Africa-Press – Botswana. The arts industry was plunged into heavy mourning last week following the tragic demise of popular artist, Atlasaone ‘ATI’ Molemogi; a death that should serves a clarion call.
ATI might have been on the other side of the fence, but arts and sports are inter-related and some of the issues in either of the two are cross-cutting.
There are countless takeaways in the midst of a sombre incident and the nation can pick vital lessons that ATI’s life and death mirrored.
It can never be an isolated incident, but a reflection of the everyday strugglers that our entertainers, including sports people face on a day-to-day basis.
The sports and arts industries have generally been underappreciated, and despite the ‘celebrity’ status that some of the artists and sportspersons carry, behind the curtain they battle with heavy emotional loads.
Post the stage, away from the sports field, they fight silent battles and the nation only springs into action when the end is inevitable.
A number of national icons like Moemedi ‘Jomo’ Moatlhaping, Mosimanegape ‘Twizer’ Ramohibidu, Onkabetse Nkobolo and Malepa ‘Chippa’ Bolelang have, one way or the other, suffered misfortunes that have either ended their careers or made their lives difficult.
Their situation might be different from the tragic events that led to ATI’s death, but there is convergence in their lonely battles away from the public who so much adored them in their prime.
Over the last week, there have been calls to appreciate artists (and I will add- sportspersons) more, particularly from the government side.
If politicians qualify for state assisted funerals, why can’t we see more of it in the arts and sports arena?
While the government can do more to recognise the efforts of the arts and sports sectors, there are certain issues that should be driven by these industries themselves rather than to wait for the ‘open beak’ fledgling dependency approach.
The government can do so much and also with the input of these industries.
Initiatives like creating a Hall of Fame for the arts sector should come from the industry itself. Sport has its own Hall of Fame, but it’s not as vibrant as it should, and appears to be an after-thought.
There is also the issue of drugs in both industries, which generally mirrors societal challenges in this regard.
Again, the two sectors should come up with initiatives that can help aid their members or to eliminate substance abuse, which is derailing athletes and artists.
ATI’s death should serve as an eye-opener and can trigger a number of policy or regulation transformations, in the two sectors and even the wider society.
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