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  • Angola and Botswana Forge Relations Within SADC and AU

    Angola and Botswana Forge Relations Within SADC and AU

    Botswana and Angola have forged partnership in African solidarity and strengthened through many years of cooperation within the frameworks of SADC and the African Union, says Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of International Relations Mr Thuso Ramodimoosi.

    Mr Ramodimoosi said this at the commemoration of Angola’s 50th anniversary of independence. He said the partnership is sustained by a shared commitment to the development and advancement of each other’s peoples.

    Botswana and Angola collaborate across a wide range of sectors, including water resources, conservation, agriculture, transport, mining, and energy, as well as in the promotion of peace and security in the region.

    Mr Ramodimoosi reaffirmed the commitment of the government of Botswana to strengthening the bonds of friendship and bilateral cooperation with Angola. He said the two countries are leading diamond-producing countries, and they were deepening their partnership and collaboration in the diamond mining sector.

    Additionally, he said the two countries, together with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, and South Africa, signed the Luanda Accord, which is a landmark agreement in the promotion of natural diamonds.

    Meanwhile, Ambassador of Angola to Botswana Ms Beatriz Morais said Angola has prioritised strengthening cooperation in areas of politics and diplomacy, oil and petroleum products, energy and water, agriculture and livestock, as well as telecommunications, diamonds and other minerals, tourism, and the environment, particularly biodiversity conservation.

    “In addition to bilateral issues, Angola and Botswana have multilateral relations at the SADC level, including the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), the Zambezi River Basin Commission (ZAMCOM) and the Permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission (OKACOM), with the aim of strengthening regional integration,” said Ms. Morais.

    She acknowledged and recognized the role and contribution played by other African governments for the national liberation struggle of Angola, for the country’s peace to be a reality, and for reconstruction and development to take place to this day. 

    “This is a gesture of recognition and acknowledgment to these peoples and countries, including Botswana, for their invaluable support for the Angolan people at different times in our history,” she said.

    Ms Morais further said the 50-year milestone of Angola’s independence urges them as a country to look back at the road they travelled toward building a developed and prosperous Angola: from resistance to colonial oppression and the emergence of Angolan nationalism, from the national liberation struggle to the conquest of national independence, from armed conflict among children of the same land to the embrace of reconciliation, and from the destruction wrought by war to national reconstruction. 

    She said the milestone is also a sublime moment to reflect on the future they are building with the contribution of all Angolans.

  • China Trip Strengthened Strategic Cooperations – Motlaleng

    China Trip Strengthened Strategic Cooperations – Motlaleng

    The Gaborone City Council’s recent trip to China is a transformative step toward strengthening urban development, investment cooperation and people-to-people relations between Botswana and China.

    During a dialogue with China Ambassador to Botswana on Friday, Gaborone city mayor, Mr Oarabile Motlaleng revealed that one of the most promising trip outcomes was China’s willingness to support Botswana in establishing stronger human-resource structures, an area which had not previously been recognised as a standalone committee within national development frameworks.

    “We wanted to empower our communities and when we raised the idea of creating a Human Resources Committee, the Chinese Embassy agreed with us, that gave us great joy,” he said.

    Mr Motlaleng said the visit also opened opportunities for investment partnerships, especially those linking local committees with potential Chinese investors.

    He acknowledged China’s longstanding contributions to Botswana’s economic development, citing Chinese-owned businesses such as those at Oriental Plaza and major infrastructure developments, including the new skyscrapers rising across the country.

    Mr Motlaleng said the delegation also visited the city of Linyi, renowned for its advanced environmental and vegetation-management systems, adding that the practices offered valuable insights for Gaborone’s urban-planning initiatives, as Botswana was preparing for the development of a new ‘Diamond City.

    He further said another highlight was progress on solar-powered infrastructure, announcing plans to install between 30 000 and 40 000 solar-powered streetlights across Gaborone by next year. 

    Schools, roads and public spaces, he said would benefit from the renewable-energy initiative.

    Mr Motlaleng further revealed that relations formed during the visit had already borne fruit, with a delegation from Linyi arriving in Botswana to explore business opportunities. 

    Areas of potential collaboration include investment, sport, maintenance and improvements to the athletics village and city lighting.

    For his part, China Ambassador to Botswana, Mr Fan Yong, reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening development cooperation, deepening people-to-people exchanges and supporting Botswana’s national development plans.

    He described the councillors’ visit as ‘very fruitful’, noting that it had laid a solid foundation for expanded collaboration.

    Ambassador Fan said China was advancing toward its second centenary goal of becoming a ‘great modern socialist country in all respects’.

    A key component of this vision, he explained, was the newly adopted recommendations guiding China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, which emphasised high-level opening-up and global cooperation.

    He highlighted local-government partnerships as critical pillars of the bilateral relationship. 

    Gaborone’s sister-city agreement with Nantong in Jiangsu Province, established in 2008, continues to facilitate cultural and developmental exchanges. 

    Another MoU with China’s Fujian Province was signed in 2023. During the council’s latest visit, Gaborone also deepened its partnership with Linyi in Shandong Province.

    “These interactions will surely enhance mutual understanding between our peoples and inject fresh impetus into our practical cooperation,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Mr Fan said Botswana’s ongoing formulation of the 12th National Development Plan and implementation of the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme presented new opportunities for alignment with China’s 15th Five-Year Plan.

    He identified key areas of strategic synergy, including high-quality development and industrial transformation where China’s focus on new energy, new materials, aerospace and next-generation technologies complements Botswana’s economic-diversification goals.

    He also discussed China’s commitment to high-standard opening-up, which aligns with Botswana’s trade and investment aspirations. Frameworks such as FOCAC, the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative which offer platforms for further collaboration, he noted.

    Sharing experiences from the visit, Phakalane Ward councillor, Mr Kaisara Sejoe praised China’s advanced security systems, noting their high effectiveness in detecting crime.  

    He expressed appreciation for the Chinese Embassy’s support in sponsoring capacity-building initiatives, saying the training and exposure gained in China would significantly enhance their work and the city’s overall development.

  • Speakers Eulogise Mpuse

    Speakers Eulogise Mpuse

    The Department of Information Services photographer, Godfrey Mpuse has been described as a man of many admirable qualities, unifier, family man and a dependable source of wisdom.

    Speaking at Mpuse’s funeral service in Thamaga on Saturday, former president, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi described Mpuse as an individual of exceptional character, whose contribution to the nation deserved honour and recognition.

    He said it was befitting to have such a gathering when bidding farewell to a unifier.

    Dr Masisi noted that Mpuse’s special duty as a presidential photographer required precision and artistic vision, which he executed with precision.

    “He even took my last photo in office,” Dr Masisi recalled, adding that he had an eye for detail.

    He explained that working as a presidential photographer demanded a unique artistic ability, discipline and commitment.

    He thanked Mpuse’s wife, Nametso and his parents for giving the nation a true servant. 

    Addressing aspiring photojournalists, Dr Masisi encouraged them to emulate Mpuse’s dedication and hunger for quality, adding that learning from him would guide them to produce excellent work.

    Dr Masisi emphasised that photographers played a crucial role in preserving national history, not only through words and writing, but visually. 

    Acting Director of the Department of Information Services, Mr Thebeyame Ramoroka said Mpuse joined the public service in 2007 and quickly proved himself as one of Botswana’s most reputable photographers.

    He praised Mpuse for delivering world-class photographs that communicated a thousand words, noting that his work ethic often pushed him to go beyond protocol to capture exceptional images.

    Mr Ramoroka added that Mpuse was part of a trusted group assigned to high-profile national duties involving elders, where decorum was essential.

    “He never faltered in his assignments. His behaviour and dress code were exemplary,” he said.

    He highlighted Mpuse’s respectful frankness, saying he spoke his mind with humility.

    His passing, he said, dealt a major blow to the department.

    Mpuse’s uncle, Mr Bathusi Moarabi, shared that the deceased had recently informed the family of his health challenges, yet remained active in family responsibilities.

    Mr Moarabi said Mpuse’s final days included attending a meeting for a family wedding in Hebron.

    On his way back, he said he felt sick and had beathing difficulties and was taken to Kanye Adventist Hospital, where he later passed on. 

    “We have lost as a community, but we are comforted by the life he lived and the impact he made,” he said.

    Family representative, Mr Shimane Dikobe said Mpuse was ‘more than a son-in-law’, describing him as loving, supportive and fatherly to many. 

    Friend and caregiver, Mr Thato Mosinyi, who described Mpuse as loyal, courageous and resilient, thanked God for the privilege of walking with him through his final journey.

    He recalled attending an assignment at the Office of the President with Mpuse, where he complained of chest pains and breathing difficulties but still displayed his persistent spirit.

    Mpuse’s niece, Ms Bonno Mpuse, described him as a unifier who related well with everyone.

    Member of Parliament for Thamaga-Kumakwane, Mr Palelo Motaosane said Mpuse’s ability to work with the former president showed his exceptional skill and discipline.

    He urged Mpuse’s wife to stay strong and grounded as she continued raising their children. 

  • Nyangabgwe Hospital Unveils Paediatric Theatre

    Nyangabgwe Hospital Unveils Paediatric Theatre

    Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital has unveiled the renovated paediatric theatre, made possible through donation by KIDS Operating Room, a United States America-based non-profit organisation. The state-of-the-art facility is the first dedicated paediatric surgical theatre at the hospital, designed exclusively to meet the surgical needs of children. 

    The theatre becomes the second of its kind in Botswana, following the installation of a similar facility at Princess Marina Hospital in Gaborone.

    It is equipped with modern, high-tech surgical equipment, thanks to the philanthropy of Mr Steve Lansdown and wife, Maggie, who are based in the United Kingdom.

    Head of the Project, Mr Caleb Machaira, described the donation as a step toward improving healthcare delivery, ensuring that children received specialised care they deserved. 

    Mr Machaira stressed the importance of access to safe surgical care for children, noting that the new theatre would allow young patients to receive specialised treatment closer to home, ultimately transforming countless lives. 

    For his part, Mr Lansdown said the organisation had been approached for assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when Botswana faced numerous challenges. 

    Nyangabgwe Hospital Superintendent, Dr Ivan Kgetse expressed gratitude to the donors, acknowledging that government alone could not meet all healthcare needs. 

    He commended the donors for their role in saving the lives of children. Delivering a vote of thanks, nominated councillor and Francistown City Council Health Committee chairperson, Mr Amos Madeluka, said the facility would serve not only children in Francistown but those across the entire country.

  • Leadership Acts Against Illegal Sand Mining

    Leadership Acts Against Illegal Sand Mining

    North West district is blessed with natural resources, fertile soils and water bodies and yet the resources are under increasing pressure from pollution, deforestation illegal sand mining, among others.

    Illegal sand mining from the water bodies particularly rivers compromise the aquatic system, something, which the district leadership is fighting tooth and nail to nub in the bud.

    Recently, the district leadership, law enforcement agencies and other local authorities embarked on an operation led by the district commissioner to assess damages caused by illegal sand mining along the Shashe water channel that forms part of the Thamalakane River.

    The district commissioner, Mr Thabang Waloka revealed in an interview that the operation was prompted by the public outcry over the growing incidents of illegal sand mining along the Thamalakane river and other water bodies in the district. He expressed a serious concern that the practice had destroyed the environment and the river altering its natural flow due to deep open pits or trenches that created environmental problems.

    Illegal miners, he said had turned the river into a quarry looking at the amount of sand extracted along the river channel starting at Boro area, adding that it seemed perpetrators had ventured into a lucrative business of selling sand.

    “We are overwhelmed by reports of illegal sand mining activities in our district, hence we have reignited the fight against the practice due to its severe environmental degradation, economic impact and safety risks. As leadership in collaboration with law enforcement committee we will not give up against environmental degradation,” he added.

    Mr Waloka also warned members of the public to refrain from buying illegally mined sand as that exacerbate the criminal activity, saying they should buy from licensed companies.

    In the district, he said there were about five licensed companies. 

    He also appealed to members of the community to join forces with the law enforcement committee to stop illegal activities and deter perpetrators. 

    Residents were urged to report any suspicious activities related to illegal mining to local authorities.

    Councillor for Thito/Bombadi area, Mr Lerayamang Baswi also expressed worry over illegal sand mining, saying over the years, they had observed harvesting of sand from rivers which had a negative impact on the environment.

    Efforts by residents to deter perpetrators, he said were in vain as the practice still persisted, which also presented a hazard for members of the community including livestock.

    “The pits are very deep and very dangerous as some people and animals can fall into especially during rainy season. Recently, one of the farmers reported that one of his cattle had fallen into one of the pits,” he added.

    Councillor for Shashe/Botshabelo ward, Mr Keakgotswe Bokhutlo stated that illegal sand mining was rife in the area placing an enormous pressure on the environment.

    He appreciated efforts by local authorities for conducting the operation saying that was testament that they were equally concerned with the practice. 

    “The fight against illegal mining must be seen as a shared national responsibility and it is commendable to see leaders acting collectively towards the course,” he added. 

  • Energy and Fuel Sectors Receive Boost

    Energy and Fuel Sectors Receive Boost

    Government, through the Ministry of Minerals and Energy has signed  Memoranda of Agreement with Oman on strategic cooperation in the Botswana minerals and energy sector.

    The specific areas of collaboration will be on the development of petroleum products bulk coastal storage in Walvis Bay, petroleum products supply and regional trading, development of Tshele Hills inland petroleum products storage, implementation of 500 megawatts solar photovoltaic as well as cooperation in minerals and exploration.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony in Gaborone yesterday, President Advocate Duma Boko said the strategic agreements were critical in strengthening Botswana’s security of supply of energy and strategically positioning Botswana in regional energy trading.

    He said the MoAs were achievement for Botswana to transform from a net electricity importer to an exporter that government aimed to achieve within the next 18 months.

    In relation to fuel security, President Boko indicated that the MoAs would enable Botswana to move from the 14 days grace period fuel security to a higher 6-9 months order of magnitude in fuel security.

    He said there were many other projects in offing and expressed optimism for them to be implemented timely.

    He noted that it was commendable that concrete agreements were signed between the two nations, thus called for  immediate creation of enabling environment for them commence and prosper.

    The agreements, he said marked the beginning of translating words into deeds, as government moved from thinking about the execution of the projects, adding that he was confident that the projects would be delivered timely and to the expected quality standards.

    “It is equally important to devote all the time to implement such projects as they have far-reaching implications for both countries and remove all bottlenecks, red tapes and impediments that could hinder timely implementation,” he said.  

    He stated that Oman was fully committed to the entire value chain and already lined up to commence.

    He said the expectation was to have a lot of skills exchange through attachment of both skilled and semi-skilled personal in Omari companies and refine their skills for the benefit of the country.

    President Boko thus urged the Omari investors to regard Botswana as their other home away from home as their physical presence was of outmost importance for the success of the project proposed.

    “We are most grateful and humbled by the Omari gesture and remain hopeful that it will improve and advance our country hence look forward to cement the partnership between the two countries,” President Boko said.

    For his part, president of the Oman Investment Authority, Mr Abdulsalam Bin Mohammed Al Murshidi expressed gratitude toward the chemistry and cooperation between the two countries.

    He said Oman was committed to completion of the proposed project, which would enhance wellbeing of the local communities.

  • NANO Fertilizers Way to Go

    NANO Fertilizers Way to Go

    The newly launched IFFCO NANO fertilizers range will broaden the horizon and ensure that the quality and content of our local produce is of high quality, said President Advocate Duma Boko. 

    The fertilizers are produced by a local manufacturing Lone Trends in partnership with Indian fertilizers farmers cooperatives, IFFCO and Nardi, enhance nutrient availability and efficiency and are also environmentally friendly. 

    President Boko who officially launched the IFFCO NANO fertilizers range in Sebele today said there was a need to step away from the traditional methods of agriculture such as relying on rain fed crops because of the unpredictable forces of nature which make it close to impossible to grow satisfactory crops. 

    “We are now bringing forward technology to break the insular and vanguard ways of production,” he said.

    For his part Research Scientist at NARDI, Mr Ofentse Sithole, said the product is designed to deliver nutrients more efficiently at the molecular level, ensuring that crops absorb a greater percentage of the fertiliser applied.

    Mr Sithole said Nano fertilisers contain highly concentrated nutrients engineered into tiny particles that plants can take up more easily, reducing wastage and improving soil health. 

    He added that the technology supports sustainable farming by minimising the environmental impact often caused by over-application of conventional fertilisers.

    He urged Batswana farmers to embrace organic and Nano-based fertilisers, saying they guarantee higher-quality produce, improved yields and better long-term soil fertility. 

    He emphasized that the shift to modern, environmentally friendly inputs was essential for the country to improve food security and compete in regional agricultural markets.

  • SADC Launches Regional Communication, Awareness & Visibility Strategy 2025–2030

    SADC Launches Regional Communication, Awareness & Visibility Strategy 2025–2030

    The Southern African Development Community (SADC) continues to serve as a platform for harmonising regional policies, pooling resources and addressing shared development challenges in areas such as trade, infrastructure, security and governance. Speaking at the launch of the SADC Communication, Awareness and Visibility Strategy 2025–2030 in Gaborone, SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Ms Angele Makombo N’tumba, said the organisation empowered member states to collectively achieve goals that would be difficult to realise individually.

    Ms N’tumba said one of SADC’s objectives was to build a regional community where citizens were able to connect, collaborate and benefit from a shared vision of a better future. Since its establishment in 1980, she noted, SADC had developed robust policies and instruments that continued to deliver transformative outcomes across the region, enhancing trade, streamlining systems, facilitating mobility and uplifting communities.

    She emphasised that SADC’s regional instruments were powerful engines of transformation with tangible impact on citizens’ lives. She highlighted the SADC Mobile Money Guidelines, introduced in 2024, which are helping member states harmonise regulation and expand access to financial services. The initiative, she said, was especially transformative for women, youth and informal traders who have historically been excluded from formal banking.

    “By supporting mobile money, SADC is modernising finance and ensuring that opportunity reaches every corner of the region,” she said. However, Ms N’tumba cautioned that SADC’s achievements risked going unnoticed without effective communication. She said the new Communication, Awareness and Visibility Strategy for 2025–2030 was crafted to deepen public understanding of SADC’s origins, mandate and impact, ensuring its messages reach diverse audiences across member states.

    “This strategy embraces our region’s rich linguistic, cultural and social diversity, and ensures visibility of women, youth, persons with disabilities and marginalised communities,” she added.

    SADC partner and Head of Economic and Development Cooperation at the German Embassy in Botswana, Ms Simone Goertz, said clear communication of goals, policies and achievements enables regional organisations to build trust, enhance transparency and strengthen engagement with citizens, stakeholders and international partners. She said communication acted as a bridge between institutional frameworks and the lived realities of the people they serve.

    “In a globalised world where narratives shape perceptions, strategic communication is vital to counter misinformation, promote inclusivity and reinforce regional solidarity,” she noted.

  • Botswana seeks to partner with China enterprises

    Botswana is committed to building a nation empowered by digital technology, developing an export-driven industrial structure and ensuring that growth remains inclusive and human-centred.

    Speaking at the Entrepreneur’s Forum in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Botswana and China recently, Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Mr Tiroeaone Ntsima said that as the economy evolved, Botswana recognised the need for transformation, moving from raw material exports to value-added manufacturing, from quantity to quality and from dependency to self-sustaining growth.

    Mr Ntsima highlighted key areas where Botswana sought to deepen cooperation with Chinese partners; technology, digitalisation and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. He noted that in fast-evolving fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and deep tech, global innovation was advancing rapidly.

    “Botswana stands ready to partner with Chinese universities, research institutions and technology firms to build talent-development platforms, joint innovation labs and start-up incubators,” he said.

    Mr Ntsima also extended an invitation to the Chinese government to offer scholarships, training programmes and exchange opportunities for staff of his ministry and related institutions.

    He explained that such initiatives would enable young entrepreneurs to learn the latest technologies, participate in innovation practices in China and return home equipped to drive Botswana’s digital entrepreneurship agenda.

    The minister added that Botswana’s abundant natural resources, stable governance environment and strong regional export potential made it an ideal partner for Chinese manufacturing firms.

    “We welcome collaboration with Chinese companies to introduce advanced manufacturing processes, smart production systems and green industrial technologies into Botswana. Together, we can establish export-oriented manufacturing hubs, transition from raw output to processed and branded goods and strengthen our value chains,” he said.

    Mr Ntsima further called on Chinese investors, mentors and incubators to partner with Botswana’s SMEs, facilitating technology transfer, supply-chain integration and market access.

    Such partnerships he said would allow Botswana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem to access Chinese capital, technology and markets, while Chinese firms gained local insight and regional reach.

    Reflecting on the 50 years of China-Botswana relations, Mr Ntsima said the two nations have built strong foundations of diplomatic trust, economic cooperation, cultural and educational exchange.

    He encouraged Chinese enterprises to invest, partner and co-create with Botswana’s entrepreneurs, establishing joint ventures, sharing technology, localising operations and building value chains together.

    For his part, China’s ambassador to Botswana, Mr Fan Yong, expressed gratitude to Botswana for its long-term dedication and steadfast support of the bilateral relationship. He noted that China and Botswana’s friendship had evolved into a strategic partnership over the past five decades.

    “Over the past 50 years, mutual benefit has been the foundation of our flourishing cooperation, our nations have become good friends who treat each other as equals and reliable partners, our economic collaboration in infrastructure, trade, telecommunications and mineral exploration has grown increasingly close.” he said.

    Ambassador Fan stated that as a major contributor to global economic growth and an anchor of stability, China would continue to expand institutional openness, uphold multilateralism and promote broader international economic flows.

    He said that in the first eight months of this year, China imported approximately US$4 billion worth of agricultural products from Africa, marking a 4.8 per cent increase from last year.

    Ambassador Fan expressed hope that the policy would soon benefit Botswana, by opening a fast channel for its high-quality products to enter the market in China.

    He emphasised that China and Botswana must remain trustworthy partners, develop together and foster mutual understanding, reinforcing political trust, integrating development strategies and delivering shared prosperity.

    Ambassador Fan also reiterated China’s commitment to supporting and encouraging more enterprises from China, both public and private, to actively participate in projects initiated under Botswana’s BETP and NDP12, thereby creating more job opportunities for Batswana.

  • Thuto enters music scene

    Thuto enters music scene

    Musical talent runs in the family as debut artiste, Thuto Rantao, also jazz artiste, Kearoma Rantao’s daughter, has officially made her entrance in the music scene, with debut EP titled, Baloi.

    The EP, is a collection of three tracks, Baloi, Wena and Sdoba, all weaved with the artiste’s distinctive sound, crafted by blending traditional Southern African rhythms and vocal stylings with contemporary pop, dance, and afro rhythm production techniques.

    “This is a fusion of sounds that are at once global in appeal and deeply rooted in African heritage,” explained Thuto in an interview. 

    The Gaborone-based singer further explained that the EP’s title, which loosely translated to witches or sorcerers, was not meant to be taken literally, but rather as a metaphor for the powerful and unseen forces that shaped an individual’s journey, whether cultural, societal, or self-imposed.

    Baloi, is about owning your power, your magic, and challenging the beliefs that hold you back. It is a sonic statement about where I come from and where I am going. I believe this sound is a new chapter for my music,” said Thuto.

    The 27-year-old, who rose to prominence after winning the, My African Dream competition in 2021, said her musical journey dated back to her time in the local singing show, My Star Botswana, which ended in her elimination from the show.

    The experience hit her hard, she admitted, however, not enough to make her quit on her dreams.

    “I have always been surrounded by a strong support system. My mom and The Women of Jazz have been one of my greatest inspiration. Seeing how hard they work has been a nudge to keep reaching high, even through challenging times,” said Thuto.

    Even as Kearoma’s daughter, Thuto said she refused to be limited by genre boundaries, stressing that she wanted to demonstrate versatility in her sound, especially because she was passionate about creating music that resonated with a wide and diverse audience.

    Baloi, marks the official launch of a promising career, as the rising star shared her plans to make more collaborations in December, adding onto several others she has with artistes like Sal Angel (Betrayed), Jungle Yard and Motlha (Wena) and none other than her mother, Rantao on track, Ina Lebe- Ke a roma.

    “And as for next year, I plan to drop an album. So keep looking out,” she said