The MAD  talent search continues to prove a popular event amongst the up and coming young artists as “the platform” to be seen and showcase their talent. It has become the premier opportunity each year to showcase the diverse talent of Botswana’s youth. Through MAD, we have been able to engender a love for the performing and visual arts amongst our youth.

The 2010 project again demonstrated a growth in entrants, and we are pleased to report that previous finalists showcased and hosted their own shows with the support of Maitisong throughout the year. In addition, 2010 has seen the participation of a number of previous contestants in numerous projects such as Welcome to Botswana, Goalmouth, The Maitisong Festival and many more projects and events. It has been incredibly rewarding to witness our young artists Living the Dream.

Was it really 14 years ago that Kast stood on a makeshift stage and danced his 8 year old heart out to an audience of screaming teenagers? Look at him now!

Was it 2001 , when young Kennedy peeped over the piano and sang to a packed theatre ? Look at him now !

Was it really 10 years ago when those cheeky young boys slam dunked the audience with their amazing kwaito moves?  The Eskimo’s may still be cheeky … but look at them now!

Was it really 5 years ago that Matthews, all the way from Ghanzi travelled to the big city and blew the judges away with his amazing voice?  Well, just look at him now!

Was it really only 3 years ago that Rosemary stood as a nervous, timid teenager on the Maitisong stage not even realising how good she was?  Look at her now!

Was it really only 2 years ago that Moonga elevated the entire audience to a standing ovation? Look at him now!!

The renditions could go on and on  … there is a story behind each of them.

This year we salute them … the past finalists of My African Dream.  Those who conquered their nerves, chose to follow their dream …. Did not turn over in the morning and go back to sleep. They got up, set their goals and did whatever they had to do to get there!

It has become evident that the MAD project needed to include additional elements to accommodate the need and demand created by the participants.

Former President Festus Mogae in commemorating the 10^th anniversary of the event said “Not only are these participants an inspiration to their peers and everyone else, they demonstrate a fine example of commitment, self confidence and a sense of ambition. Qualities which should be revered by us all.”

These sentiments expressed by him in 2005, are what continue to motivate the MAD team to grow and develop this project. It is only with the continued support of

MASCOM

and partners such as

BTV, SHOWGROUP, RIVERWALK

DEPARTMENT OF ARTS AND CULTURE

 CRESTA, AIR BOTSWANA

PRIMEDIA, MAITISONG, CORETALK

BARLOWORLD, WATERMARK

And this year we welcome to the MAD family AVIS and Storms Roadshows

that these objectives can be achieved.

 It’s been 15 years since My African Dream first opened its doors to talented young people from all over Botswana, offering them the opportunity to explore their talents and share them with what has now become an international audience courtesy of Botswana Television.

At last year’s Grand Finale in honor of 15 years of finding talent , Mad acknowledged young people who had been “Living the Dream” since their appearance on the show. These are artists have continued to chase their dreams and exhibit characteristics of dedication and professionalism in their art. Although only 15 of these past finalists featured at the Grand Finale,  there are hundreds of others who have also continued to live their dream.

They opitimise every objective we had when we started on this journey.  It was not about giving a prize to the best of a bunch. It was, and still is about identifying an unrecognised talent, giving them a platform on which to perform and hopefully giving them the courage to spread their wings and fly.

The  ‘Living the Dream’ performers are testimony to that.  They have done some amazing things and gone on to perform internationally, produced albums and music videos, some have turned professional, the list is endless.  Their ultimate achievement is to show their friends and fans that whatever your dream might be, it is worth believing in and fighting for!

When we look back on 15 years and think it is has been a long road … in reality it is still just the beginning!   Every year is a new beginning. Every year there is a star out there waiting to be found! … and there are past winners out there who are dreaming bigger dreams!

The organisers and sponsors of MAD acknowledge that it is thus time to give these young people a message of encouragement through an initiative called the

BATTLE OF THE FINALISTS !

The entertainment industry is not an easy one to conquer in Botswana and not all artists will be presented with record contracts, performance opportunities or even provided with wardrobe or cash to assist in starting or boosting their careers.

This year My African Dream is inviting all our previous Finalists from 1996 to 2010 to come back to the MAD stage and battle it out for ONE cash prize of P50 000-00 and a mini 3 part series on BTV. MAD hopes that this incentive prize will remind all our previous finalists that we still fully support them and we hope that we can assist at least one person or group to reach another level in their art and industry.

The Battle of finalists is open to anyone who was ever selected as a finalist from Ktv/My African Dream talent search between 1996 and 2010. The auditions will be held on Saturday 5^th February 2011 at Maitisong. Registration begins at 9am , auditions begin at 10am. Entrants are encouraged to bring their finalists certificate from the year they entered, or a photograph, or any proof of entry, although we do have a full list of finalists on standby should we need to confirm previous finalist status. A finalist will be considered as any person or group that was selected from auditions to compete on the Maitisong/Grand Palm stage. The finalist does not need to have “won” their particular year of entry, they simply need to have competed in the final/semi-final shows held at Maitisong. We encourage artists who have been trying to establish their careers, as this prize could assist in album recording, shooting of a music video, the purchasing of music equipment and indeed in launching their brand and boosting their marketing.

We are also proud to welcome to the MAD family, a strong panel of Judges who bring a wealth of knowledge from their contribution to the entertainment industry in Botswana. Your Battle of the Finalists Judges are Tshepo Ntsole, Shike Olsen, Owen Rampha , Socca Maruakgomo , Ollie Groth and our long time friend on this project Ms Vicky Sampson .

 SEE ENTRY FORM ATTACHED.

PREPARATIONS FOR - 2011 SEARCH

With the continued support of  MASCOM  and the Mad partners 2011 will see us reaching more up and coming artists. It is also envisaged that a broader spectrum of talents and skills can be encouraged to participate. The proposed calendar of activities  has been prepared for the event, outlining the NEW developments and GROWTH aspects required for 2011.

2011 Schedule of events: ( Note : Red denotes all NEW inclusions and developments)

                                BATTLE OF THE FINALISTS : Finalists from 1996 – 2010 qualify to enter

January                  19th                        Press Launch

February                5^th                         Auditions -Battle of the Finalists – Selection of Top 30

February                18th                        Call backs -Battle of the Finalists  - Selection  of Top 15 

March                                                    LAUNCH NATIONAL ROADSHOW  2011 SEARCH

March                    4^th                           SHOW - Battle of the Finalists  - Selection of Top 6 Voting lines OPEN

March                    18^th                         Battle of the Finalists – Top 6  perform – Section TOP 3 – Voting

Celebrity -  Judge Vicky Sampson

March                    25^th                         Top 3 perform with Vicky Sampson  WINNER announced !