him during his races, but it didn''t work out. Instead of giving up on the dream he started something that is inline with what he loves. He started capturing his friends racing. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>What motivated him the most is that his friends grew fond of his shooting style and eventually money started flowing in. It''s very fulfilling to nail something that you never thought you could do. Kagiso’s passion for photography began to flourish in a field he always wanted to be a part of although he was involved indirectly. They say friends are few when days are dark, but during his dark days, his friends managed to help him build something he never dreamed of.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Thriving in this field was effective due to the fact that he was the only one who was doing motorsport photography by the time he started. Still on his side, he remains motivated as the market is not that saturated when it comes to motorsport photography. His area of focus is capturing  motorsports, but due to covid-19 complications Kagiso learnt to juggle things up and shoot at any event and has found the fun in it. He has come to explore more talent that he never put to practice in his career.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Photography is a field of convincing clients to vouch for your work. For kagiso, nothing beats the quality of an image produced by a DSLR or mirrorless frame camera. Although phone camera technology has taken a huge step in convincing the masses that they do not need professional photos from photographers for their photos and videos, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Kagiso</span></strong> is confident in the outcome of his work. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He went on to teach the masses about the importance of photographers in their lives. He also argued that purchasing the best lense for your camera is the best decision a photographer can ever make, in order to come up with the best results and give their clients good quality photographs.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The young photographer went on and gave a number of instances where professional photographers are needed. In wildlife photography, using your phone to zoom on a wonderful scene of lions busking in the sun will be a hustle, but with the help of a professional camera it becomes effective to capture every moment without putting yourself in danger. The images are always clear and there are low chances of your image being blurry, hence making the whole scene breathtaking, unlike when using a phone.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Kagiso</span></strong> is a man who believes in cleanliness. He believes that in picture cleanliness will always win and that''s what most clients always vouch for. “ You can throw me in a dumping site but I would still deliver clean images,” said Keorapetse.  He went on to explain that in photography, one tends to know when and what to shoot the more they grow into the field as opposed to when you are still learning and less experienced. He claimed that it''s a field of improvement with time.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The public is so in love with the young man''s work. What excites him the most is getting calls to come and shoot a project that is not inline with the kind of genre he is focused on, he believes that it is exactly the one thing that continues to open doors for him. He went on to explain that photography is a line of work where you should be open to take on any challenge and try new things.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color"><strong>Keorapetse</strong>’</span>s dream is to travel the world while shooting for racing teams, shooting at international events and making five thousand dollars a month which is a lot of money when converted to Botswana pula.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'STRIVING IN PHOTOGRAPHY DESPITE PHONE TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENT', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'striving-in-photography-despite-phone-technical-advancement', '', '', '2021-07-20 22:22:57', '2021-07-20 22:22:57', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=444', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(453, 5, '2021-05-19 04:23:44', '2021-05-19 04:23:44', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>With his newly released song ‘Kaosane’; We asked more about it and <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Da QuTness</span></strong>  had so much to say. “Kaosane is just a feel good type of a song. The kinda songs you will jam when you are out there with your friends having a nice time. Honestly I can’t really tell what inspired <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-purple-color">Tefo Bright</span></strong> (the vocalist) to write that song, I just did a beat and sent it to him and when he sent back the files for final mixdown and mastering I just liked it, I vibed with it”.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://youtu.be/jB95yz9eqec","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} -->\n<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">\nhttps://youtu.be/jB95yz9eqec\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:embed -->', 'DA QUTNESS - KAOSANE', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'da-qutness-kaosane', '', '', '2021-07-20 21:50:09', '2021-07-20 21:50:09', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=453', 0, 'post', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `wpxx_posts` VALUES
(458, 2, '2021-05-22 04:35:31', '2021-05-22 04:35:31', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Pamhidzai ''<strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Pah Chihera</span></strong>'' Mbirimi is an actress and singer who specializes in Afro-Jazz. She was born in March 1991 into a family of five. She was raised in a police camp. Her father was a police officer. Basically, her childhood memories are a mix of belonging to a very strict community and, of course, playing nezvi Kweshe like every other child. Playing Dunhu and hwishu.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As the last born, she was somewhat spoiled as she always got her way. When her father passed away when she was in Grade 5, she was forced to relocate to Kuwadzana, then to Mufakose, where she completed her Primary and Secondary education.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Pah Chihera</span></strong> is a brand that embodies artistry and appreciation for tradition. The totem pride that is depicted in the name is what defines her. She believes that her music is more than just singing; it is a form of communication that speaks to those who enjoy her genre. "For an artist life is what they sing about. I don''t know about others but from my perspective my life outlook is depicted in my music. My biggest goal is to go International and raise the flag." <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Pah Chihera</span></strong> says.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>She began her career as a backup vocalist for Prince K, her uncle, mentor and best friend. "He helped me get into the industry and has been a pillar of support for me." She explains. Her late uncle, late musician Doctor Tuku, and Ringo were her biggest influences. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Pah Chihera</span></strong>''s music is about love and the everyday life of an African child.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>"Frankly speaking, being a woman in our music industry can be challenging. When it comes to who climbs the ladder, there is some gender discrimination." Pah Chihera expresses herself. She believes that if talent is evaluated without regard for gender, a large number of talented female artists will rise.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>She also dislikes the fact that as a woman, ''you'' are extremely vulnerable when you enter the industry. What Pah Chihera appreciates about the industry is that it is an open door; whoever believes they have talent gets a listening ear.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>According to Pah Chihera, Runonzi Rudo, a song she made with her late uncle, <strong>Prince K,</strong> is her best song and will always be her best song. Here are a few more songs she released: Mbavha yerudo collaborated with <strong>Jah Prayzah</strong>, Kangoma collaborated with <strong>Terry Africa</strong>, and there have been recent collaborations with Botswana''s <strong>D General</strong>, O Nkutlusitse Botlhoko, and Kumafaro.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Pah Chihera''</span></strong>s last comment, "The latest tribute song I did for my Uncle almost was the end of me because I felt I didn''t have a reason to go on after his death, but after thinking much about It I only realised I owe it to him to do more and to finish what he started."</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'PAH CHIHERA TALKS ABOUT HER CHILDHOOD, CAREER, AND LATE UNCLE', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'pah-chihera-talks-about-her-childhood-career-and-late-uncle', '', '', '2021-07-19 17:38:23', '2021-07-19 17:38:23', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=458', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(464, 5, '2021-04-29 04:45:00', '2021-04-29 04:45:00', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Today we shine the spotlight on Botswana''s amapiano trio <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">FME DJs</span></strong>. FME DJs consist of 3 amicably talented youngsters including <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Piet The Dj - FME</span></strong>, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Dee Bond FME</span></strong> and <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">DJ Jozi Straight FME. </span></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Having been in the entertainment arena for almost 3 years, Piet the Dj expresses their love for music and the giants they look up to and the brotherhood behind <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Fresh Mafia Entertainment (FME) </span></strong>and relations that have been cultivated over time. Their true inspiration comes from the likes of Vee Mampeezy; this has seen them grow in their careers and paved a way for other music lovers to come into the circle as well.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He mentioned that they have an online podcast called <strong>Car Show</strong> which is online based, and can be found on Instagram and soon to be Facebook and Youtube.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As their new song "<strong>Mo Spacing</strong>" being release 30.04.2021, it has never been seen where the best motswako rapper, <strong>BAXON</strong>, and the best hip hop rapper, <strong>Veezo View</strong>, collaborate in one song. Piet mentioned they wanted to try it out. "Most of our songs have different artists from all over country and we like seeing that collaboration. This song in particular was inspired by  our single released last year called ''ilifestyle'' and was inspired by the culture of going out and just having a good time with friends," expressed Piet.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In closing he mentions that anyone who aspires to be anything in life should believe in themselves &amp; their dreams, never think that you are not worthy, to always believe you can do anything you put your mind to and always be who you are and nobody else. Be Authentic and it will take you far.Be on the look out for "Mo spacing" dropping 30.04.2021 because we at Africa''s Very Own cannot wait to dance into the weekend with FME djs.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://youtu.be/7hQJ9ECJNsA","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} -->\n<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">\nhttps://youtu.be/7hQJ9ECJNsA\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:embed -->', 'FME DJS - MO SPACING', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'djfme-djs-mo-spacing', '', '', '2021-07-20 22:04:34', '2021-07-20 22:04:34', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=464', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(469, 2, '2021-04-27 04:59:57', '2021-04-27 04:59:57', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Kelebogile Mabua, who is commonly known by the name “<strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">HT Tautona</span></strong>”, gave us insight of his inspiring life as a music artist. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Kelebogile is a born and raised Maun citizen. The 37-year-old artist grew up in a family of eight, and was raised by a single mother. As the second born amongst his siblings, he believes that his family has taught him many life principles which he cherishes up to today.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">HT Tautona</span></strong> explained music as a composition of instruments and vocals to create a certain sound. “I like it when instruments are blended with Poetry,” he expanded. His older brother who was also into music, cultivated the love that he has for it. “Before I was a writer, my brother influenced the kind of music that I listened to, as early as my primary school days,” he stated.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The talented artist is not only passionate about music. He is also a qualified Engineer, working as a Telecommunications Engineer. Furthermore, he runs an event organising company. He is currently on a musical break to focus on personal matters and family. However, he does not rule out any possibilities of coming up with a project soon, because he has numerous recorded songs.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Taking us on a journey of his personal life, Kelebogile has been married for ten years. His tenth anniversary was celebrated on 10 July 2020. He also described his daughter as the most important person in his life. “She was a blessing in my life,” he said. “She was born when I was young, but she helped me to grow as a man, and father; she gave me a good reason to keep working diligently in every area in my life.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He expressed how the music industry has a number of challenges. Despite its ups and downs, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">HT Tauntona</span></strong> encouraged artists to stay focused and persistent. He also mentioned that to keep a peace of mind and stay focused, he stays away from the “beefs” of the industry. In conclusion, his main goal is to inspire people through his music.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'HT TAUTONA TALKS CAREER, MARRIAGE AND INDUSTRY', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'ht-tautona-talks-career-marriage-and-industry', '', '', '2021-07-20 22:00:36', '2021-07-20 22:00:36', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=469', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(473, 2, '2021-04-26 05:25:11', '2021-04-26 05:25:11', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Stretch</span></strong>''s debut album as a solo artist, <strong>Eyiedzi Buyantanshi</strong>, is a new type of genre that he is attempting to pioneer, ''Neo-Afro''. The sound is based on Afro-pop, but with elements of Hip Hop, R&amp;B, Kwaito, and World music thrown in for good measure.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The idea was to create a sonic atmosphere that feels like a new experience, but familiar to an African context. "Before I went into the studio, I had a kind of Afro-fusion hybrid sound in my head. I had a fairly successful single called Senti, and the sonic approach was what if the Fugees were to do Afro-pop?" <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Stretch</span></strong> explains.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As a result, with the album, he decided to build on the concept of fusing afro sounds with musical styles that wouldn''t usually blend with them. "I wanted something that you could groove to throughout, and african drums do that," he further stated.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>On it, he collaborated with a pan-african array of musicians, including heavy hitters like <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Veezo View</span></strong>, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Jordan MoOzy</span></strong>, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Ms Abbey</span></strong>, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">El Zintle,</span></strong> and late and great <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Sasa Klaas</span></strong>. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Stretch</span></strong> was honored to co-produce one of the songs with legendary producers <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">AmoBeatz</span></strong> and <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Flex The Ninja</span></strong>, despite handling the majority of the production himself. The album features 13 tracks and is a rare and inspiring musical experience.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://open.spotify.com/album/1EwwOxRhmQuybfgbC4659m?si=f7dtQhyCRP6gzsms000C0w\\u0026utm_source=copy-link\\u0026dl_branch=1","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"spotify","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} -->\n<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">\nhttps://open.spotify.com/album/1EwwOxRhmQuybfgbC4659m?si=f7dtQhyCRP6gzsms000C0w&amp;utm_source=copy-link&amp;dl_branch=1\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:embed -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The title of the album, <strong>Eyiedzi Buyantanshi</strong>, is made up of two words from two African languages: Ghanaian Fante and Zambian Kaonde. However, both words can be translated to mean the same thing: prosperity,  which is the album''s over-arching theme. Stretch explains, "The fact that I selected those two languages is to highlight my heritage. My mother is from Zambia, and my father is from Ghana. So, I guess you could say that a secondary theme to the album is identity."</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Because the album is about prosperity, Stretch wanted to keep it upbeat and ''good mood''. He believes in speaking things into existence, so he avoided sad topics and tempos on purpose. He  wanted the project to have a triumphant feel to it. Everyone who hears it should feel like a winner.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The album essentially took 11 months to record, mix and master. Thankfully, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Stretch</span></strong> was able to take advantage of the Corona virus prevention lock down of 2020 and work intensively on the project. It was the only thing that he worked on all day! Just wake up, record &amp; mix, repeat. "The project was done by October 2020, and I''m so proud of the result. All I''d like to say to the readers right now is, find out what it is you''re meant to do on this planet. Find it out now! Whatever that thing is, you''re meant to excel in it. Get up and get out there, the world needs you."</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://youtu.be/oImRNw5R8mA","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} -->\n<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">\nhttps://youtu.be/oImRNw5R8mA\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:embed -->', 'STRETCH - EYIEDZI BUYANTANSHI', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'stretch-eyiedzi-buyantanshi', '', '', '2021-07-20 22:07:38', '2021-07-20 22:07:38', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=473', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(531, 8, '2021-07-01 10:22:36', '2021-07-01 10:22:36', '<!-- wp:pullquote -->\n<figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p><strong><em>BESIDES BEING GIFTED, LONELINESS INSPIRED ME TO WRITE</em></strong> </p></blockquote></figure>\n<!-- /wp:pullquote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We are fortunate enough to be writing about <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Mzansi Author and Media Award </span></strong>nominated best Author. Meet one of our Africa very own Author, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Kwanele Marcia Ndlovu</span></strong>. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Kwanele</span></strong> She is a 20 years old young writer born in KZN, New Castle. Beside being an author, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Ndlovu</span></strong> is a  second year student at the University of Freestate (Bloemfontein Campus) persuing a career in Bachelor of Education. She is a good hearted individual who is always inclined to help and understand others. Kwanele is a multitalented soul, she is a writer, poet, actress and a storyteller. "I am a very sensitive and a weird person ," she explained.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>She unwrapped her story and explained her journey into poetry and writing. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Kwanele</span></strong> discovers writing as her coping mechanism. "I don''t know how to Express myself out loud, I just cry and write everything down," she revealed.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Ndlovu</span></strong> said that she fell in love with poetry a while after discovering her love for writing. "I know how good I am in formulating scenarios that don''t really exist and makes them looks real," kwanele explained. "Loneliness inspired me to keep writing in a different way. I always manage to understand others through writing." She further illustrated that, writing heals her heart in any ways, and writing makes her feel alive. "For me it will forever be the only powerful form of communication. I find solance in writing." </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Just like any other individuals who encounter challenges in their success journey, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Kwanele</span></strong> also had so far encountered challenges. " Failing to raise enought money in time for publication and books distrubitation was one of my greatest challenges," she said. Her second published book titled "<strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Bruices of love</span></strong>" had scored her a nomination  to compete for MAMA Award. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Ndlovu</span></strong> is asking for support and votes to win the Award. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"popmake-510"} -->\n<p class="popmake-510">The voting lines are still open until 31st July 2021. "To vote for me  simple SMS the word MAMA 885 to 40439 and sms cost only R2," she explained. "You have more than one chances to vote," she said. However, for book orders, she is available on most social platforms and can be reached on +27786936363 for calls and WhatsApp. IG: Kwanehndlovu12 and Facebook: Kwaneh Ndlov. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'MAMAs NOMINATED: BEST AUTHOR', 'Kwanele She is a 20 years old young writer born in KZN, New Castle. Beside being an author, Ndlovu is a  second year student at the University of Freestate (Bloemfontein Campus) persuing a career in Bachelor of Education. ', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'mamas-nominated-best-author', '', '', '2021-07-19 13:45:23', '2021-07-19 13:45:23', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=531', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(544, 2, '2021-07-02 10:26:33', '2021-07-02 10:26:33', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Q: Tell me a little about yourself. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>A: </strong>Well, I talk a lot. I was raised by my grand parents in a small mining town called Mhangura. I was a very quiet kid growing up and very curious. That would be when a followed my Mom to a nearby town,I sneaked into a bus and followed her .I got the beating of my life.Home name/nickname? Mutare /Koke 99</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Q: Explain what you do in a few words</strong>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>A:</strong> Madd Bwoy Khaki born Shephard Munjari got introduced to reggae music by his uncles who used to listen to reggae songs as he grew up.He initially wanted to be a hip-hop artist but ended up being influenced by his youngest uncle to go the reggae route. He wrote his first song at the tender age of 17 in 1999; it was hip hop song. His cousin Rex Nhongo was starting up as a producer and encouraged him to write the lyrics in a more professional way instead of just freestyling. He also urged him to do more of a reggae infusion especially because of his extremely deep voice.As he got the hang of it, it became easier to compose songs and today he has up to 100 Songs including hits such as Runondipengesa ft Tererai Mugwadi Reggae dancehall artists such as Capleton, Bounty Killer and General Degree shaped who he is as an artist today.Madd Bwoy Khaki believes in following one’s passion no matter what the odds are and says as an artist he is always growing.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Q: When did you start?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>A: </strong>1999</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Q: What is the one thing you hate about the music industry?? </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>A: </strong>Hate is a strong word, I do not like anyone who takes advantage of Artists</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Q: Who Are Your Biggest Influences?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>A: </strong>Bounty Killer and Capleton</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Q: What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>A: </strong>I remember this one time I ran away from home ,I learnt that its not always greener on the other side</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Q: What is an interesting fact about you?</strong> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>A:</strong> I was once a professional soccer player</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Q:  Give us some insight on your music</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>A:</strong> I have released a lot of singles to date </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>•    Nah stop dj :  Produced by Jusa Dementor  this is my latest master piece, exhibiting my djaying skills</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>•    Run de place:  On the half a bread riddim which featured the like Bay c from TOK </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>•    Runondipengesa: My first ever song to go on the Zimbabwean music chats was a big hit back then and it features Tererai </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>•    Usipo: Love reggae nice mellow song which I released last year</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>•    Rules and laws: Discuses the dangers of not following lockdown rules and the consequences.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Q: What memorable responses have you had to your work?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>A: </strong>When I sang at a show and the organizer asked me not to lip-sync next time he though I was playing a cd</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Q: What are your biggest goals?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>A: </strong>To get a grammy<strong> </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'Q&A WITH MADD BWOY KHAKI', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'qa-with-madd-bwoy-khaki', '', '', '2021-07-19 17:01:11', '2021-07-19 17:01:11', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=544', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(551, 9, '2021-01-19 20:40:48', '2021-01-19 18:40:48', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Bina Daniel</span></strong>, a talented photographer from Portharcourt, Nigeria, gave us an intriguing insight into his career in photography. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He discovered photography at an early age, as he spent most of his childhood capturing beautiful moments. The passionate photographer began his journey using a Kodak PIXPRO FZ43 for all his shoots. However, he bought a DSLR camera, specifically a Nikon D3300 camera, after a few years. Up to date, still uses the high quality DSLR camera for its many benefits. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>"I enjoy doing modelling shoots; I love to capture people, the sunsets and nature," he mentioned. "I also love doing outdoor shoots, which are actually my favourite places to photograph." Before he took up photography as a career, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Bina</span></strong> was immensely inspired by many innovative photographers. He explained how he wished to take and create breathtaking photographs like them. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Needless to say, he is happy with the consistent growth in his career, and is working diligently to improve himself every day. He is highly grateful to everyone who has been supporting him throughout his journey.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:gallery {"ids":[553,554,555,556],"linkTo":"none"} -->\n<figure class="wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped"><ul class="blocks-gallery-grid"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IMG_4502-819x1024.jpg" alt="" data-id="553" data-full-url="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IMG_4502-scaled.jpg" data-link="https://www.avo.co.bw/?attachment_id=553" class="wp-image-553"/></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IMG_4507-790x1024.jpg" alt="" data-id="554" data-full-url="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IMG_4507-scaled.jpg" data-link="https://www.avo.co.bw/?attachment_id=554" class="wp-image-554"/></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IMG_3050-683x1024.jpg" alt="" data-id="555" data-full-url="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IMG_3050.jpg" data-link="https://www.avo.co.bw/?attachment_id=555" class="wp-image-555"/></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IMG_3047-683x1024.jpg" alt="" data-id="556" data-full-url="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IMG_3047.jpg" data-link="https://www.avo.co.bw/?attachment_id=556" class="wp-image-556"/></figure></li></ul></figure>\n<!-- /wp:gallery -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {"id":557,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} -->\n<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IMG_4509-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-557"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:gallery {"ids":[560,561],"linkTo":"none"} -->\n<figure class="wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped"><ul class="blocks-gallery-grid"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IMG_4501-770x1024.jpg" alt="" data-id="560" data-link="https://www.avo.co.bw/2021/07/02/bina-daniel-shoots-for-the-stars/img_4501/" class="wp-image-560"/></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IMG_4505-1-790x1024.jpg" alt="" data-id="561" data-full-url="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IMG_4505-1-scaled.jpg" data-link="https://www.avo.co.bw/2021/07/02/bina-daniel-shoots-for-the-stars/img_4505-1/" class="wp-image-561"/></figure></li></ul></figure>\n<!-- /wp:gallery -->', 'BINA DANIEL SHOOTS FOR THE STARS', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'bina-daniel-shoots-for-the-stars', '', '', '2022-05-29 22:18:35', '2022-05-29 20:18:35', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=551', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(565, 9, '2021-07-02 21:18:49', '2021-07-02 19:18:49', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Maatla Hendry Kebautlwetse, a.k.a <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Maatla Kebs</span></strong>, is a vibrant photographer who was born in Orapa and raised in Lobatse.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color"><strong>Maatla</strong></span>''s photography journey began in 2018 while he has still in high school. "I was inspired by a gentleman from a wildlife photography section," he explained. "He goes by the name of David Yarrow, and I had to work hard to be like him," he continued. The Maun based photographer began learning photography on YouTube, and is still exploring many factors on the mentioned platform. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He uses different gears in the field with his 5Dmark camera, and prefers 50mm STM lens for portrait photography, as well as 24mm for landscapes. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Maatla</span></strong>''s dream is to end up in a wildlife photography section, which is why he is working diligently to save enough funds so as to buy improved gear. His amazing work can be found on his online portfolio: <a href="https://www.pexels.com/@kebs-visuals-742415" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.pexels.com/@kebs-visuals-742415</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'BOTSWANA''S FATHER OF PHOTOGRAPHY', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'botswanas-father-of-photography', '', '', '2022-05-29 22:17:39', '2022-05-29 20:17:39', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=565', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(585, 2, '2021-04-17 22:01:09', '2021-04-17 22:01:09', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Emmanuel ''<strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Jordan MoOzy</span></strong>'' Muzenda is a singer and songwriter born on the 29th of July 1998, hailing from Gaborone, Botswana, with roots in Masvingo, Zimbabwe. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Jordan is an independent artist, "That way, I can run my ship as I see fit for my brand. You''re also a lot more prolific when you cut out the middleman." His parents, two of the most devout Christians he knows, raised him to live a hermit lifestyle for the majority of his childhood. Church, house, and school were part of his everyday routine at the time, and it felt like an endless loop. “It had its advantages, I must admit, in that I stayed out of trouble, at least most of the time, and avoided the bad habits that most teenagers develop at that age,” he explained. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>At this point in <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Jordan</span></strong>''s life, he was not aware of his musical ability as the frequencies he was tuning into were far from standard academic practice. Any sporting arena you put him in would satisfy his desire. In a six-piece band that includes bass, drums, keys, sax, and lead, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Jordan MoOzy</span></strong> is the lead singer. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Majority of his time is spent in the studio on endless nights, intense hours of rehearsal and constantly creating new content to feed anyone who is willing to listen to his music. It''s either that or rocking out on stage, sharing his talent with the rest of the world. “Growing up, I saw my cousins play instruments. I couldn''t help but stare in awe at how a human being like myself could create such a beautiful ambience, enchanting harmonies igniting a feel-good sensation far beyond anything I''d ever experienced in my life,” he said as his excitement grew. He was 13 and decided he needed to learn how to play. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Jordan</span></strong> says he is surrounded by a lot of talented creative people. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Even if he wouldn''t refer to some as friends, there''s always something to learn from them. He''s always eager to see the world from a different perspective, an empty glass ready to be filled. In most situations, he is a blank canvas, eager to absorb as much as possible, because learning never stops. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">MoOzy</span></strong> explains, “If you walk into a room and are the only one talking, you will leave with nothing but the knowledge you brought with you. I am a good listener.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As an encouragement to upcoming musicians, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Jordan</span></strong> explains, "Failure is a necessary part of the process of becoming a better you. One flop does not define your entire future. You ALWAYS have a choice, and there are always consequences, whether they are good or bad is determined by the choices you make now."</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He insists that money is also definitely a necessity, because it is what keeps the world turning, and without it you can''t do anything. From purchasing his first instrument to covering transportation to his gigs, paying for studio sessions, uploading his music online, and printing hard copies. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Jordan</span></strong> says, "The problem, in my opinion, is greed. It''s important to know that money serves you, not the other way around. Most people get so caught up in attaining material wealth that they deform their character in the process." </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Lastly, in <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Jordan</span></strong>’s words, “Every response to my work is memorable. It comes from the heart. People have different ways of packaging it, some folks are loud about it, some you’ll never hear about but the fact that they appreciate my work is memorable enough"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'JORDAN MOOZY EXPOSES HIS CHILDHOOD, NATIONALITY AND MUSIC CAREER', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'jordan-moozy-exposes-his-childhood-nationality-and-music-career', '', '', '2021-07-20 22:51:22', '2021-07-20 22:51:22', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=585', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(621, 2, '2021-03-14 09:30:42', '2021-03-14 09:30:42', '<!-- wp:heading {"level":5} -->\n<h5>Motheo Lucas Malgas a.k.a <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Dudewiththething</span></strong> is a Photographer/videographer based in Botswana from Tshane, Kgalagadi. </h5>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Raised by a loving single mother, he first took interest in this industry at only seven years old after watching the movie, World War 2. The movie left him so captivated and evoked soo much emotion despite it not being real that right there and then he decided that''s what he wanted to do. His main goal is to evoke emotion through his artwork and make the type of artwork that is so captivating that brings you back when you scroll past in on your newsfeed.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The 24 year old photographer does mostly studio shoots using artificial light, and to enhance his skills he believes in practicing your craft in order to grasp where you lack and where you can improve. His editorial process includes Adobe photoshop and Adobe lightroom to edit pictures, Premiere pro and Da Vinci resolve to edit videos. Apart from the UK based photographer Harrison Looklum he is mostly inspired by people around him, as the saying goes, "you are who you surround yourself with." Although at the moment his work is inspired by what he sees in himself.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Reminiscing on his first days as an upcoming photographer, by then using a Sony powershot camera charged with AA batteries, the one thing he regrets is doubting himself and that he wishes he could have realized his potential sooner.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>When asked what challenges he faces in the industry, he stated, "The photography industry in Botswana is still in its infancy therefore it is hard to sell. Creatives should learn the business side of the industry." He also mentioned that people should respect the hierarchy of photography, "Instead of trying to be a Jack of all trades, people should acknowledged the fact that there are people good at photography and should allow them to do their job." He considers his Kalahari Hotel piece his favorite because it is timeless, so be sure to check out his page.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:gallery {"ids":[624],"linkTo":"none"} -->\n<figure class="wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped"><ul class="blocks-gallery-grid"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/FB_IMG_1625304315114-683x1024.jpg" alt="" data-id="624" data-full-url="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/FB_IMG_1625304315114.jpg" data-link="https://www.avo.co.bw/?attachment_id=624" class="wp-image-624"/></figure></li></ul></figure>\n<!-- /wp:gallery -->\n\n<!-- wp:gallery {"ids":[625],"linkTo":"none"} -->\n<figure class="wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped"><ul class="blocks-gallery-grid"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/FB_IMG_1625304382519.jpg" alt="" data-id="625" data-full-url="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/FB_IMG_1625304382519.jpg" data-link="https://www.avo.co.bw/?attachment_id=625" class="wp-image-625"/></figure></li></ul></figure>\n<!-- /wp:gallery -->\n\n<!-- wp:gallery {"ids":[626,627,628],"linkTo":"none"} -->\n<figure class="wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped"><ul class="blocks-gallery-grid"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/FB_IMG_1625304324726-683x1024.jpg" alt="" data-id="626" data-full-url="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/FB_IMG_1625304324726.jpg" data-link="https://www.avo.co.bw/?attachment_id=626" class="wp-image-626"/></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/FB_IMG_1625304364937-683x1024.jpg" alt="" data-id="627" data-full-url="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/FB_IMG_1625304364937.jpg" data-link="https://www.avo.co.bw/?attachment_id=627" class="wp-image-627"/></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/FB_IMG_1625304358039-683x1024.jpg" alt="" data-id="628" data-full-url="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/FB_IMG_1625304358039.jpg" data-link="https://www.avo.co.bw/?attachment_id=628" class="wp-image-628"/></figure></li></ul></figure>\n<!-- /wp:gallery -->', 'DUDEWITHTHETHING', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'dudewiththething', '', '', '2021-07-20 22:11:31', '2021-07-20 22:11:31', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=621', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(630, 9, '2021-01-30 09:40:18', '2021-01-30 07:40:18', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Oteng Onalekitso Moilwa, popularly known as <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Da QuTness</span></strong>, is the producer of the hit song “Tinto”, by <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">William Last KRM</span></strong>. Life was not always sparkly for the talented producer, but he is thankful to have a supporting family. He has two older siblings. He values family over anything; his daughter means everything to him.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Da QuTness</span></strong> pursued a diploma in Information and Technology studies at Botho University, while growing his talent in music. Eventually, he dropped out of the programme and continued exploring the music field, while gaining more skills. He is also determined to have a well-recognised and established brand.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Some unique facts about <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">DaQutness</span></strong>; he claims that he misses the days when people were not too dependent on social media. As a lover of dogs, and a believer of the famous saying: “A dog is a man’s best friend”, he stated that his spirit animal is a dog. Lastly, he mentioned how he has an irrational fear of losing his mother.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“The hardest lesson that I have learned, is that you should not depend on anyone, but believe in yourself that you can do anything which you put your mind to. Again, fun facts about me are that I am a calm and friendly person, who enjoys being around people,” he explained. Giving more details about his career, he expressed, “I am proud of myself. I never thought that I would produce a piece that could shake the world. It showed me that I have potential, and I can do much better.” Having produced the Tinto beat at beatfactoryMusiq and Djbinostouch, he further stated, “I gave Dj Lyric a done beat. Unfortunately, we had a bit of a misunderstanding. I wish them the best of luck though.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>His greatest supporter in the music industry has been DJ Bino. He paved a way for him in the industry, and taught him a number of skills. Da QuTness expressed that the music industry has numerous challenges, including not earning enough as artists and producers. However, passion and determination keeps him going.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'THE HARDEST LESSON DAQUTNESS HAD TO LEARN', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'the-hardest-lesson-daqutness-had-to-learn', '', '', '2022-05-29 22:18:19', '2022-05-29 20:18:19', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=630', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(639, 9, '2021-03-20 10:27:18', '2021-03-20 08:27:18', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Henry Philemon</span></strong>, a Jazz artist from South Africa, took us on us a journey of his upbringing and career as a musician. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The talented artist who was born in Capetown, moved to the vibrant city of Johannesburg at the age of two. His love of music transpired in his father''s church when he began playing instruments at the age of six years old. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Henry</span></strong> is well known for his versatility and diligence. He began his career at the age of eighteen-years-old, where he joined a band called <strong>Nu-age</strong>. They received their first contract in Swaziland. In his own words, "Music was always my motivator. I always knew that I had something to add to the industry and the world. It was as if music had chosen me, and not me pursuing a musical career."</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Apart from being a multi instrumentalist, he is the Co-founder of <strong>Jophil productions</strong>, which does final recordings, mixing and mastering, hiring of stage lighting, and sound. After he emerged victorious at the <strong>Metro Fm awards</strong> back in 2017, he immediately knew that he had to pursue and get knowledge about the business side of music. By then he already had his studio which recorded different artists, as well as produced and arranged their music. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Henry</span></strong> thus registered a company with his soulmate, who is now his fiancée. Winning the best Jazz album award was also an added advantage to his business.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Asking him about his most memorable response to his work, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Henry</span></strong> described how he was filled with excitement and gratitude when he was nominated in two different ceremonies, being the "Best Jazz Album", consecutively in 2017 and 2018, for the <strong>Saatma Awards</strong> and the <strong>Saafma Awards</strong>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Unfortunately, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Henry</span></strong> has been negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, as he had to cancel some projects. However, he was still able to maintain a positive spirit by working on a gospel album for an artist, which is to be released soon. He has also not been able to perform in many festivals and shows as before, due to the pandemic, but he does hope that all will be well.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'JAZZ MUSICIAN SHARES HIS JOURNEY', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'award-winning-jazz-musician-tells-us-his-story', '', '', '2022-05-29 22:17:58', '2022-05-29 20:17:58', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=639', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(642, 9, '2020-08-10 10:36:03', '2020-08-10 08:36:03', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Dk Abra</span></strong> is a Hip-Hop artist who recently produced and directed a spectacular musical project, that features various artists.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He has an album which will be launched end of August. The songs in the project execute a new dispensation of Hip-Hop and Rap music. He explained that he is looking forward to working with many rappers or artists. In order to upgrade the Hip-Hop industry of Africa and to unify musicians in Africa, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Dk Abra</span></strong> decided to make a song called Amen. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The talented musician said that he made the song because of the temptations, regrets and failures which the youth have faced. He narrated how in the song, he asked God to forgive us for the sins which we have committed. He also hopes that people will trust God to answer their prayers. Basically, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Dk Abra</span></strong> describes the song as a prayer to God that pleads for His tender mercies.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Listen to  Amen by abra shmurda on #SoundCloud <a href="https://soundcloud.com/teddie-sibanda/abra-shmurda-amen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://soundcloud.com/teddie-sibanda/abra-shmurda-amen</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'DK ABRA - AMEN', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'dk-abra-amen', '', '', '2022-05-29 22:19:07', '2022-05-29 20:19:07', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=642', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(645, 9, '2020-08-08 10:40:24', '2020-08-08 08:40:24', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>"Pluto''s Favourite" is an album EP by <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">GXVIN</span></strong>, which is inspired by Baby Pluto, commonly known as Lil Uzi Vert. The album has six songs of different genres. The message behind the album is for the listeners to experience an intense state of happiness and get excited while listening to it. The name of the song originated from his love of the planet Pluto.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The album features <strong>THVMI, Matric and Teddy West</strong>, with some songs produced by Mr Kalanga Girl <strong>Shaba Stele</strong> and <strong>Tolagotthelighter</strong>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'GAVIN - PLUTO''S FAVORITE', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'gavin-plutos-favorite', '', '', '2022-05-29 22:19:41', '2022-05-29 20:19:41', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=645', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(649, 9, '2020-08-08 11:36:51', '2020-08-08 09:36:51', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Nicole Martinez</span></strong> was born on 28 October and raised in the streets of Bontleng, a popular township in Gaborone. She then moved to Mmopane Block 1, at the age of 10. Describing her upbringing further, <span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color"><strong>Martinez''s</strong></span> favourite childhood memory was when she used to dance for people; they would cheer and give her money. It was such a great experience for her. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>According to the talented artist, she is a blessing in everyone''s life, especially those around her. She cares more about their health and well-being, which is why she is a dancer, fitness trainer and a musician. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Nicole</span></strong> said that her music speaks to almost every age group, as her aim is to touch every soul on this earth, as well as to heal them from whatever challenge or battle they are going through. Nicole believes that everything she does is inspired by where she comes from, as her mother told her how she would sing a lot from an early age (4 or 5 years old), especially traditional music. “I believe that is why I am currently releasing music that has a lot of traditional (Setswana) elements. I began all the dancing and singing ever since I was a young girl. Professionally, however, I started everything in 2014,” she explained.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Nicole Martinez</span></strong> is currently under a label called <strong>Bang! Gae Studios</strong>. She described how <strong>Bang! Gae Studio</strong> understands her path, because they are encouraging and supportive towards everything she does. All her music is engineered by <strong>Tshepo "Nephew" Moanakwena</strong>. Discussing the local music industry, <strong>Martinez</strong> finds it to be very challenging and stressful, almost every single day. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Nonetheless, she loves how the music industry game is all about taking baby steps. Furthermore, the Motswana artist mentioned that she has received many great responses and words of encouragement, so as to keep on pushing her work. She is currently focused on doing just that; pushing boundaries. In her own words, “You are only as good as your next. This means that you are only better than the next thing you create, so you only get better if you just keep on going. I am learning every day.” Getting up-close, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Nicole Martinez</span></strong> informed us that three interesting facts about her would be:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>1. She is fun to be around. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>2. She is a bubble of happiness. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>3. She is a blessing. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Nicole</span></strong> also mentioned that she does not understand why people are obsessed with feeling “hyped up". In her perspective, people cannot follow their own intuition or judge well for themselves when they are feeling hyped up, which makes them to be gullible. Back to her music, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Martinez</span></strong> has released the following singles so far: </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Break Your Heart</strong> – it is a song about breaking up with your lover, being left confused and sad.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>High With Me</strong> – it is a sensual and romantic song, which she dedicates to everyone in a happy relationship.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Bodimo</strong> – this one is all about the games which she played as a child, and she believes that everyone born before her, as well as in the late 90s, would relate to it.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>O Ile</strong> – it is all about losing someone you love and care about through death. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Re Ja Lenyalo</strong> – it is a wedding celebration song.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Toza Toza</strong> – this is a nostalgic song about her childhood.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Re Baga Mang</strong> – it is a song about the Covid-19 era and how it has affected us as Batswana. In closing, Nicole Martinez expressed herself as a very versatile artist. “All I can say is that people should always be ready for everything I drop, because it is never the same,” she said affirmed.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'YOU ARE ONLY AS GOOD AS YOUR NEXT', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'you-are-only-as-good-as-your-next', '', '', '2022-05-29 22:19:22', '2022-05-29 20:19:22', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=649', 0, 'post', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `wpxx_posts` VALUES
(652, 9, '2020-08-07 11:49:33', '2020-08-07 09:49:33', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Toro "<strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">CrayOn</span></strong>" Tseleng has been working on a tape titled ''Introspection'' since early this year, as a challenge to himself. He has always wanted to release a project fully created and engineered by himself, and Introspection was his opportunity to do exactly that. The project is basically a deep dive into his thoughts as an artist and as a person.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">CrayOn</span></strong> would like the tape to reflect his "goofy" side, also carrying forth the emotion he feels when he feels troubled or unhappy. He found it to be a learning curve, because the main obstacle was the fact that he had to produce and engineer most of the tracks himself. Toro thus describes himself as self-taught and believes that it is quite frustrating trying to get the quality industry sound when you have always had people doing it for you.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Hence, the road to Introspection was born. He opened up to the world and showcased his growth as a producer and an artist, so as to try to diversify his sound, as well as to include his style in the genres he enjoys.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>All three tracks in this project were executively engineered by <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">CrayOn</span></strong>, under the alias “<strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">m o + a k o</span></strong>”. The beats were produced by people he looks up to for growth and inspiration, being DJ TH and Chu Beats.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is only the first chapter of the Introspection story, as <strong>Toro</strong> hopes that people will see it for what it is, and just enjoy the music. On that account, he is on a journey of self-discovery in creating new sound.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'CRAYON - INTROSPECTION', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'crayon-introspection', '', '', '2022-05-29 22:19:56', '2022-05-29 20:19:56', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=652', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(655, 9, '2020-08-23 12:01:25', '2020-08-23 10:01:25', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Theophillus Ntakhwana, also known as <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Alcaido</span></strong>, is a talented local artist who is working on an EP project called "<strong><span class="has-inline-color has-black-color">Life through a Keyhole</span></strong>". He collaborated with a number of Botswana musicians and producers on the project, as well as with some international acts from Lithuania and New York. However, he mainly worked with his manager, <strong>DJ Keymaster</strong>, his producer, <strong>Westbook, Slowburn , Tespo Oakile </strong>and<strong> Popo Tlhakole.</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Alcaido</span></strong> explained that "Life through a Keyhole" is about the everyday struggles we experience, but we will eventually conquer and find happiness. He also encourages us to find happiness from within, through all the challenges we go through. The inspiration behind the project''s name came from all the support he has received from his manager, DJ Keymaster, his family, friends and fans. He is also grateful to his producer, Westbrook, who has helped him a great deal since he released his first track. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Theophilus also grew up in a musical background. His musical inspiration came from his mother and his late grandmother (MHSRIP), who were conductors of school choirs country wide, which is why he would like to dedicate the EP to his grandmother.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'ALCAIDO - LIFE THROUGH A KEYHOLE', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'alcaido-life-through-a-keyhole', '', '', '2022-05-29 22:18:50', '2022-05-29 20:18:50', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=655', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(658, 9, '2020-08-03 12:05:35', '2020-08-03 10:05:35', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Dancehall song, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Official Max</span></strong>''s first single to drop, is about his crush who he calls "<strong>Pretty Girl</strong>", because he prefers to keep her name to himself. Basically, he was expressing how he feels about her in the song.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The fire track was dropped four weeks ago and he featured <strong>Laygo Beats</strong>, his producer. He has received a lot of positive responses from fans about his first single. The song is only out on SoundCloud and the download link will be out soon.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href="https://soundcloud.com/bokani-makosha/pretty-girl-ft-lay-go-beatsprodby-lay-go-beats?ref=clipboard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://soundcloud.com/bokani-makosha/pretty-girl-ft-lay-go-beatsprodby-lay-go-beats?ref=clipboard</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'OFFICIAL MAX - PRETTY GIRL', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', '658-2', '', '', '2022-05-29 22:20:28', '2022-05-29 20:20:28', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=658', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(662, 9, '2020-08-03 12:12:06', '2020-08-03 10:12:06', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The song, <strong>Hotspot</strong>, by <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Flyboi - Yung Kay</span></strong> was recorded during the first lockdown while he was at <strong>The Golden Audio</strong>, with the company of <strong>Click K44, Shaba Stele</strong> and <strong>Teddy</strong>. Hotspot and another song called Cardi B were both recorded the same night.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He is currently working on a mix tape titled "Space Fly (Old Demo Tapes)", which has close to fourteen tracks and Hotspot is the second song on the tape.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>According to him, he dropped the song to clear off his chest and let people know that he would like to proclaim his "spot", which is the best Hip Hop artist in Botswana. He believes that people should respect his name because his music is international.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Run it up; <a href="https://soundcloud.com/flyboi-yung/hotspotfeat-tumi-thebigfish" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://soundcloud.com/flyboi-yung/hotspotfeat-tumi-thebigfish</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'FLYBOI YUNG KAY - HOTSPOT', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'flyboi-yung-kay-hotspot', '', '', '2022-05-29 22:20:14', '2022-05-29 20:20:14', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=662', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(667, 3, '2020-08-01 12:58:43', '2020-08-01 12:58:43', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Talent is an understatement for the beautiful <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Botho Pearl George</span></strong>. She is a 21 year old makeup artist, hair stylist, model and student. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Metsimotlhabe raised young entrepreneur is currently undergoing her university studies at Botho College. She started practicing makeup in 2018 and mostly works on a house call basis, but also has a garage home studio for when she works from home. She shared more details with us about herself and her makeup journey.  To start with her accolades, Botho’s work has gotten her featured on Yarona FM and even got her an international recognition, as she has been featured on a Nigerian magazine and nominated for fashion and art awards in South Africa. She said that she attained her current position through discipline and respect, respect for both her work and her clientele.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The versatile MUA (short for makeup artist) states that she does not specialise in any type of makeup and can range from special effects, which include illusion makeup and prosthetis, to full glam, better known as face beats. She says that the sea of possibilities is actually what she enjoys most about her job. She has fun with trying out different looks, brands and techniques. The most challenging part of her job, according to her, is dealing with unreasonable clients. Another challenge is having call times as early as 3:30am especially when working with brides, she says she never really gets any sleep when she has a wedding to do in the morning. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Despite these challenges, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Botho</span></strong> loves every part of her job and urges people to take makeup as a serious profession which contributes to our country’s economy. She says that she is concerned by the lack of originality and self drive in our local makeup industry. Therefore, she encourages aspiring MUAs to be as authentic as possible and do makeup because they love it, allowing them to work from the heart. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>On a lighter note, I asked <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Botho</span></strong> for her opinion on girls’ eyebrows and she said, “Girls here do their eyebrows, yes. The only problem is that they do not pay attention to their natural eyebrow structures, which play a big role in you getting to do your brows right.” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>She advised anyone who is doing their makeup at home to know their facial structure and understand what works for it, because there are no two faces which can look the same (except for identical twins but they too differ somehow 💀).  Practicing good skin care is also important when constantly applying products to your face. I personally believe that if we all followed this advice, everybody’s face would be ON FLEEK. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In her closing words, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Botho Pearl George</span></strong> left artists with a word of encouragement regarding the Covid-19 pandemic. She said, “I know it’s hard and it’s going to be hard for a while, but pray hard, work hard and use the spare time we get from lockdown and extreme social distancing to create and explore more content. When all of this is over, everyone is going to need our services.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Work page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Pearls-Makeover-Parlour-624041881344341/" target="_blank" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/Pearls-Makeover-Parlour-624041881344341/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pearl''s Makeover Parlour</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'AWARD NOMINATED MAU TALKS TO POPPIE', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'award-nominated-mau-talks-to-poppie', '', '', '2021-07-20 23:00:33', '2021-07-20 23:00:33', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=667', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(697, 3, '2021-07-04 17:59:40', '2021-07-04 17:59:40', '<!-- wp:quote {"align":"center","className":"is-style-large"} -->\n<blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-text-align-center is-style-large"><p><strong>“TŠHABA E E SENANG NGAWO KE MONKA E LATLHEGILENG”</strong></p><cite>Sir Seretse Khama I</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In a pool of wisdom from the late President, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Sir Seretse Khama I</span></strong> is one of his most recurrent sayings. It directly translated to, “A nation without culture is a lost nation.” This saying implicates the importance of culture and cultural preservation, especially in Africa, a continent rooted in diverse cultures and even more diverse ethnicities within counties.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Fashion or clothing is a fundamental element of culture. In <strong>Botswana</strong>, we undeniably have a wide range of apparel for different occasions according to different ethnic groups. These vary in textures, colors, and design. Wedding culture, however, has a more uniform clothing code that includes leteisi skirts and dresses, a blue shawl, and doek. This attire is traditionally worn by married women in wedding proceedings and the bride when proceedings are final, and she is now married. Nevertheless, weddings in Botswana are greatly influenced by western culture. The term “white wedding” is common in our local vocabulary. It refers to the fact that the bride wears a white wedding gown. It could also mean the “white people wedding”, referencing the origin, if you think about it.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The entire world experienced radical changes throughout the last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For a few months, the world stopped. Thereafter we had to adjust to a “new norm”. Football stadiums without supporters, no concerts, no sitting in at restaurants, the list goes on. Weddings were no exception, guests are limited to only close friends and relatives, the ceremony duration is also a lot shorter. These adjustments took Batswana a while to get used to. Our weddings are normally filled with food and dance, invitations are open to all family, friends, neighbours, even gate crashers. They were more like a fashion extravaganza, with 3 or 4 outfit changes.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In adaptation to the new wedding rules and regulations, the costume inevitably changed. Weddings are a short, single ceremony so brides are trying to encompass both the traditional and modern styles in their gowns as cultural practices such as Patlo and Magadi are no longer done in great detail. This way of dressing has been common in some South African tribes but is a relatively new trend in Botswana.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We love to see it. These gowns are not only unique and creative but also cut costs that would have been incurred from making a lot of dresses. Most of them are also very functional and not extravagant, leaving room for possible future repurposing. This trend might just be one of the Covid-19 pandemic silver linings. It has created an opportunity for Batswana designers to show off their organic creativity and capture our culture and traditional prints in a new, exciting way.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I sincerely hope local designers see this trend as an opportunity to add cultural identity to our fashion as well as explore the juxtaposition of bridal fashion and culture. This gives them room to manoeuvre the fashion future in the direction we need as Batswana. A place where designers are expressive, experimental and our culture is predominant in our modern lifestyles.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'WEDDINGS PERSEVERE - A SILVER LINING', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'weddings-persevere-a-silver-lining', '', '', '2022-01-09 16:54:43', '2022-01-09 14:54:43', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=697', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(710, 4, '2021-07-04 18:30:41', '2021-07-04 18:30:41', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Visual arts continue to evolve and improve with time. From pencil drawing, to painting and graphic design we see a lot of passionate and determined fellows  breaking ground and making exceptional work that suites the eye of critics and clients. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Africas Very Own magazine</strong> got the opportunity to speak with Botswana''s very young  exceptional graphic designer by the name of <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Memory Cornelious Maphakela</span></strong>, who is the founder of <strong>Altacus Business group</strong> which specializes in branding and marketing. Born in Satau, a small village ninety kilometers from Kasane, and a former student from Lotsane Senior School.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He began to know more about design while he was doing his form four at senior level, which is when he started to work with organisations to where he is as of now. He started his business in 2016, helping clients with design, branding, and general supply. He then diverted to different activities in his line of work until he realised that it was eating up on what he was good at, which is designing. By then they were doing business related services such as company registration and general supply. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In 2017 he introduced his first product called the <strong>Southern Advertiser</strong>, which ran for six months until he realised that it was not effective and that he needed to learn more about business managenment. That is when  <strong>Southern Advertiser</strong> went  to a hault. Regardless of the hardships of starting a business the young man never gave up, he instead took baby steps and learnt about what he could do to improve.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>His improvement gained him popularity in Lobatse  and his business began to branch to as far as Palapye. In 2019 the business branched to Gaborone where it has been a rollercoster ride, having clients such as Choppies, Barcelos franchise, Government department companies in Lobatse, events management companies and bars from Palapye to kasane. They also have international clients from as far as United States of America, China and Canada as well as in different parts of  Africa. The <strong>Altacus Business Group </strong>has become a brand because of its exceptional work.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The company does not have a website, but it has still managed to reach multitudes due to appraisals from happy clients. It has a good background, which he stated that it is the backbone of a businesse''s success.  The company enjoys creating content that does not exist. They do not produce or manufacture products, but rather  give businesses and clients a design concept which looks real and entising which gives the client an opportunity to choose what they want. They make medical tabloids for pharmacies, and winery. They also advertise through their clients, by looking at the trends and conseptionalise it to meet the need of what todays market requires, and go through reviews to see if people love the idea of what they want to create. The company has a facebook with a large following where they post their designs.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Mr Maphakela</span></strong> has embarked on an initiative called Competitive branding Initiative. Maphakela  stated that they do what they call completive branding, and he believes that their branding is competitive. Maphakela offers a very competitive branding initiative which avails branding and marketing services at a low cost of two hundred and fifty pula. Which is a very good opportunity for upcoming small business owners in Botswana and beyond. They make logo design for a small amount of three hundred and fifty, company profile at a charge of six hundred pula, while the whole package is going for one thousand four hundred and fifty.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He stated that technology is very effective when running a business. People will go online and see that one can receive all services. He stated that for a company to gain clients, they need to market either  through the use of bill boards. He further stated that the more a business create brand awareness, the more it gains clients. He also stated that more effort should be centered around the marketing budget for a business to succeed.  He highlighted that it is very important to look at what is trending and what people want before you can choose which method to use to attract clients.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Altacus Business group</strong> prides itself with making their clients a priority to an extent of keeping up a registration to keep up with them and ensure that their branding works for them. They offer their clients  a three months subscription to enjoy the benefits that comes with working with the Cornelius Business Group. On the 5th of July they are closing  registration so they focus on growing their new client''s businesses.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Maphakela</span></strong> believes that the norm "one man one mission" is what is killing most of Batswana’s businesses from expanding. He has also noticed that in Botswana graphic design is taken lightly. Companies do not have business logos, no profile design or business cards, some dont have an invoice and quotations which are very much needed for a businesse to succeed. He regards them as a pavement that helps a business to gain clients.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'BRANDING BUSINESSES TO SUCCESS', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'branding-businesses-to-success', '', '', '2021-07-19 17:56:56', '2021-07-19 17:56:56', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=710', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(713, 2, '2021-04-19 19:29:50', '2021-04-19 19:29:50', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">6eorge Staggz</span></strong>, a rapper and entrepreneur, recently released <strong>Flowertown Hero</strong>, a ''movie soundtrack'' ep.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The ep follows the tales of a young man from Flowertown (Mahalapye), with the aim of making Flowertown proud and giving hope to the kids who live there. "Stories of my journey to Gaborone and then starting out in Johannesburg (The City of Dreams)," 6eorge says. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It was recorded with the intention of introducing 6eorge Staggz and setting the tone, ''Go After Your Dreams,'' for his debut album before releasing it.6eorge closed with saying, "I made this less of a turn up project because I wanted to tell my story, including my flow to delivery. It''s a deep personal and emotional project that will take time to grow on people’s hearts. Not instant hits."</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Stream: <a href="https://music.apple.com/bw/album/flowertown-hero/1561578711" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://music.apple.com/bw/album/flowertown-hero/1561578711</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', '6EORGE STAGGZ - FLOWERTOWN HERO', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', '6eorge-staggz-flowertown-hero-soundtrack', '', '', '2021-07-20 22:35:39', '2021-07-20 22:35:39', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=713', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(718, 1, '2021-05-20 19:55:02', '2021-05-20 19:55:02', '<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2>Short Story by <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Minki Phiri</span></strong></h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span style="font-size: inherit;">Chapter One</span></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>My bestfriend was the truest thing to ever happen to me and for me. She was the only thing in my life that kept me wanting to live, she brought up light and meaning to the small world I had, of which I called life. Everything was made significant and by this being said, she was clearly my significant other. I had literally written the words ,"significant other" everywhere. In my room, the diary that we kept.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If I went missing , not that I will, she would be the first person my dad would call. And if she<br>shows up with an engagement ring on her finger, and not wanting her siblings to know who the man in her life was, they would simply call me. With her, I would present myself before her, naked in truth, because I never really lied to her. We were transparent to each other. She would know when and if I lied about my emotions. She would also know when my smile was fake and genuine, when to tell if I really am in love with a guy or not. And with all this happening, we truly thought the word "bestfriend" was underrated, thereupon we saw it fit to find the alternative<br>words, "Significant other".</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Chapter Two</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Attending the same University was a dream come true. It really was what we always wanted to see happening. Being sophomores together was a thrilling experience and although we enrolled onto different courses ,it was never a challenge. Zöe was more of a sporty person and so she decided take a double major in Sport Psychology. I am personally not a fan of sports, I would go for sports only to cheer up Zöe and give her<br>morale. I love poetry and words. I love books and languages hence I chose to study Phonology and Poetry. We both supported each other throughout, we never really looked down upon each other.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We knew we each had different purposes in life. And that our roads, though we<br>travel together in the journey of life, do not lead to the same destinations but nonetheless we<br>promised to be each other''s keeper throughout.<br>It was not after so long when I got operated on my brain because of the multiple attacks I<br>had from my epilepsy. My attacks were always bad because I always lost track of my memory<br>lane and I would regain it after a week. But one thing I was grateful for was that though I lost<br>my memory, I could always reminisce on who Zöe was, and what we had. And that was all that mattered to me. More than the attacks I had.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I suffered from epilepsy since kindergarten and which was a part of me and Zöe. Only she and my parents knew about all this. People from school were always shocked and left pained after seeing me being attacked. They would rush off to Zöe and ask what was wrong, but her being her,she always told them that my anxiety made me nauseous and that was why I fell. She was not a person who wanted people to know about everything happening in our lives - how we got to school, what we had for lunch, who we were secretely admiring etcetera. And I really loved her for this.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Chapter Three</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>After my first operation, doctors and specialists broke the sad news to Zöe first,then myparents. It was utterly bad. I, for some minute could not even comprehend it. It was just beyond the human comprehension. I felt sorry for myself, but I knew it was the best for me and my future. I knew my bestfriend had so much faith in my healing and that she always spoke well of how one day I would get back and be fine. They were all told I was to leave school and heal first.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>She collapsed after she was told that I had a severe tumour in my brain that kept swelling and increasing after every fall down I had during attacks. She cried till her tears dried up. And after seeing all this happen to her. It was quite a hard pill to swallow. I lost myself. My head felt heavy to carry and my legs were too stiff to balance. I found myself on the hospital carpet again. And there I was now, a place I could not recognize, people I could not see well. I could not decipher anything that was written on the walls. All I saw was enormous buildings surrounding me, and people near my hospital bed. My memory could not set me right.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The one girl who stood just closely to me kept crying. She cried aloud and I kept wondering who she was. Days passed by, and this girl was still near me. She was there; morning,noon and evening. With books to read to me and some fruits and it was as if she knew the books I preferred and the fruits I loved,it was quite scarry. My mind could not even perceive who she was. All I kept asking myself was why she was being so nice and kind. My state at the moment would not allow anyone to be kind to me as she was. I was rather dead. I did not see any apparent reason to live. Let alone have someone sympathizing with me on the hospital bed like she was.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I wanted this girl gone. I did not find it intriguing to have anyone, more especially a stranger, near me at that point in time. My world was sad. And the best thing to complete me was myself. And not seeing people come near me. But the more I wished that this girl could go,the more time she spent with<br>me. Me avoiding her brought no pain to her or whatsoever. I prayed to God,I knew God listened to my prayers but this time around God seemed to turn a deaf ear to this prayer. This girl just could not go away. It was a pity.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Chapter Four</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The next morning brought a smile to my face. I woke up and the girl was nowhere to be found.<br>I looked all over the hospital room and still there was no sign of her. It was a huge relief. I felt happy but also an element of sadness hit me, but I did all I could do to ignore the sadness and endure the happiness.<br>My body was feeling better. And it was my discharge day. I was going home. And my favorite people in the whole world were there to pick me up. Mother kept on mentioning the name Zöe, and I had no clue what she was on about. "Who is this Zöe you are fascinating about?" I kept asking. Until we got to our house,we were all silent. I got home and mom told me I had a call. It was a<br>lady. And the voice was familiar, she told me I had to rush to her house immediately after I hung up.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I did not want to waste any time. I did as I was told. Mom decided to take me there. And to my<br>surprise it was just the yard next to mine,only two houses were between us.<br>It was Zöe''s mother. Now I could recall. And I now knew who this Zöe my mom kept talking<br>about was. She handed me a letter from a box that we kept all our letters and memoirs inside, including our secrets.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>"2020, the only thing that crosses my mind when I hear this permutation of numeric, I stutter. I feel every inch and fibre of pain to ever be created. Seeing my significant other like this makes me weep aloud. It is then when you fail to explain why you cant dance to the song that everyone else dances to. You wonder if really the most well known song that denotes , "It is well" really<br>means what it says. Well to me I think its just an arbitrary song that wishes to give hope to<br>people like me. It is indeed a permanent cessation of all vital, a harbinger of news that no one needs to hear, but it is inevitable. Please forgive me but let death be my sweet release."</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>And that was it. Death took the one person who meant the entire world to me. Who made life<br>easy to live. Who would tell a joke for the tenth time and still have me cracked up like its the first time I heard it.<br>I will never forgive death, let alone forget how much of a deep hole it cut in my heart.<br>But still, I blamed myself as much as I did to this death.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'HER BEST FRIEND''S DEATH', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'her-best-friends-death', '', '', '2021-07-20 15:23:00', '2021-07-20 15:23:00', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=718', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(724, 1, '2021-05-27 20:09:12', '2021-05-27 20:09:12', '<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2>Short story by <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Minkie Phiri </span></strong></h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Not all days of the week were good and exciting as one would think or perceive. And it really comes to my attention that the phrase ''days dont really comes the same'' is quite true. Mondays were always never exciting, Tuesdays were sometimes close to being good, Wednesdays got her mood level from zero to thirty, atleast it was something to give her hope about the entire week. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Thursdays were slightly her happy days. Fridays? Those were days she could literally pray to God to put on repeat mode. Why? Because Fridays were about her looking back and reminiscing on how her past days were. Thinking about every person she bumped into while going to school. Those she walked past on her way home from the kiosk, the wise old hands she greeted and interacted with in the evening.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Some Fridays were about her visiting the park all by herself. Visiting her favourite bookstore and falling in love with every book title. This was her favourite activity to do on every Friday.<br>The bookstore was and will always be a-must-visit place for Theo,she had a chance to live in a totaly different place than the actual one. She met so many people ,both weird and<br>common,young and old alike.<br>It was a place she wouldnt mind visiting over and over again even when told she could possibly lose her mind. But still, Theo always had a soft spot for Fridays, particularly the ones she spent at the bookstore.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This Friday was quite different though because she was not going to visit her favourite book<br>place. It caught her off guard,one would say.<br>Everyones mood was awkward and everyone held a rather tense face than you would have<br>anticipated. The jolly and merry children who always walked opposite the bus stop were not even close to being happy. The lunatic man who always greeted her did not even give her a sneer nor a stare glance. Something was just odd.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>She decided to adhere to what the Book of law stated that we should always mind our<br>businesses. She did exactly that. She waited patiently for her bus which always decided to come late. Theo knew it and had signed up for this with no regrets or whatsoever.<br>Like always, she was waiting patiently to grab her seat of preference. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This was the seat<br>which determined her entire mood of the journey. It was the passenger seat. Not because it was close to the driver but it made Theo ignore everyone else on the bus rather. With this seat she could have her own attention to just herself.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Theo abhored having conversations with people, particularly strangers. She did not want to join any tiresome lectures from any person, especially the old people. This Friday was just different.<br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To her surprise, a random guy decided to pick her preffered seat before she could. Far worse, he wanted her to grab the one next to him. So he could talk to her like he desired. Theo''s heart kept insisting something different from what her brain actually did. She decided to sit right next to this stranger. He was okay. Both in looks and character.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He kept on complementing and praising the way she was dressed. She took all he said to<br>heart and soul because she was rarely told how beautiful she was. She does look herself on a mirror, only on days that she woke up with my head well positioned on the pillow and her body on the right side of the bed.<br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>But today, she did not even bother looking herself in the mirror. But with the stranger saying good things to her face,she thanked herself for not using the mirror that morning.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>His compliments hit her heart because she really believed that strangers were the people to face you and tell you the truth. Listening to someone speak well and good of how you tied your hair bun, how white and shiny your teeth are, how amazing you have blended the colour of your jeans and tshirt including your sneakers is quite thrilling. And hearing such from a stranger makes you want to be grateful for the gift of living. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To always know that you atleast brighten up someone elses mood and that there are people who would actually come before you to tell you how much of a beauty you are. Such things makes you want to be looking forward in doing the same to<br>another stranger you may possibly meet in the future.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>But something in her instincts told her that the stranger is the Soul Mate she had been praying for; he came packaged as a stranger. It was for her to reveal it to him, since it was something<br>that kept reoccuring in her thoughts and mind, the universe knew it as well.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>She found her soulmate,at last. In an awkwardly beautiful way.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The End</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'A SHY, YOUNG WOMAN BUMPS INTO HER SOULMATE', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'a-shy-young-woman-bumps-into-her-soulmate', '', '', '2021-07-19 17:13:51', '2021-07-19 17:13:51', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=724', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(767, 1, '2021-07-05 19:26:20', '2021-07-05 19:26:20', '<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_post_props {"post_title":"Contact Us","post_status":"publish","post_date":"2021-07-05 19:26:20","post_author":"1","post_name":"contact-2-2","featured_image":0,"post_excerpt":"","post_password":"","comment_status":"","ping_status":"","post_sticky":"","post_parent":0,"menu_order":0,"post_category":"","post_tags":"","pagelayer-id":"phd6191"} /-->\n\n<!-- wp:shortcode -->\n[contact-form-7 id="941" title="Contact form 1"] \n<!-- /wp:shortcode -->\n\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","ele_margin":"100px,0px,0px,0px","pagelayer-id":"qiw9821"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col":"2","pagelayer-id":"zd59965"} /-->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col":"8","pagelayer-id":"3x02165"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"heading_state":"normal","color":"#111111","align":"center","heading_typo":"Questrial,45,,500,,,Solid,,,,","animation":"fadeInDown","animation_delay":"600","heading_typo_mobile":",35,,,,,Solid,,,,","text":"\\nGet In Touch\\n","pagelayer-id":"pel8555"} -->\nGet In Touch\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_divider {"divider_style":"solid","divider_color":"#ff5f1fff","divider_weight":"3","divider_widht":"15","divider_gap":"10","divider_alignment":"center","divider_widht_tablet":"10","divider_widht_mobile":"20","pagelayer-id":"5rf3976"} /-->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col":"2","pagelayer-id":"t2t9908"} /-->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","ele_margin":"60px,0px,0px,0px","pagelayer-id":"k817917"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col":"4","animation":"fadeInLeft","animation_delay":"600","pagelayer-id":"mbc9692"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_iconbox {"service_icon":"fas fa-map-marker-alt","service_alignment":"top","service_vertical_alignment":"middle","service_icon_view":"stacked","service_icon_padding":"20","service_icon_state":"normal","service_icon_color":"#ffffffff","service_icon_font_size":"35","service_icon_hover_delay":"400","service_bor_state":"normal","service_heading":"Address","heading_alignment":"center","service_title_spacing":"10,0,0,0","heading_state":"normal","service_heading_color":"#000000ff","service_heading_typo":"Questrial,25,,600,,,Solid,,,,","heading_delay":"400","service_text_alignment":"center","service_btn_hover_delay":"400","service_icon_background_color":"#ff5f1fff","service_icon_shape_type":"circle","service_text":"\\n\\n\\n\\n","pagelayer-id":"98b8067"} /-->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_address {"icon":"","align":"center","ele_css":"{{element}} .pagelayer-address {text-align:center;}","typography":"Muli,14,,500,,,Solid,1.4,,,","ele_margin":"-5px,0px,0px,0px","pagelayer-id":"vfl9570"} /-->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col":"4","animation":"fadeInUp","animation_delay":"600","pagelayer-id":"1ue4783"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_iconbox {"service_icon":"fas fa-mobile-alt","service_alignment":"top","service_vertical_alignment":"middle","service_icon_view":"stacked","service_icon_padding":"20","service_icon_state":"normal","service_icon_color":"#ffffffff","service_icon_font_size":"35","service_icon_hover_delay":"400","service_bor_state":"normal","service_heading":"Phone","heading_alignment":"center","service_title_spacing":"10,0,0,0","heading_state":"normal","service_heading_color":"#000000ff","service_heading_typo":"Questrial,25,,600,,,Solid,,,,","heading_delay":"400","service_text_alignment":"center","service_btn_hover_delay":"400","service_icon_background_color":"#ff5f1fff","service_icon_shape_type":"circle","ele_margin_tablet":"20px,0px,0px,0px","service_text":"\\n\\n\\n\\n","pagelayer-id":"rdn9067"} /-->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_phone {"icon":"","align":"center","typography":"Muli,14,,500,,,Solid,,,,","linked":"true","pagelayer-id":"9md9619"} /-->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col":"4","animation":"fadeInRight","animation_delay":"600","pagelayer-id":"w2n9445"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_iconbox {"service_icon":"fas fa-envelope","service_alignment":"top","service_vertical_alignment":"middle","service_icon_view":"stacked","service_icon_padding":"20","service_icon_state":"normal","service_icon_color":"#ffffffff","service_icon_font_size":"35","service_icon_hover_delay":"400","service_bor_state":"normal","service_heading":"Email","heading_alignment":"center","service_title_spacing":"10,0,0,0","heading_state":"normal","service_heading_color":"#000000ff","service_heading_typo":"Questrial,25,,600,,,Solid,,,,","heading_delay":"400","service_text_alignment":"center","service_btn_hover_delay":"400","service_icon_background_color":"#ff5f1fff","service_icon_shape_type":"circle","ele_margin_tablet":"20px,0px,0px,0px","service_text":"\\n\\n\\n\\n","service_rotate":"NaN","pagelayer-id":"1404852"} /-->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_email {"icon":"","align":"center","typography":"Muli,14,,,,,Solid,,,,","linked":"true","pagelayer-id":"ebm8177"} /-->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->', 'Contact Us', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'contact-2-2', '', '', '2021-07-21 00:43:29', '2021-07-21 00:43:29', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/contact-2/', 0, 'page', '', 0),
(820, 8, '2021-07-06 00:08:58', '2021-07-05 22:08:58', '<!-- wp:heading {"level":5} -->\n<h5>Poet: <span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Motsoakae Joseph Moloi</span></h5>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Sadness, bereavement or lamentation;<br>The most terrible state of humanity survival,<br>War between soul, mind and heart;<br>Thorn in my skin, tumor in my brain;<br>What should be done?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>All things make no sense,<br>Food, bath, sleep, laughter is monster;<br>Consternation, lost, incompetent is outrageous;<br>Feeling of loneliness could my heart;<br>As lost as I may be, I glided like headless chicken;<br>My sense of reasoning becomes void;<br>Depraved as much as it may be.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I may be not wise, but i see the bigger picture;<br>Losing my wife is as terrible as the flood;<br>I lost the sense of reasoning,<br>As if my mind is buried with her, down deep beneath;<br>My soul breaks in pieces, everything become meaningless;<br>She is truly gone; but why now?<br>Living lie, without you reality is twisted.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The day was Thursday, as my mind serves me well;<br>Doing my duty, my mind and whole of me occupied;<br>Not thinking about the next call,<br>Phone ring: “come quickly, things are bad!!!”<br>Beholding lifeless body, my soul torn apart;<br>My mind was clouded by unknown darkness,<br>She is truly gone; my beloved wife is dead.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>But God why? Why me?<br>At this young age, we just started family;<br>The family I wanted the rest of my life,<br>Why?…….why?…….why?……<br>I just started the family I never had;<br>I grew up without father and mother,<br>It was a good opportunity to have family of my own,<br>But really now? What happened?<br>I will be referred as widower,<br>It never came to my mind,<br>That history will repeat itself.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I now have to live without you,<br>Our children miss you so much daily,<br>I have to answer questions,<br>Will our mother come back again?<br>Will she live again? We miss her;<br>What of mother is she?<br>Dying and leaving her children without mother,<br>Are you going to die too?<br>Are you going to leave us she did?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>More questions without answers,<br>What should I do now?<br>Living clueless daily, as mockery as it may look;<br>I ask God strength every moment,<br>To push and to pull through,<br>I live for now, no plan for future;<br>I saw plans die in front of me.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I now start to realize, that’s true I am alone;<br>I am both mother and father to my kids;<br>Sometimes people think I am crazy,<br>Others are scared for their wives,<br>They told their wife not to talk with me,<br>Either I will still their wives, or they will have bad luck.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>All this, I have accepted, I am an island;<br>My friends are my children; they are everything to me;<br>They are my strength and my motivation;<br>For them I live.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'MOURNING', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'mourning', '', '', '2021-07-31 22:12:18', '2021-07-31 20:12:18', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=820', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(824, 8, '2021-06-23 00:32:14', '2021-06-22 22:32:14', '<!-- wp:heading {"level":5} -->\n<h5>Poem written by <span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">George Tshabalala Lethabo</span></h5>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Can I tell you a secret?<br>Please promise you’ll keep it.<br>I’ve kept it deep within,<br>But now I should preach it.<br>There’s a girl whom I love,<br>An angel from above.<br>Although things may get tough,<br>I’ll never get enough<br>Of her infectious touch,<br>Her dimples when she blushes,<br>Never have I felt such<br>Love and affection so much.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I feel her presence from a distance.<br>She walks in the room<br>And brings tranquillity into existence.<br>She has the ability to make a man’s heart<br>Beat to the tune of her melody.<br>She carries an energy<br>That is reviving and thriving.<br>It’s more like a remedy.<br>Her eyes cut off all ties<br>That chain me to the world’s abominations.<br>Her voice makes my spirit rejoice<br>Because she somehow frees me from my tribulations.<br>She’s capable of things that I fear<br>Only I am able to comprehend.<br>People tell me it hurts to love her<br>But I have a love for hurt<br>So it’s all really a perfect blend.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A heavenly body that slipped out<br>Of the Lord’s pocket of blessings.<br>A soul that this condemned world<br>Will never come to deserve.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Her dimples make the moon feel jealous,<br>‘Cause its craters could never be as perfect as hers.<br>It tries to win me over with its many phases<br>But I couldn’t care less,<br>‘Cause if everyone saw how beautiful her face is,<br>They’d agree it deserves a place among the stars.<br>You’d swear that, for her, God required assistance<br>From all his angels that were skilled in His craft,<br>Because compared to the rest of mankind<br>She is the true perfect creation<br>And we are merely rough drafts.<br>Yes, I said what I said, and that’s what she means to me.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>She means more to me than lustful ecstasy and typical boy fantasies.<br>Things like multiple intimacies built on illegitimacy<br>Or the bachelor’s bliss of freedom and a poolside with Hennessey.<br>To me she is a pulchritudinous celestial being of elegance<br>That compares to no other.<br>In simple terms she is my friend, my soulmate and lover;<br>And by God’s grace my future children’s mother.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This isn’t your typical poem of a poet writing about his muse.<br>It’s an art form, a revelation and the truth.<br>It’s what Van Gogh intended to do when he picked up his paintbrush and painted his blues.<br>It’s a tell-all about a precious soul that’s worth more than the value of gold.<br>It’s for the same reason that Noah had to take every animal in the world in twos.<br>It’s an act of benevolence that I believe mankind is ready to behold.<br>It’s a purpose, it’s salvation, it’s enlightenment, it’s…<br>It’s me,<br>It’s me opening your eyes up to see what I see.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So can I tell you a secret?<br>Please promise you’ll keep it.<br>The girl whom I love is you who is reading,<br>The angel from above is to whom I am speaking.<br>A beautiful child, a flower that’s wild<br>And a flavour that never grows mild.<br>All of these are things I realised from the moment you smiled.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So please fall into my hands, apple of my eye.<br>Let me taste your succulent juices before I die.<br>For a moment with you is what it means to be alive.<br>So gift me a second, two or maybe even five.<br>Just be with me here, apple of my eye.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'APPLE OF MY EYE', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'apple-of-my-eye', '', '', '2021-07-31 22:13:00', '2021-07-31 20:13:00', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=824', 0, 'post', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `wpxx_posts` VALUES
(829, 10, '2020-06-13 11:50:37', '2020-06-13 11:50:37', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Miso Mphasha</span></strong> is a 19-year-old Motswana poetess currently pursuing her studies as a Charted Accountant at Botswana Accountancy College.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In her own words, "Authors tell their stories through writing. In most cases, authors write things that happened to them, but not in all cases. My readers will start to see it on a different view side and understand certain ways about the meaning and purpose of life. And I did not write for my readers to feel for me. I just want them to know that they are not alone.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Miso</span></strong> defines poetry as art where one gets to express whatever they are feeling inside with it. “As such, you can vent on your paper with a pen. This, on its own, implies that you will be communicating to your inner being through writing, and trying to voice what you feel inside.” Hence viewing writing as a kind of spiritual practice.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“My writing kryptonite would be that I cannot write poems in a loud place or under pressure.” She exclaimed. That is, needs time and serenity in order to think straight and be able to express herself and what she feels inside. As she mentions, “there is no how one can become a writer if they do not feel emotions strongly.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>She continues to mention the likes of <strong>Pioneers, Charles Dickson, Shakes spear, </strong>just to mention a few, who were able to bring imaginative characters to life. “Their amazing art put blood and bones in them. They really challenged my intellect to certain level and degree.” She adds. Continuing that the way they portrayed their talent of writing skills really got her riveted to the transcript and gave an urge to keep on turning the page of their books until she reached their peak of the story. Saying, “They put life into their characters.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>According to the poetess’ knowledge, poetry was once considered the purview of academia (and still largely is), a game for academics and their theories. Through the 1960’s and beyond, it reached a more popular audience who not only read it but also wrote it—one thinks of Plath, a Bourgeoisie, and Sexton, a woman who came to poetry through an adult-education center—and poetry became uprooted from its origins in professional artistic discourse.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It found an audience not among the successful people, typical of the postwar booms, but among the excluded, the subaltern, and the (nominally) insane. And it does have a room for a perspective manifesto to form a content. This is because artists are trying to find ways to make the world a better place, hence creating unity.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Therefore, she expressed that she engages in poetry because it is more like therapy, where you get to connect with your inner being, in order to express emotions. “Mostly, motivation books like "Think and Grow Rich", by Napoleon Hill, was where I first learned that language has power.” Says the poetess. With so many questions about life, she explained how the book contributed to a change in her life as her questions were answered.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>During this millennial age, she finds the internet as the best source of research. From spending several days deciding on the book tittle and the pieces of art to include in her book, the internet paved way for her to learn how to use words and express yourself.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Just as important she adds, “Through the internet, I get to learn how different authors use words and I used some of my favorite authors influence, such as Dr Maya Angelou, "Still I Rise" in one of my pieces.” She cries that if a poem does not have good grammar, incorrect punctuations, no theme, is long, boring and complicated, then clearly it is a poorly written poem. Thus not being able to see the emotions in them.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Therefore, most well written poems should be catchy, have a unique title, proper usage of figurative of speech, correct punctuations and grammar. A reader should be able to relate and feel the emotions expressed by the author. Now that is what I call a well-written poem.” She informs.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>My spirit animal is a dove. It has a good character, that is well behaved and intriguing, because most readers read books to seek light, hope, peace and serenity. After being fully satisfied and convinced, they will hyperbolize about the book and its content to the next reader, hence the chain links continue leading to the dove.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Her book titled, "<strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">SHADES OF LOVE</span></strong>" eager to explain it according to what she knows, there are eight types of love, from agape- unconditional love to Mania - Obsessive love. She believes that love is not just a four lettered word rather a very strong word that can build and destroy a person. “I came up with the tittle trying to show the world that love has many colours and it takes the right person to tint those colours. It is an anthology of twenty one pieces.” She adds. The selling price is P150.00 with a p30 discount for her first twenty customers.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>             <em>SHADES OF LOVE SYNOPSIS</em></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Once upon a shooting star, a girl made a wish to fall in love. It directed her to the love of her life. The possibilities of the world felt endless. Little did she know that she is a balloon no one cared for, even her friends sabotaged everything that made her happy. She lost everything; she had gone through a rough patch, and even nearly got disowned by her parents. She started to write her thoughts in poetry and finally she healed. The storm is over now, she managed to breach the husk. She is now healing broken souls with her art. My pieces fit in poetry category.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giving thanks to Maatla Oreng Tsheole who sponsored her to publish the book with Showcasing publishers. “I am grateful because a lot of people contributed a lot to my book. Talk about Mr Morgan, he edited some of my poems, and my two brothers, my mum and <strong>Tshephang</strong> were always there, not forgetting <strong>Kesego</strong>. She also played a good game by motivating me to write.” Gratefully. She adds that she could not do it without God and his community. Heartily she condludes, “A star is born in Selibe Phikwe and I am going to be the best selling.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {"id":831,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} -->\n<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/FB_IMG_1625744058582.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-831"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->', 'MISO ON HER POETRY BREAKTHROUGH EXPERIENCE', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'miso-on-her-poetry-breakthrough-experience', '', '', '2021-07-20 23:11:09', '2021-07-20 23:11:09', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=829', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(833, 2, '2020-07-04 12:03:10', '2020-07-04 12:03:10', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Today’s feature is with none other than a singer and producer <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Mopati Ngidi</span></strong>, a Southern African alternative musician famously known as “<strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">7DaysOfSummer</span></strong>.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Mopati</span></strong> is a 26-year-old born in January, 1995 artist who has lived in the suburbs of Phakalane from the age of 5 along with his family of 5, his parents and two siblings. Just as expected of a suburban lifestyle, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Ngidi</span></strong> had a good childhood as his parent made sure he had everything that he wanted as a child. “I went to private schools and all that.” He said.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Three interesting facts about me would be:<br>-I do not have a lot of female partners.<br>-I do not drink a lot.<br>-I do not listen to Hip Hop, but listen to House music.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I learnt how to make music about 3 years ago and I have been lucky to be around people that know the game in and out.” <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Mopati</span></strong> added. So it was not hard for him to get a hold of things. However, he mentioned that process is quite different from others’, because he does everything himself, including mixing. “I do everything all at the same time. I make the beat as I record my vocals and write them down at the same time.” He stated. Not forgetting to put down a basic mix. This is however an advantage for him as when it is time to do the final part he does not struggle as much. He said it works better for him because he always gets what he wants out of a song.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Although it is extremely difficult in the music industry, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">7DaysOfSummer</span></strong> says it is worth being as independent as he has been. He said, “The experience when you learn something new is different, you have nobody to limit your vision but yourself.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He is with a collective named Foreign Dimension. Furthermore, the young performer identifies his work ethics as to work very hard, and have minimal play. Supporting his previous mention of doing everything that involves music by himself, he exclaimed, “People in this country are selfish, and it hurts to say that until we come together to fight, we will not have a loud enough voice. None the less, there are a lot of talented musicians in this section of the continent. It sometimes amazes me how much I discover everyday... It is just sensational.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If I could tell my younger musician-self anything, then I would tell him to keep on keeping on and not letting your friends listen to bad music. I am one with Foreign Dimension and all that is affiliated with the collective. We all learn from each other because we are all very different in our own ways. We adopt each other’s traits and are not selfish with knowledge. Money is also important everywhere.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The singer pinpoints himself as determined to make a name for himself and bring up Rhythm and Blues in Botswana. With singles like Day 5 of 7 dropped a while back which basically talks about what happens to him on a good Friday night. Official Girl is a song I recorded for my late girlfriend Deliwe, may her soul rest in peace. “I also released a compilation of seven songs. I spread them across 7 Sunday''s, dropping one every week. We called it SAALTE Sunday''s Selection 1 Selection 2, by <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">7DaysOfSummer</span></strong>. Maxx Tokeyo did the first selection.” He added.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So far <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">7DaysOfSummer</span></strong> has received extraordinary responses concerning his work, as he said, “mainly that I am of international standard and destined for greatness."</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'AN EAGER BEAVER IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'an-eager-beaver-in-the-music-industry', '', '', '2021-07-20 23:22:10', '2021-07-20 23:22:10', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=833', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(836, 9, '2021-07-08 14:15:47', '2021-07-08 12:15:47', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Brian Kgosietsile Makoko</strong>, born on 7 January, 1998, in Francistown, is a local rapper well known by his stage name,” <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">YB Picasso”</span></strong> which started in high school mostly from his friends and family. Pronounced “Waibe" <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">(YB)</span></strong>, of which does not stand for anything in particular. Whereas <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Picasso</span></strong> comes from his role model and inspiration, <strong>Pablo Picasso</strong>. “I am more of a person who loves art and creativity, rather than just being a musician.” He says. As he is not only involved in music but also I am also photography part time</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The five interesting facts about me would be:<br>1) I have always been true to myself. I do not hate. However, if I do not like you, I let you know there and then.<br>2) I do not give up; the only aspect which I do not know how to tackle, is not knowing how to do anything. Does it make sense? 😂😂😂<br>3) I will forever support my own people, no matter what. I will always be there to help and improve whoever needs my help. I will always have open arms for everyone.<br>4) Well in my group of friends, I am always the wild one when need be, but at the same time I am the same person who calms down the situation when matters get way heated up 🤣🤣. In Ghetto we go hard. Whatever we do, we do it harddddd 🤣🤣🤣.<br>5) I am so complicated 🤣🤣🤣. I love making music, so obviously that means I am noisy. I am also a lady''s man; I have a lot of female friends who would always want come over for food and games, or just spend time together 😂😂😂. If you are not a fan of that as a roommate, then it is over for you. 😂😂😂</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">YbPicasso</span></strong> developed his interest in local music from 2009 with inspirations by well-known local musicians like <strong>Dramaboi, Vee, Nancy boi, Slizer, Franco, </strong>etc. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Brian</span></strong> pinpointed, “As time went on, I realized that Botswana has a lot of talented musicians and creatives out there, who only lack resources to embrace the hidden gold within them.” Which according to him got him determined to help numerous of them come up, even if it does not benefit him but rather make him proud to be the reason behind someone''s success/someone''s smile. “All I am trying to say is that I AM DETERMINED TO RISE OUR FLAG HIGH.” He adds.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Well I don''t really follow trends 😂😂😂, but the only trend that I loved was the #16BarsChallenge, where I got to see ambitious youth who knew what they were talking about. I also noticed their direction”<br>He prides himself by putting a smile on people that he cares the most about as according to him, “I don''t need money in my life, but I do need happiness.” Among a lot of things, the star’s irrational fear is losing his mum. “That lady is my superwoman; she is my father, my mother, my sister, my motivation and literally my everything.” He mentions.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Which is why he presents his spirit animal a "dog”, because he believes that it can never lose love for its owners and will do anything to protect its family. “The hardest lesson I have ever learnt is to learn to observe your environment before taking actions.” <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">YB</span></strong> adds. That is because you may never know who you inspire, who looks up to you, who loves you and who you hurt before, until it''s too late, as he puts it.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As a new age Hip Hop artist, doing Trap soul, Trap, Boombap and Soul Trap. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">YBPicasso</span></strong> took a leap of faith to join this industry to try and bring in new music and sounds. “As usual, people would often tell me to deliver what people want here and there, but in absolute truth, people want everything. You just have to be good in it.” he stated. However, he has been on a low, fighting depression and anxiety since losing his close friend and artist to death. “At least by the time I come back on the game, I will bring something new, and a lot has changed.” Affirming that new music is on the way as he has been working on an ALBUM called ''<strong>WHY ME</strong>'', which is going to be about his past life and overcoming life’s difficulties.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Honestly speaking, as long as I can remember, I never had anyone who has had my back.” Explaining that he tried to reach out to many artists for a collaboration and ways that he could improve were necessary when all he got was rejection and criticism. He adds, “In that regard, I been own my own and I am proud to say that all the criticism turned me into the stone I am right now.” Swearing that regardless of the negative feedback, he will do anything to protect his own and help others come up with the little knowledge he has.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>His main concern,<br>”Money is obviously important everywhere, in a sense that us as musicians, we need to represent our statuses and cultures, and we need money for that. Money still broke a lot of relationships. When it comes to our music industry, as soon as they get the bag, some of them want to keep it to themselves, even if they had an agreement as a record deal or label. As soon as some of them get that bag, they drop those who have been there for them, because it makes them feel like they are on top of the world. As usual, they feel the need to need have a circle to match their statuses, lol. 🤣</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Release dates of his upcoming projects delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic will be communicated in the near future. “In the next few years, I would be somewhere in terms of my record label, and my fashion line.” On top of that acknowledging his life partner as the best person he has ever came across; very supportive, so open-minded, the most loving, and kind human being ever. “I will definitely flood my home with little YBies.” He jokes.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'YBPICASSO ON THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF RAP', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'ybpicasso-on-the-highs-and-lows-of-rap', '', '', '2022-05-29 22:17:15', '2022-05-29 20:17:15', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=836', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(839, 9, '2020-07-29 19:10:03', '2020-07-29 17:10:03', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Phatsimo Goilwang</strong>, commonly known as <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Alain Bright</span></strong> is dropping a 5 track EP titled "<strong>BRIGHT WORLD</strong>" which features Current, with production from <strong>Vacks99</strong> and <strong>Flex the Ninja</strong>: </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The talented artist explained how he grew up in a family where there was no peace. He stated that his father passed away when he was only 4 years old, and ended up being raised by only his mother. During his childhood, he began to love music, and started singing at primary school, specifically in standard 5. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>According to <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Goilwang</span></strong>, growing up as a fatherless child was the most painful experience in his life. On the other hand, it also became an inspiring experience to him because he never stopped singing. Alain could sing when he was hurt and would feel better after. Therefore, he ended up using his voice as a pill to reduce the pain inside of him. He is still singing today.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>"I made an EP called ''Bright World'', which is based on love, pain and happiness, so as to heal each and every person who uses music as a healing method as well," he said. Release date to be announced SOON❗</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'ALAIN BRIGHT - BRIGHT WORLD', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'alain-bright-bright-world', '', '', '2022-05-29 22:20:40', '2022-05-29 20:20:40', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=839', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(842, 1, '2021-07-09 13:06:18', '2021-07-09 13:06:18', '<!-- wp:heading {"level":5} -->\n<h5>Poem by <span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Olorato Connie Morebodi</span></h5>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I thought, hesitated and went for it<br>I drowned deep for it<br>Made waves in settled lands<br>Love..yes its love<br>They fell in for me</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Made them crazy and noisy<br>Happy and&nbsp; sad at a time<br>Cheerish me and also fight me<br>Yes im love</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Love , love, love<br>I was found in unpredictable areas<br>I can hide , i can be on the surface<br>It depends on how you look out for me</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Sometimes am a suprise....<br>Suprise!!HOW..<br>You wake up and see yourself in love<br>Sometimes i mislead you<br>Yes you!!i am a derailer</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I am love<br>When i die water y drop<br>Drip off ur eyes<br>Why!!You never knew me nor saw me<br>Why cry!!!im always there<br>I never end!!!<br>I have no ending but i fade</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Yes thats me<br>LOVE</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'LOVE', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'love', '', '', '2021-07-19 12:36:54', '2021-07-19 12:36:54', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=842', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(845, 1, '2020-08-11 13:38:53', '2020-08-11 13:38:53', '<!-- wp:heading {"level":4} -->\n<h4>Poem by <span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Olorato Connie Morebodi</span></h4>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We suffered along the long journey<br>The road was grumpy<br>We strived and fought for whats best<br>But the efforts ended effortlessly<br>Pandemic made everyone useless<br>What you invest in fighting was useless</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The way we are travelling in is super dark<br>All the candles go off just when you kick start<br>Developed moonlights like China are crying too<br>So i may say who are we to smile, huh?<br>How are we do continue been normal</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We are helpless, effortless and faint hearted<br>But the only remedy to all this is only ears<br>Unblocking them will make us conquer the unconquered<br>You know winning the very tough battles ?<br>It means you get all victory<br>Victory thats means you oppresed the opponent</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Minds work, hand do and actions show<br>Wise up and shine.<br>Lets defeat this with all we have<br>Brains brainstorm the boosted issues</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The era we are in should boost us<br>We all the way up so be it</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'Dark way', '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'dark-way', '', '', '2021-07-20 22:17:26', '2021-07-20 22:17:26', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=845', 0, 'post', '', 1),
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(923, 1, '2021-07-19 12:20:17', '2021-07-19 12:20:17', '<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","ele_bg_type":"image","ele_bg_img":"37","ele_bg_attachment":"scroll","ele_bg_posx":"center","ele_bg_posy":"center","ele_bg_repeat":"no-repeat","ele_bg_size":"cover","ele_padding":"150px,0px,150px,0px","overlay_type":"color","overlay_transperancy":"0.5","overlay_color":"#000000ff","pagelayer-id":"vxg9836"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","pagelayer-id":"2xb8914"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading 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The magazine covers many topics which include fashion, music, photography, poetry, and theater.\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u0026nbsp;\\u003c/p\\u003e","pagelayer-id":"tsw4980"} --><p><strong>Africa''s Very Own is an Arts and Entertainment magazine which publishes on a monthly basis. 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\\n}","align":"center","ele_padding":"20px,0px,0px,0px","heading_typo_mobile":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","heading_typo_tablet":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","animation":"","animation_delay":"800","animation_speed":"slowest","text":"\\u003ch3\\u003eHISTORY, EXPANSION, \\u0026amp; GROWTH\\u003c/h3\\u003e","pagelayer-id":"aim3552"} --><h3>HISTORY, EXPANSION, &amp; GROWTH</h3><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"hyb6425"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","pagelayer-id":"sw98141"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_text {"ele_padding":"0%,0%,0%,0%","animation":"","animation_delay":"700","animation_speed":"slowest","text":"\\u003cp\\u003e\\u003cb\\u003eBased in Selebi Phikwe, Botswana, Africa''s Very Own Magazine began as a Facebook based online magazine, first published as Phikwe''s Very Own, in 2018, before rebranding to Botswana''s Very Own in 2019 and later revamping to Africa''s Very Own Magazine, in 2020.\\u003c/b\\u003e\\u003c/p\\u003e","pagelayer-id":"kfg734"} --><p><b>Based in Selebi Phikwe, Botswana, Africa''s Very Own Magazine began as a Facebook based online magazine, first published as Phikwe''s Very Own, in 2018, before rebranding to Botswana''s Very Own in 2019 and later revamping to Africa''s Very Own Magazine, in 2020.</b></p><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_text -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"mzx8588"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col_width":"28.95","pagelayer-id":"qpd6819"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"text":"\\u003ch6\\u003e2018\\u003c/h6\\u003e","heading_state":"normal","pagelayer-id":"nlb4856"} --><h6>2018</h6><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col_width":"70.99","pagelayer-id":"1bn8646"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"heading_state":"normal","color":"","heading_typo":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","heading_typo_mobile":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","heading_typo_tablet":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","text":"\\n\\u003ch6\\u003eLaunched Phikwe''s Very Own Magazine\\u003c/h6\\u003e\\n","pagelayer-id":"jeb7704"} -->\n<h6>Launched Phikwe''s Very Own Magazine</h6>\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"7kc9135"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col_width":"28.95","pagelayer-id":"xww789"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"text":"\\u003ch6\\u003e2019\\u003c/h6\\u003e","heading_state":"normal","pagelayer-id":"2mq7153"} --><h6>2019</h6><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col_width":"70.99","pagelayer-id":"xjx7911"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"heading_state":"normal","color":"","heading_typo":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","heading_typo_mobile":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","heading_typo_tablet":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","text":"\\n\\u003ch6\\u003eRebranded to Botswana''s Very Own Magazine\\u0026nbsp;\\u003c/h6\\u003e\\n","pagelayer-id":"8m39610"} -->\n<h6>Rebranded to Botswana''s Very Own Magazine&nbsp;</h6>\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"go15670"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col_width":"28.95","pagelayer-id":"ml06310"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"text":"\\u003ch6\\u003e2020\\u003c/h6\\u003e","heading_state":"normal","pagelayer-id":"vps7365"} --><h6>2020</h6><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col_width":"70.99","pagelayer-id":"61t2104"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"heading_state":"normal","color":"","heading_typo":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","heading_typo_mobile":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","heading_typo_tablet":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","text":"\\u003ch6\\u003eRebranded Africa''s Very Own Magazine\\u003c/h6\\u003e","pagelayer-id":"htf9246"} --><h6>Rebranded Africa''s Very Own Magazine</h6><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"y9y2408"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","pagelayer-id":"j6n4980"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"text":"\\u003ch3\\u003eOUR VISION\\u003c/h3\\u003e","heading_state":"normal","align":"center","pagelayer-id":"jhh8437"} --><h3>OUR VISION</h3><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"1vj9564"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","pagelayer-id":"pkg633"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_text {"text":"\\u003cp\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eOur vision is to be one of the most popular magazines in Africa.\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003c/p\\u003e","pagelayer-id":"uee9131"} --><p><strong>Our vision is to be one of the most popular magazines in Africa.</strong></p><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_text -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"6fn744"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","pagelayer-id":"oww8271"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"text":"\\u003ch3\\u003eContact Info\\u003c/h3\\u003e","heading_state":"normal","align":"center","pagelayer-id":"y745003"} --><h3>Contact Info</h3><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"iu12933"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","pagelayer-id":"can1076"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_phone {"icon":"fas fa-phone-alt","linked":"true","align":"flex-start","pagelayer-id":"gw29550"} /-->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"9um7377"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col 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The magazine covers many topics which include fashion, music, photography, poetry, and theater.\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u0026nbsp;\\u003c/p\\u003e","pagelayer-id":"tsw4980"} --><p><strong>Africa''s Very Own is an Arts and Entertainment magazine which publishes on a monthly basis. The magazine covers many topics which include fashion, music, photography, poetry, and theater.</strong>&nbsp;</p><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_text -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"6zi5578"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","pagelayer-id":"60m6972"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"heading_state":"normal","color":"","heading_typo":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","ele_css":"{{element}} .pagelayer-heading-holder span{\\nfont-size: 40px !important; \\n}","align":"center","ele_padding":"20px,0px,0px,0px","heading_typo_mobile":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","heading_typo_tablet":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","animation":"","animation_delay":"800","animation_speed":"slowest","text":"\\u003ch3\\u003eHISTORY, EXPANSION, \\u0026amp; GROWTH\\u003c/h3\\u003e","pagelayer-id":"aim3552"} --><h3>HISTORY, EXPANSION, &amp; GROWTH</h3><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"hyb6425"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","pagelayer-id":"sw98141"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_text {"ele_padding":"0%,0%,0%,0%","animation":"","animation_delay":"700","animation_speed":"slowest","text":"\\u003cp\\u003e\\u003cb\\u003eBased in Selebi Phikwe, Botswana, Africa''s Very Own Magazine began as a Facebook based online magazine, first published as Phikwe''s Very Own, in 2018, before rebranding to Botswana''s Very Own in 2019 and later revamping to Africa''s Very Own Magazine, in 2020.\\u003c/b\\u003e\\u003c/p\\u003e","pagelayer-id":"kfg734"} --><p><b>Based in Selebi Phikwe, Botswana, Africa''s Very Own Magazine began as a Facebook based online magazine, first published as Phikwe''s Very Own, in 2018, before rebranding to Botswana''s Very Own in 2019 and later revamping to Africa''s Very Own Magazine, in 2020.</b></p><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_text -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"mzx8588"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col_width":"28.95","pagelayer-id":"qpd6819"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"text":"\\u003ch6\\u003e2018\\u003c/h6\\u003e","heading_state":"normal","pagelayer-id":"nlb4856"} --><h6>2018</h6><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col_width":"70.99","pagelayer-id":"1bn8646"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"heading_state":"normal","color":"","heading_typo":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","heading_typo_mobile":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","heading_typo_tablet":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","text":"\\n\\u003ch6\\u003eLaunched Phikwe''s Very Own Magazine\\u003c/h6\\u003e\\n","pagelayer-id":"jeb7704"} -->\n<h6>Launched Phikwe''s Very Own Magazine</h6>\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"7kc9135"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col_width":"28.95","pagelayer-id":"xww789"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"text":"\\u003ch6\\u003e2019\\u003c/h6\\u003e","heading_state":"normal","pagelayer-id":"2mq7153"} --><h6>2019</h6><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col_width":"70.99","pagelayer-id":"xjx7911"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"heading_state":"normal","color":"","heading_typo":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","heading_typo_mobile":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","heading_typo_tablet":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","text":"\\n\\u003ch6\\u003eRebranded to Botswana''s Very Own Magazine\\u0026nbsp;\\u003c/h6\\u003e\\n","pagelayer-id":"8m39610"} -->\n<h6>Rebranded to Botswana''s Very Own Magazine&nbsp;</h6>\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"go15670"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col_width":"28.95","pagelayer-id":"ml06310"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"text":"\\u003ch6\\u003e2020\\u003c/h6\\u003e","heading_state":"normal","pagelayer-id":"vps7365"} --><h6>2020</h6><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col_width":"70.99","pagelayer-id":"61t2104"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"heading_state":"normal","color":"","heading_typo":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","heading_typo_mobile":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","heading_typo_tablet":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","text":"\\u003ch6\\u003eRebranded Africa''s Very Own Magazine\\u003c/h6\\u003e","pagelayer-id":"htf9246"} --><h6>Rebranded Africa''s Very Own Magazine</h6><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"y9y2408"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","pagelayer-id":"j6n4980"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"text":"\\u003ch3\\u003eOUR VISION\\u003c/h3\\u003e","heading_state":"normal","align":"center","pagelayer-id":"jhh8437"} --><h3>OUR VISION</h3><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row 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The magazine covers many topics which include fashion, music, photography, poetry, and theater.</strong>&nbsp;</p><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_text -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"6zi5578"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","pagelayer-id":"60m6972"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"heading_state":"normal","color":"","heading_typo":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","ele_css":"{{element}} .pagelayer-heading-holder span{\\nfont-size: 40px !important; \\n}","align":"center","ele_padding":"20px,0px,0px,0px","heading_typo_mobile":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","heading_typo_tablet":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","animation":"","animation_delay":"800","animation_speed":"slowest","text":"\\u003ch3\\u003eHISTORY, EXPANSION, \\u0026amp; GROWTH\\u003c/h3\\u003e","pagelayer-id":"aim3552"} --><h3>HISTORY, EXPANSION, &amp; GROWTH</h3><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"hyb6425"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","pagelayer-id":"sw98141"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_text {"ele_padding":"0%,0%,0%,0%","animation":"","animation_delay":"700","animation_speed":"slowest","text":"\\u003cp\\u003e\\u003cb\\u003eBased in Selebi Phikwe, Botswana, Africa''s Very Own Magazine began as a Facebook based online magazine, first published as Phikwe''s Very Own, in 2018, before rebranding to Botswana''s Very Own in 2019 and later revamping to Africa''s Very Own Magazine, in 2020.\\u003c/b\\u003e\\u003c/p\\u003e","pagelayer-id":"kfg734"} --><p><b>Based in Selebi Phikwe, Botswana, Africa''s Very Own Magazine began as a Facebook based online magazine, first published as Phikwe''s Very Own, in 2018, before rebranding to Botswana''s Very Own in 2019 and later revamping to Africa''s Very Own Magazine, in 2020.</b></p><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_text -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"mzx8588"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col_width":"28.95","pagelayer-id":"qpd6819"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"text":"\\u003ch6\\u003e2018\\u003c/h6\\u003e","heading_state":"normal","pagelayer-id":"nlb4856"} --><h6>2018</h6><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col_width":"70.99","pagelayer-id":"1bn8646"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"heading_state":"normal","color":"","heading_typo":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","heading_typo_mobile":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","heading_typo_tablet":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","text":"\\n\\u003ch6\\u003eLaunched Phikwe''s Very Own Magazine\\u003c/h6\\u003e\\n","pagelayer-id":"jeb7704"} -->\n<h6>Launched Phikwe''s Very Own Magazine</h6>\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"7kc9135"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col_width":"28.95","pagelayer-id":"xww789"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"text":"\\u003ch6\\u003e2019\\u003c/h6\\u003e","heading_state":"normal","pagelayer-id":"2mq7153"} --><h6>2019</h6><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col_width":"70.99","pagelayer-id":"xjx7911"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"heading_state":"normal","color":"","heading_typo":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","heading_typo_mobile":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","heading_typo_tablet":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","text":"\\n\\u003ch6\\u003eRebranded to Botswana''s Very Own Magazine\\u0026nbsp;\\u003c/h6\\u003e\\n","pagelayer-id":"8m39610"} -->\n<h6>Rebranded to Botswana''s Very Own Magazine&nbsp;</h6>\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"go15670"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col_width":"28.95","pagelayer-id":"ml06310"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"text":"\\u003ch6\\u003e2020\\u003c/h6\\u003e","heading_state":"normal","pagelayer-id":"vps7365"} --><h6>2020</h6><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","col_width":"70.99","pagelayer-id":"61t2104"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"heading_state":"normal","color":"","heading_typo":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","heading_typo_mobile":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","heading_typo_tablet":",,,,,,Solid,,,,","text":"\\u003ch6\\u003eRebranded Africa''s Very Own Magazine\\u003c/h6\\u003e","pagelayer-id":"htf9246"} --><h6>Rebranded Africa''s Very Own Magazine</h6><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row {"stretch":"auto","col_gap":"10","width_content":"auto","row_height":"default","overlay_hover_delay":"400","row_shape_top_color":"#227bc3","row_shape_top_width":"100","row_shape_top_height":"100","row_shape_bottom_color":"#e44993","row_shape_bottom_width":"100","row_shape_bottom_height":"100","pagelayer-id":"y9y2408"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_col {"widget_space":"15","overlay_hover_delay":"400","pagelayer-id":"j6n4980"} -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_heading {"text":"\\u003ch3\\u003eOUR VISION\\u003c/h3\\u003e","heading_state":"normal","align":"center","pagelayer-id":"jhh8437"} --><h3>OUR VISION</h3><!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_heading -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_col -->\n<!-- /wp:pagelayer/pl_row -->\n<!-- wp:pagelayer/pl_row 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(932, 1, '2021-07-19 12:35:34', '2021-07-19 12:35:34', '<!-- wp:heading {"level":5} -->\n<h5>Poem by <span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Olorato Connie Morebodi</span></h5>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I thought, hesitated and went for it<br>I drowned deep for it<br>Made waves in settled lands<br>Love..yes its love<br>They fell in for me</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Made them crazy and noisy<br>Happy and&nbsp; sad at a time<br>Cheerish me and also fight me<br>Yes im love</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Love , love, love<br>I was found in unpredictable areas<br>I can hide , i can be on the surface<br>It depends on how you look out for me</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Sometimes am a suprise....<br>Suprise!!HOW..<br>You wake up and see yourself in love<br>Sometimes i mislead you<br>Yes you!!i am a derailer</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I am love<br>When i die water y drop<br>Drip off ur eyes<br>Why!!You never knew me nor saw me<br>Why cry!!!im always there<br>I never end!!!<br>I have no ending but i fade</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Yes thats me<br>LOVE</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'LOVE', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '842-autosave-v1', '', '', '2021-07-19 12:35:34', '2021-07-19 12:35:34', '', 842, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=932', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(933, 1, '2021-07-19 12:36:32', '2021-07-19 12:36:32', '', '20210709_145714_0000', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'closed', '', '20210709_145714_0000', '', '', '2021-07-19 12:36:32', '2021-07-19 12:36:32', '', 842, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/20210709_145714_0000.png', 0, 'attachment', 'image/png', 0),
(934, 1, '2021-07-19 12:36:54', '2021-07-19 12:36:54', '<!-- wp:heading {"level":5} -->\n<h5>Poem by <span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Olorato Connie Morebodi</span></h5>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I thought, hesitated and went for it<br>I drowned deep for it<br>Made waves in settled lands<br>Love..yes its love<br>They fell in for me</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Made them crazy and noisy<br>Happy and&nbsp; sad at a time<br>Cheerish me and also fight me<br>Yes im love</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Love , love, love<br>I was found in unpredictable areas<br>I can hide , i can be on the surface<br>It depends on how you look out for me</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Sometimes am a suprise....<br>Suprise!!HOW..<br>You wake up and see yourself in love<br>Sometimes i mislead you<br>Yes you!!i am a derailer</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I am love<br>When i die water y drop<br>Drip off ur eyes<br>Why!!You never knew me nor saw me<br>Why cry!!!im always there<br>I never end!!!<br>I have no ending but i fade</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Yes thats me<br>LOVE</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'LOVE', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '842-revision-v1', '', '', '2021-07-19 12:36:54', '2021-07-19 12:36:54', '', 842, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=934', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
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(937, 1, '2021-07-19 12:39:40', '2021-07-19 12:39:40', '<!-- wp:heading {"level":5} -->\n<h5>Poet: <span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Motsoakae Joseph Moloi</span></h5>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Sadness, bereavement or lamentation;<br>The most terrible state of humanity survival,<br>War between soul, mind and heart;<br>Thorn in my skin, tumor in my brain;<br>What should be done?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>All things make no sense,<br>Food, bath, sleep, laughter is monster;<br>Consternation, lost, incompetent is outrageous;<br>Feeling of loneliness could my heart;<br>As lost as I may be, I glided like headless chicken;<br>My sense of reasoning becomes void;<br>Depraved as much as it may be.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I may be not wise, but i see the bigger picture;<br>Losing my wife is as terrible as the flood;<br>I lost the sense of reasoning,<br>As if my mind is buried with her, down deep beneath;<br>My soul breaks in pieces, everything become meaningless;<br>She is truly gone; but why now?<br>Living lie, without you reality is twisted.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The day was Thursday, as my mind serves me well;<br>Doing my duty, my mind and whole of me occupied;<br>Not thinking about the next call,<br>Phone ring: “come quickly, things are bad!!!”<br>Beholding lifeless body, my soul torn apart;<br>My mind was clouded by unknown darkness,<br>She is truly gone; my beloved wife is dead.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>But God why? Why me?<br>At this young age, we just started family;<br>The family I wanted the rest of my life,<br>Why?…….why?…….why?……<br>I just started the family I never had;<br>I grew up without father and mother,<br>It was a good opportunity to have family of my own,<br>But really now? What happened?<br>I will be referred as widower,<br>It never came to my mind,<br>That history will repeat itself.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I now have to live without you,<br>Our children miss you so much daily,<br>I have to answer questions,<br>Will our mother come back again?<br>Will she live again? We miss her;<br>What of mother is she?<br>Dying and leaving her children without mother,<br>Are you going to die too?<br>Are you going to leave us she did?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>More questions without answers,<br>What should I do now?<br>Living clueless daily, as mockery as it may look;<br>I ask God strength every moment,<br>To push and to pull through,<br>I live for now, no plan for future;<br>I saw plans die in front of me.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I now start to realize, that’s true I am alone;<br>I am both mother and father to my kids;<br>Sometimes people think I am crazy,<br>Others are scared for their wives,<br>They told their wife not to talk with me,<br>Either I will still their wives, or they will have bad luck.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>All this, I have accepted, I am an island;<br>My friends are my children; they are everything to me;<br>They are my strength and my motivation;<br>For them I live.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'MOURNING', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '820-revision-v1', '', '', '2021-07-19 12:39:40', '2021-07-19 12:39:40', '', 820, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=937', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(941, 1, '2021-07-19 12:50:52', '2021-07-19 12:50:52', '<label> Your name\r\n    [text* your-name] </label>\r\n\r\n<label> Your email\r\n    [email* your-email] </label>\r\n\r\n<label> Subject\r\n    [text* your-subject] </label>\r\n\r\n<label> Your message (optional)\r\n    [textarea your-message] </label>\r\n\r\n[submit "Submit"]\n1\n[_site_title] "[your-subject]"\n[_site_title] <info@avo.co.bw>\n[_site_admin_email]\nFrom: [your-name] <[your-email]>\r\nSubject: [your-subject]\r\n\r\nMessage Body:\r\n[your-message]\r\n\r\n-- \r\nThis e-mail was sent from a contact form on [_site_title] ([_site_url])\nReply-To: [your-email]\n\n\n\n\n[_site_title] "[your-subject]"\n[_site_title] <admin@africasveryownmagazine.co.bw>\n[your-email]\nMessage Body:\r\n[your-message]\r\n\r\n-- \r\nThis e-mail was sent from a contact form on [_site_title] ([_site_url])\nReply-To: [_site_admin_email]\n\n\n\nThank you for your message. It has been sent.\nThere was an error trying to send your message. Please try again later.\nOne or more fields have an error. Please check and try again.\nThere was an error trying to send your message. Please try again later.\nYou must accept the terms and conditions before sending your message.\nThe field is required.\nThe field is too long.\nThe field is too short.\nThere was an unknown error uploading the file.\nYou are not allowed to upload files of this type.\nThe file is too big.\nThere was an error uploading the file.\nPlease enter a date in YYYY-MM-DD format.\nThis field has a too early date.\nThis field has a too late date.\nPlease enter a number.\nThis field has a too small number.\nThis field has a too large number.\nThe answer to the quiz is incorrect.\nPlease enter an email address.\nPlease enter a URL.\nPlease enter a telephone number.', 'Contact form 1', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'contact-form-1', '', '', '2022-09-12 18:54:27', '2022-09-12 16:54:27', '', 0, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?post_type=wpcf7_contact_form&#038;p=941', 0, 'wpcf7_contact_form', '', 0),
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(948, 1, '2021-07-19 13:41:19', '2021-07-19 13:41:19', '', 'IMG-20210623-WA0004', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'closed', '', 'img-20210623-wa0004', '', '', '2021-07-19 13:41:19', '2021-07-19 13:41:19', '', 531, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IMG-20210623-WA0004.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(950, 1, '2021-07-19 13:44:55', '2021-07-19 13:44:55', '<!-- wp:pullquote -->\n<figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p><strong><em>BESIDES BEING GIFTED, LONELINESS INSPIRED ME TO WRITE</em></strong> </p></blockquote></figure>\n<!-- /wp:pullquote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We are fortunate enough to be writing about <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Mzansi Author and Media Award </span></strong>nominated best Author. Meet one of our Africa very own Author, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Kwanele Marcia Ndlovu</span></strong>. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Kwanele</span></strong> She is a 20 years old young writer born in KZN, New Castle. Beside being an author, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Ndlovu</span></strong> is a  second year student at the University of Freestate (Bloemfontein Campus) persuing a career in Bachelor of Education. She is a good hearted individual who is always inclined to help and understand others. Kwanele is a multitalented soul, she is a writer, poet, actress and a storyteller. "I am a very sensitive and a weird person ," she explained.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>She unwrapped her story and explained her journey into poetry and writing. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Kwanele</span></strong> discovers writing as her coping mechanism. "I don''t know how to Express myself out loud, I just cry and write everything down," she revealed.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Ndlovu</span></strong> said that she fell in love with poetry a while after discovering her love for writing. "I know how good I am in formulating scenarios that don''t really exist and makes them looks real," kwanele explained. "Loneliness inspired me to keep writing in a different way. I always manage to understand others through writing." She further illustrated that, writing heals her heart in any ways, and writing makes her feel alive. "For me it will forever be the only powerful form of communication. I find solance in writing." </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Just like any other individuals who encounter challenges in their success journey, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Kwanele</span></strong> also had so far encountered challenges. " Failing to raise enought money in time for publication and books distrubitation was one of my greatest challenges," she said. Her second published book titled "<strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Bruices of love</span></strong>" had scored her a nomination  to compete for MAMA Award. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Ndlovu</span></strong> is asking for support and votes to win the Award. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"popmake-510"} -->\n<p class="popmake-510">The voting lines are still open until 31st July 2021. "To vote for me  simple SMS the word MAMA 885 to 40439 and sms cost only R2," she explained. "You have more than one chances to vote," she said. However, for book orders, she is available on most social platforms and can be reached on +27786936363 for calls and WhatsApp. IG: Kwanehndlovu12 and Facebook: Kwaneh Ndlov. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'MAMAs NOMINATED: BEST AUTHOR', 'Kwanele She is a 20 years old young writer born in KZN, New Castle. Beside being an author, Ndlovu is a  second year student at the University of Freestate (Bloemfontein Campus) persuing a career in Bachelor of Education. ', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '531-revision-v1', '', '', '2021-07-19 13:44:55', '2021-07-19 13:44:55', '', 531, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=950', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
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(953, 1, '2021-07-19 13:59:53', '2021-07-19 13:59:53', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Kefentse Keboitse</span></strong>, a 29 year old Serowe native, is a full time artistic coloured pencil drawer. He is a youthful man who finds art as a part of his journey and uses it to serve others and himself. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Going back all the way to his junior secondary school days, his journey with the fine arts has been, to him, something beyond interesting and introspective. In his journey into the art of drawing, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Kefentse</span></strong> has since realised that it is his divine gift and it is a part of his life he Chose to make it his main source of income. The phrase “making your passion your profession” is to Kefentse, a motto for living.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Coloured pencils are his medium of choice, earning him a nickname “Jakamotako” which simply takes after his reputation of providing for himself through his art of coloured pencil drawings. Providing for himself through his art is simple for the Serowe native who offers commissioned artworks for a price. Most of his income has been through the works that people have commissioned him to produce.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Since the year 2016, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Kefentse</span></strong> has been involved in a number of local competitions among which were the Presidential Arts Competitions. It was in the 2017 regional competition where his exhibited artwork scooped second place. The following year he scooped another regional second place position with his art. He continued with the competitions and commission works up untill today where most of his commission work is the primary source of income.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Portrait commissions are the most requested of his commission works and he believes that they are well received by people. Despite the fact that he has other types and kinds of drawings that are not necessarily portraits, he without a doubt does more portraits than all the others because of that reason. <strong>Keboitse</strong> has a dream of exhibiting his artworks before a great audience especially where his inspirational artist Wilson Ngoni would be showcasing. Participating in an event of such a calibre would in many ways be a highlight and high accomplishment of his career as a coloured pencil drawer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Having a lot of time gives him enough to practice and become a better artist. “My recent artworks outclass the ones I did a few years ago and those ones outclass the others I did years before.” Kefentse said as he remarked on what he does to keep himself inspired to continue with the fine art of coloured pencil drawing. He does not make any long term plans concerning his artworks and his future as an artist because a few years ago he did not see himself as accomplished as he is today. “I do not want to miss out on opportunities by tying myself to plans. So I choose to be free and flow with things as they come and see what I become in the process.” He said when asked about future plans.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>With a recent feature in the Mmegi newspaper, <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Kefentse</span></strong> has in so many ways found himself favoured and blessed especially when he considers how he did not foresee himself being in the position he is when he decided to take drawing as a full time career. He exhibits his artworks on his Facebook page “Decade Artworks” where he also shares his charges and methods of payment for commissions of his work. <strong><span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Kefentse Keboitse</span></strong> is one of Botswana''s great artists whose art has a place in many of the homes of Botswana.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'JAKAMOTAKO ART’S LIFE', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '410-revision-v1', '', '', '2021-07-19 13:59:53', '2021-07-19 13:59:53', '', 410, 'https://www.avo.co.bw/?p=953', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
