February 17, 2016 was the official launch of Aldo Brincat’s Diamonds Alive! project. At a glittering event held at the Grand Palm, with both our previous Presidents, and many of Botswana’s A listers in attendance, the launch of Diamonds Alive, held much promise.
The launch alerted Botswana to an interactive photo exhibition, as well as a commemorative photo-book, all under the name of Diamonds Alive! Both the book and the exhibition feature a collection of portraits and stories of some of the men and women who have contributed towards the development and success of Botswana; A vibrant, artistic celebration of people past and present who have captured our imagination either for a moment, or for a life time. All the portraits are set against an ever evolving landscape that is Botswana.
Mr. Festus Mogae
Sponsored by De Wet Drilling, Lucara Diamond, Orange Botswana, Puma Energy, Advanced Global, Botswana Oil and Choppies, the book features not only the people from different walks of life- such as the youngest author in Botswana, but also the crème de la crème of sports, arts and business. A few of our many stalwart elders such as the recently passed, Rre Masire, also feature.
The Diamonds Alive interactive exhibition, travelled throughout Gaborone and the public were invited to interact with a team of volunteers, to either learn more about our heroes, or to nominate a few of their own. It is estimated that the exhibition was viewed by approximately 120 000 people.
The final 120 images were curated for the book, by a neutral curator in the United Kingdom, and images were selected for the book, primarily on their artistic merit.
September 01 will see the actual launch of the book, at the National Museum. It is reported that the final book, is “stunning”, “unique”, “breathtaking”, and “deeply moving”. Even His Excellency, Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama, President of Botswana was impressed enough to autograph 10 copies, as a sign of his approval and blessing.
Featuring 120 portraits with accompanying narratives of approximately 150 words, the book has indeed been a labour of love and truly representational of all Botswana’s people. The cocktail evening of the launch of this book is sponsored by Lengau Wines.
The Creative Director, Author and Founder of the project, Aldo Brincat and his team of 14 local young professionals, have been working on this project since 2014. For them, this project is of national significance, it is a celebration of all that is good about Botswana. It reflects Botswana’s true wealth: its people. What better time to reflect on where Botswana has come from and to look towards its future than now, as Botswana enters its 51st year of Independence.