Volume 65 December 2026-January 2026 : Art & Culture

 

When a local musician, Master Dee, toyed with the idea of a music television show that would unearth talent from young Batswana, many people dismissed him as a pipe dreamer whose idea would possibly not work.

Unperturbed by the ‘doubting Thomases’ off-putting comments, Master Dee went ahead with his idea, hence My Star, Botswana’s hit music talent search television show was born.

Today, My Star has not only become a music competition series for young people, but has also become a family affair that appeals to a spectrum of society.  Come Friday evenings families throng the venues where the episodes are recorded. It does not end there though, as the same people are always ready for the one-hour show that follows on Botswana Television (Btv) every Sunday evening.

Whereas the current show, which is the sixth, promises to be very attractive, the 2011 edition was ostensibly the most watched tv programme that seemed to appealed to all ages. However, with the previous seasons, only women and girls seemed to be the most devoted to the show, a trend that has now apparently changed.

Batswana, it has become apparent, love My Star particularly for its dramatic nature which is evident from the beginning of auditions to the end.  The saying that ‘If you are not criticised you may not be doing much’ defines My Star competition.

While the show has become a household name, it has its fair share of weaknesses such as its failure to empower the winners to international standards, and its judges usually being criticised for favouritism.

From the early days, Master Dee’s determination and dedication saw youngsters such as Tshepo Dikomang and Kabo Matlho crowned in succession before being flown to the UK to record their debut albums. The following year when many thought it was over, the musician put up another impressive show in which Tebogo Tlhagadikgora was ultimately crowned and also flown to the UK to record his new album.

On its third year running the show reached what seemed like a climax when President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama made a surprise appearance at the event that Kitso Selato ultimately won. The 2010 show, in which Kgalalelo Abotseng emerged the winner, saw a growth in the number of sponsors and an increment of prizes in the competition.

 

Presently Kitso, his successor Naledi Thabakgolo, and Tebogo are pursuing a Diploma in Arts at the City Varsity in South Africa. Abotseng is also enjoying a scholarship courtesy of Collegium Publishers. The show has since become a hit in neighbouring countries such as Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

 

 

Through her breath taking album dubbed Listen, the 2011 winner, Bianca Gabasiane, convinced the ‘doubting Thomases’ that the show has a knack to produce stars. Bianca’s debut album was brewed in the UK, where she was sponsored specifically for that purpose. With the show now attracting new sponsors such as Botswana Development Corporation, there is no doubt that My Star is succeeding; thereby making those who did not give the project a second thought eat a humble pie.

 

 

The show does not only offer a platform to contestants but spectators who usually watch the show for performances, also view themselves on the television, which has proved to be an easy way of being featured. 

 

During last year’s final, which took place on July 8, Kutlwano magazine caught up with a jubilant Wame Gaobakwe, one of the faces that have become familiar through the show.   Gaobakwe, a loyal fan of My Star, became a familiar face with the show as she has always ensured that she put on her best attire, something that has always attracted the show’s camera lenses. 

“I really like My Star; it is the only show that empowers young people. It gives young people a second chance in life,” she said excitedly.

“I won’t miss it for anything,” she said, adding that even the runners-up would go far in life because “they are great too.” According to her, Bianca is a star in the making destined for bigger things. For others it is a platform for social interaction. “I and my friends attend the show to unwind and rid ourselves of stress. It is quiet funny and relieving for us,” says one going by the name of Teez.

Teez says some contestants such as Motswafere, are truly entertaining characters, adding that some of the things that he likes most are the judges’ razor-sharp comments. “I sometimes find them a bit too comical,” he says.

One hopeful parent, who preferred to be called mmaDodo, says this year she sees a lot of talent and new faces, unlike in last year’s edition. She says last year the show attracted contestants who were coming to try their luck for a second time.

Her favourites are Motswafere, Amantle and Boikhutso, she says, and adds that this time parents are supportive.  She also observed that the presence of the Minister of Transport and Communications, Nonofo Molefhi, and his family to support their son impressed her.

“There are few recreation centres around so the show engages families,” said mmaDodo.The show may not be the popular American music talent show, Idol, but surely where there is a will there is a way, and so goes the saying. Certainly, with time, My Star will reach the desired levels.

 

 

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