If making it big in the country of your origin isn’t easy, then success in a foreign land must be 10 times harder. There are a number of Motswana celebrities that have found their fire in foreign lands.
In any industry there are few attributes that can match resilience and determination and the entertainment industry is no exception. The celebrities of Botswana have taken on the world and we are proud that despite of their success they remain rooted to their place of birth.
Kaone Kario
At only 19 years of age, Kaone Kario made history as the winner of the 2005 M-net NOKIA Face of Africa. On account of her win she received a contract from Storm Management Models worth US $125 000 and is the first person from Botswana to be conferred with the Face Of Africa crown.
She then went on to become the face of Nokia Cape Town Fashion Week and completed 2 swimwear editorial fashion shoots for Elle magazine and Glamour magazine. Kaone was selected as cover girl and featured in Cosmopolitan magazine.
Since winning the 2005 M-net NOKIA Face of Africa and her subsequent successes, Botswana’s modeling export who was previously based in Cape Town has now relocated to New York.
She then went on to become the face of Nokia Cape Town Fashion Week and completed 2 swimwear editorial fashion shoots for Elle magazine and Glamour magazine. Kaone was selected as cover girl and featured in Cosmopolitan magazine.
Since winning the 2005 M-net NOKIA Face of Africa and her subsequent successes, Botswana’s modeling export who was previously based in Cape Town has now relocated to New York.
Shona Ferguson
Shona Ferguson, with all his successes abroad, was born and raised right here in Botswana. His official name is Aaron Ferguson. He first began in the entertainment industry in 1992 by working as a DJ in a club in Lesotho at the Palace Hotel Night Club.
He has a love for the arts and music and this is what led him to the registration of ‘Dragon Heart Promotions cc’ in 2003. He co-owns this company and Ferguson Films with his Motswana actress wife and business partner, Connie Ferguson. He is best known for his role as Lebu in the soapie Muvhango. The couple found their fame in South Africa where they are both now based.
He has a love for the arts and music and this is what led him to the registration of ‘Dragon Heart Promotions cc’ in 2003. He co-owns this company and Ferguson Films with his Motswana actress wife and business partner, Connie Ferguson. He is best known for his role as Lebu in the soapie Muvhango. The couple found their fame in South Africa where they are both now based.
DJ Fresh
Thato Sikwane, better known as DJ Fresh/The Big Dawg, was born here in Botswana on the 15th October 1972 and is 47 years old. He is not only a DJ, but also musician, producer and an entrepreneur. He is also a brand ambassodor for local and international brands.
His breakfast slot on the radio station YFM is what initiated his widespread popularity. He hosted the show for 8 years and later hosted ‘Drive Time’ (16h00 – 19h00) on 5FM. DJ Fresh also owns his own production company called Big Dawg Productions.
His breakfast slot on the radio station YFM is what initiated his widespread popularity. He hosted the show for 8 years and later hosted ‘Drive Time’ (16h00 – 19h00) on 5FM. DJ Fresh also owns his own production company called Big Dawg Productions.
These celebs surely have set their paths to great success and they are putting in the work. Read the rest of the article here and find out what these celebs are up to abroad.
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Read next: Nandi: The Mother, The Fashionista, She Does It All
Main image credit: emotionissues.com