Botswana’s nightlife economy at risk

The vibrant pulse of Botswana’s nightlife and entertainment sector is facing a serious threat that could soon dim the lights for many local artists, promoters, and business owners.This is an observation by creatives promoter also former president of the Botswana Entertainment Promoters Association (BEPA), Gilbert Seagile, aka PP wa Pimp. He highlighted that industry insiders have raised the alarm over unfair practices involving dual licensing that are tipping the scales in favor of foreign-owned franchises, leaving genuine citizen-owned nightclubs struggling to survive.“Some franchise restaurants hold not one but two licenses, operating simultaneously as restaurants and nightclubs. We find this to be creating an uneven playing field that crushes local nightspots and the hardworking artists and DJs that depend on them,” lamented Seagile.“These franchise establishments, many of which are not majority citizen-owned, are receiving privileges that local entrepreneurs can barely access,” he added saying this franchises bring in international acts and still offer free entry, which undermines the local events that rely on ticket sales to keep the music alive.He said that this crisis is totally affecting the entire nightlife value chain, forcing genuine nightclubs to offer free entry just to compete. “This devalues the hard work of promoters and performers and threatens the sustainability of Botswana’s creative economy,” he said.Seagile further insighted that in contrast, South African regulations bar restaurants from hosting international performances, reserving such events for properly licensed entertainment venues that meet stringent safety and operational standards. His concern is that Botswana’s current dual license system, however, appears to lack such clear boundaries and enforcement.He therefore urged city councils and licensing authorities to be fair and transparent in that regard.“There should be an immediate review and audit of all venues operating with both restaurant and nightclub licenses, warning that the ongoing favoritism towards foreign-run franchises must end if Botswana’s nightlife is to thrive,” said Seagile.

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Vibe & Showbizz

Vibe & Showbizz

Botswana’s nightlife economy at risk