When we wake up in the morning
we have two simple choices.
Go back to sleep and dream
or wake up and chase those dreams.
THE CHOICE IS YOURS …
MY AFRICAN DREAM 2008
was PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY
MASCOM , BTV AND RIVERWALK
and the event management skills of Ros, Mandi and Rusette.
A project of this magnitude is truly a "team" effort and thus can only take place with the generous support, sponsorship and contributions from various other sources :
My African Dream acknowledges and thanks:
THE DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH AND CULTURE
SHOWGROUP for sponsorship of technical equipment and event décor for all the Final shows.
GABZLINK who have generously sponsored the transport for the road show.
CRESTA for discounted accommodation and audition venues.
In addition, we recognise the support and contribution by
AIR BOTSWANA - transport of MAD team
CORETALK - Voting Line
Aims and Objectives
The aim of this non profit generating event has always been to target and offer young Batswana interested in the performing arts, a viable outlet where they both exhibit and express their talent. It is inspirational when a dream or vision becomes a reality, and when one realises that anything and all is possible. It brings with it change – change in choices, change in options, and potentially a change in many people's behaviour. These changes need to be embraced and directed into positive actions.
This project, launched over 13 years ago, aims to discover, nurture and develop the incredible talent found among our youth, and with the generous support of sponsors provide them with an event that will afford them the opportunity to showcase this talent. By starting at grassroots level, this event aims to encourage young performers to work hard, strive for international success, and ultimately fame.
This project provides the youth with this opportunity, a worthwhile activity that is both wholesome and fun. When one assesses the news of late and the problems being experienced with alcohol, substance abuse and general hooliganism it becomes imperative that ownership be taken, to continue supervised, socially responsible events that encourage the youth to work hard and participate in productive , creative and pro active projects such as this.
My African Dream Aim
2008 OBJECTIVE
1. To develop the National search by increasing the number of locations visited and thus the number of entries. This will afford more children the opportunity to enter and participate in this event
2. To develop and grow the Visual Arts section of the search by "re-launching the painting and sculpture competition".
3. To ensure increased exposure and opportunities to the "finalist" through exposure in additional productions, competitions (e.g Idols) and local theatre. To invite and promote the artists among local and international agents.
Track Record
"My African Dream" has over the last 12 years shaped and affected the lives of many young Batswana, who annually support this event.
From its humble beginnings in 1996, "The My African Dream" annual Talent Search has grown into an event that currently auditions well over 4000 young Batswana annually.
With the support of over 30 schools in Gaborone , many of whom run internal talent competitions, the youth are encouraged to enter and master various disciplines of the performing arts.
1996 Talent show launches with 30 entrants at The Grand Palm.
1997 Event launched and hosted by KTV
1998 Event continues to grow and age categories are implemented.
1999 Event hosted outdoors with special guest appearance by Brenda Fassi.
2000 Jungle Theme - Talent Search has grown and the decision is taken to host events Maitisong. At this point there was one annual show.
2001 Country and Western Theme.
2002 Beach Theme- BTV become the official broadcaster and presenter of the shows.
2003 Mining the Talent , Discover the Gem – Mascom and RiverWalk become the official sponsors. – Entries are so numerous that the decision is taken to host 3 separate age category shows.
2004 Event themed "My African Dream". Finalists rewarded with a GICC event and perform live with Vicky Sampson.
2005 Ten Year Reunion show. His Excellency the President attends and offers encouragement to the contestants. The contestants perform live with P.J. Powers.
In 2006, the event was taken to Francistown and Maun where it was supported and a number of finalists selected. The voting line proved highly successful in promoting our young, up and coming performers. The Finale was hosted "Under African Skies" once again with His Excellency the President in attendance. Special Guest Star was Idols winner Karen Kortjie. Event develops and launches the Visual Arts Competition – Love Where You Live! The winning atistic piece was presented to His Excellency as a gift.
In 2007, the finalist perform live with Abigail Kubeka.
The quality, standard and presentation of the production are of paramount importance to the organisers. Entrants are encouraged to dedicate the time and effort that year on year have ensured a flawless, well organised and choreographed event. Promoting a high element of professionalism, contestants are groomed and guided to believe in their ability.
The "MAD" team:
Rosalyn Beukes : is the founder and producer of the event since 1996. With over 13 years experience at organizing this particular event, she is highly qualified to ensure standards are maintained and objectives achieved. In addition, she is a qualified school teacher with extensive Marketing and Promotional experience having worked at Sun City, The Carousel, The Grand Palm and RiverWalk Shopping Centre in this capacity.
Her fundamental philosophy and primary objective in doing this project is that it never loses focus of developing the "talent of the children."
Rusette Auton : is a Marketing, Promotions and Event Management Consultant. Rusette has over 20 years experience in this field and has actively assisted with the event management and marketing of the Talent Show for over nine years. She was the force behind the Kalahari Summer Festival and has in addition been instrumental in the casting of actors for the filming of the movie "Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency".
She is motivated by the development of natural talent in children, particularly Gymnastics and the performing arts.
Mandi Mash : Co – Producer and Choreographer of the event shows for over 7 years. Mandi is a "star" in her own right having performed in a number of productions including the Stuart White production of Ännie" and ""Bye Bye Birdie". Her company, Artist Inc is actively involved in promoting local performers on an ongoing basis . She is currently developing a magazine that will promote all aspects of our music industry.
She is dedicated to the development of childrens vocal and performing skills .
Planned schedule of events 2008:
February
Launch of My African Dream – Performing and Visual Arts Competition
March
Roadshow – Auditions to be conducted in :
Palapye : Venue : Cresta Botsalo
Auditions will be conducted in all age categories.
Saturday 15th March from 14h00 till 19h00
Sunday 16th March from 09h00 till 14h00
REGISTRATION TAKES PLACE Saturday 15th March at 14h00
Gaborone : Venue : Maitisong
Senior Category ( School Leavers only)
Tuesday to Thursday 18th to 20th March – from 13h00 till 18h00
Senior section only.
REGISTRATION TAKES PLACE at Maitisong on Tuesday at 13h00
Maun : Venue: Cresta Riley's
Auditions to be conducted in all age categories
Wednesday 26th March from 10h00 till 19h00
Thursday 27th March from 10h00 till 19h00
REGISTRATION TAKES PLACE Wednesday 26th March at 09h00
Francistown : Venue: Cresta Marang,
Auditions will be conducted for all age categories.
Saturday 29th March from 09h00 till 19h00
REGISTRATION TAKES PLACE Saturday at 09h00
Entries are encouraged in Instrumental, Drama , Comedy, Singing and Dance. In addition, the 3 age categories will be maintained. ( Three age categories : Junior –Primary School , Teen – High School and Senior – Tertiary and School leavers).
March - April –- My African Dream – Seniors ( Singing and Dance) This event will target the over eighteens to enter , in categories that will include both dance and sing, with a new segment that targets the performing arts that includes, drama, poetry, and "novelty acts".
The aim is to endeavour to identify potential talent that can progress onto the other events for eg. The Ïdols Competition , that will be launching in Botswana early this year.
SENIORS FINAL SHOW AT MAITISONG ON 25TH APRIL
May - June–My African Dream-Teens ( Singing and Dance)
This event will target all Secondary school going children, to enter in categories that will include instrumental, dance and singing, with a school challenge segment.
TEENS FINAL SHOW AT MAITISONG 27H JUNE
July – August –My African Dream-Junior (Singing and Dance)
This event will target all Primary school going children, to enter in categories that will include instrumental, dance and singing, with a school challenge segment.
JUNIOR FINAL SHOW AT MAITISONG 29th August
September – Visual Arts ( Painting and Sculpture)
Judging of all entries received and Exhibitions to be arranged and confirmed
October – EXTRAVAGANZA Finale Show at the GICC
Friday 24th October 2008
These three events will produce the "cream of the crop" and will culminate in an unforgettable evening of entertainment at the GICC. Here, the winners in each category will perform at a glittering corporate event. The hi-light of the evening will include a guest performance by an " International Star" that we feel can inspire and motivate our young performers.
My African Dream Team invites you to welcome and open your hearts and minds to this event. It is only with your support that we can inspire our youth and lay solid foundations from the outset. Let us teach and encourage our children to take pride in achieving success and live the principals of "BOTHO".
With the belief in our children we can realise the prosperity of Vision 2016.
THE TOP SIX: 2008 PER AGE CATEGORY