In the vibrant community of Itsoseng, nestled in the North West Province, a star is carving a distinct niche in the realm of arts and performance. Ofentse Motsamai, known affectionately as Beans or Dinawa, has emerged as a multifaceted talent, passionately weaving tales through various artistic mediums. Growing up in Itsoseng, Motsamai's journey into the world of performance began during his school days.
Animated and inquisitive, he fondly reminisced, "I loved imitating teachers, especially during those transitional moments before a class change. It was my early taste of performance, and the positive reactions from peers fueled my passion." While not initially inclined towards sports in high school, Motsamai explored activities like boxing and rugby before stumbling upon his true calling - poetry.
"I experimented with different interests, and poetry allowed me to discover my potential in unprepared speech. I always aimed to be number one in that arena," he reflected, highlighting his early skill in the world of spoken word. Upon completing his studies at Tswelelopele High School, Motsamai's love for words and the arts led him to Mmabana in Mahikeng.
There, he immersed himself in the world of acting. He said: "It was a transformative experience. I learned to analyze text, reflect on societal issues, and discovered a lot about myself in the process. For Motsamai, theatre holds a special place in his heart. "I rate theatre higher than any other medium because it's therapeutic.
It allows you to explore all the channels and avenues you might doubt about yourself or are not aware of," he said. Motsamai is grateful for the profound impact of the stage on personal growth and self-discovery. One of his notable challenges came with the production of "The Mother of All Eating," where he portrayed multiple characters, including Mr. Modise.
Reflecting on this demanding role, he said: "The research for the character took everything from me. I lived like him even after the production. It hurt because I lost myself in this particular character." Despite the challenges, he acknowledges the growth and perfection achieved through the demanding role. In the realm of musical theatre, Motsamai has made significant contributions to productions like" "Mogatapele", "Once a Woman", and "Unbreakable Thread", showcasing his versatility and ability to convey diverse narratives through performance.
As an artist, his commitment extended beyond the stage. He was part of radio drama productions like "Solofela Le Raga", "Seboloke", and "Phaphama", exploring storytelling through different mediums, highlighting his dedication to diverse forms of artistic expression. With an extensive portfolio that includes works like "BOY", "Membership", "Intuition", and more, Motsamai stands as a prominent figure in the local arts scene, contributing to the cultural richness of Itsoseng and beyond.
A significant chapter unfolded when he took a leap of faith in 2018 and auditioned for a project at the University of Witwatersrand under the umbrella of the Palaeontological Scientific Trust (PAST). This South African-based non-profit organization is dedicated to making scientific evidence of shared African origins valuable to humankind's future.
Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Motsamai said: "One of the highlights in my career was when I auditioned and worked with PAST. It allowed me to travel to all nine provinces in South Africa, engaging with schools and syllabuses to educate learners about human science. The project surpassed my expectations, and I found myself exploring more than I initially thought."
Taking his passion beyond the borders, Motsamai extended his reach to East Africa, including countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique. His involvement in this initiative wasn't just about performance; it was a mission to educate. "I am proud to have been part of the project, as I'm recognized in countries like those," he added, highlighting the impact of his work on an international scale.
Utilising his extensive background in arts and performance, he currently serves as a producer for educational radio productions such as "Phaphama", "Nal’ibali", and "Side by Side" on Motsweding FM.
