Through their satire in pictures, cartoonists all over the world make their mark in magazines, newspapers and even television.
Among a few indigenous cartoonists here in Botswana, Francistown-based cartoonist, Gomolemo Kalayakgosi, is dedicated to his passion and dreams of penetrating the global scene and rubbing shoulders with big names in the art industry.
The 20-year-old cartoonist, a devoted Christian, hails from Palapye and is among a rare breed of cartoonists based in Francistown’s Monarch location. Kalayakgosi says he was only five years old when he noticed how passionate he was about art.
“Art is in my blood and I consider myself art,” he told the Sunday Standard in an interview.
He said that when he started drawing, he was focused on realistic art, focusing on the things that he sees. Then he transformed into abstract artwork, which means drawing imaginary pictures.
“I was inspired by my big brother, Mothusi, who is a cartoonist and my ground breaking success was when my cartoons were published in a church newspaper in Palapye,” he said, admiring one of his products.
Kalayakgosi revealed that one prominent character in one of his creations is Senganga, a name he says suits his own character and which, in Setswana, refers to a person who is unshakable.
He went on to say that his dream is to also publish cartoons for newspapers and magazines to reflect messages in pictures to the world.
After finishing his Senior Secondary School in Lotsane in 2006, he met one Tshepo Gabaikhe, who is now a lecturer at the Francistown College of Training and Vocational Education (FCTVE) and who, after realizing his talent, encouraged him to enroll for study in Multimedia and specialize in 2D animation.
“Among local cartoonists, I look up to the famous Tebogo Motswetla of Mabijo fame,” he added.
Kalayakgosi is a multi-talented youngster who is also into Gospel, Hip Hop and is currently working on an album to be named, Amogela Dipoko.
He pointed out that the album is more of blended styles of Hip Hop, which includes Crunk, Hard Core underground, and commercial.
He added that his stage name is Jup D.
“I am trying to resurrect Gospel music through gospel hip hop,” he said.
Kalayakgosi says his advice to the youths is to desist from bad behavior and focus on exploring their talents; live clean lives and success will come their way.
