Volume 52 Issues 11&12 (November-December 2014) : Entertainment
Zola's rising star
Author : Lucretia Chima
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As befits a prince, he mixes and dines with heads of state yet he still plays at the park like any other nine-year old. Tshiamo aka Young Bera`s rise to stardom is faster than the speed of light. Although the youngster, a member of Mafitlhakgosi Traditional ensemble, first attracted public attention during US First Lady Michelle Obama`s visit to Botswana in 2011, his performances during the Gaborone International Music and Culture week catapulted him to national icon.
The youngster has stolen many music enthusiasts` heart with his ear piercing voice. He screams on stage, he can dance, rap, impersonate local celebrities, enjoying the spotlight. Once he starts his acts, he captures the audience under his spell. Does Tshiamo`s success match his age? Kutlwano`s Lucretia Chima spent some time with the prolific entertainer to find out how he manages to always leave his fans calling for encore. He is the first born and only boy in a family of three.
How did the name Young Bera come about?
I am what I am because of my mother`s brother, uncle Joseph, the founder of Mafitlhakgosi traditional group. Before he even formed the group, he used to teach me how to sing and dance and he would marvel at what I do and he named me Young Bera. I don`t even know why bera of all the animals, but maybe he found me adorable as I was still a toddler (says with a mischievous smile).When he formed the group he roped me in.
What do you likes about yourself? Personally I am a quiet and shy person. But when I hit the stage I become a different person. I become so confident and articulate something that is helping me with my esteem. My stage personality surprises me, something that my parents too have noticed. Being in the group has made me popular, people like me, it amazes me how I am able to fascinate my audience. Through it I have been to Lesotho and I know that more opportunities beckon. The other thing I appreciate about my talent is when I get my pay. Through the payments my parents who were unemployed managed to open a tuckshop. I feel so proud when my parents thank me for making a difference in their lives. Mama also takes me shopping with the money I make.
In your acts you impersonate musicians amongst others, how do they react towards you? They love me. I have met Vee, A.T.I, K-Bos, Zeus and they encourage me as I promote them. I have even performed with Vee. They are my brothers and I aspire to be like them.
Do you get coaching on the things you say on stage? Yeah well, on some but most of the things I do it myself. When I witness an incident I think about what to derive from it and use it to lighten the mood. It`s just a craft I am blessed with and my desire is to nurture it and become a famous entertainer.
So how do you juggle between being an entertainer and a pupil? That`s not a problem, school time is school time, the rest later. I was position two in my class and my wish is to top the class. Performances are usually after school and weekends. So my school work does not suffer at all and my parents too emphasize the importance of education. They want me to be better than them.
What are the highlights of your career as an entertainer? Mmmh! Meeting prominent people such as rulers and Presidents. So far I have shaken hands with President Lt General Seretse Khama Ian Khama, US First Lady Mma Obama, President of South Africa Jacob Zuma, Malawi former President Banda. O mongwe ke mang ne Tshiamo? (asking his namesake in case he had forgotten any). This is something that most of my age mates and seniors are yearning for. I was so happy when I danced with President Khama during one of the rallies and he encouraged me to study hard and excel in my studies. A re fa ke ka ithuta thata ke tlaa felela ke tshwana le ene, ke nna moeteledipele wa Botswana. For him the sky is the limit!
What is your dream career? I want to become a soldier because BDF has traditional groups which will enable me to continue doing what I enjoy. Again I like peace and being a soldier I will be able to maintain such in my country.
A word of advice to your peers? Education and culture are important in life. With education you can get the job you desire and culture also can create employment, for instance Mafitlhakgosi has 37 members who survive from what the group earns. Some of the members are out of school and unemployed but with what they get from the group they make ends meet. Culture is important and has to be preserved. ENDS
NAME: Tshiamo Ikopeng
STAGE NAME: Young Bera
D. O.B: 5 January 2005
LIVES: Old Naledi aka Zola
PARENTS: Wabobedi Mmusinyana and Kelebeletse Ikopeng
OCCUPATION: Standard 4 @ Tshwaragano Primary School
HOME VILLAGE: Mokungwana, Tswapong