Sesame Takes Botswana Gospel Beyond Borders With New Single and Free Worship Event

A new single, a continental award nomination and a free worship gathering are giving Botswana gospel singer Sesame Baingapi-Khofi fresh momentum. But, according to her, the bigger goal is to help local gospel artists reach audiences beyond their home country. Known professionally as Sesame, Baingapi-Khofi has been nominated for Best of Africa at South Africa’s Crown Gospel Music Awards 2026, following the release of her single “Leseding.” She previously received a nomination at the awards in 2023, and says international recognition is something artists can pursue by building their work and seeking opportunities outside Botswana. “Opportunities are available outside Botswana and as artists all we need to do is to seek them out,” she told Time Out. Her message comes with a frank assessment of the hurdles facing gospel musicians at home: funding. She says many talented performers struggle to pay for recording, while making music full-time can be difficult when the industry does not provide a reliable income. “I know a lot of talented people, who are also anointed but we dont have the money to record our songs,” she said, describing the financial pressure on artists trying to build a career. For Sesame, talent and commitment are not always enough to cover studio costs. She is also putting her faith in events that bring performers and audiences together. On 4 December, Sesame plans to host the second edition of SoldOutForChrist, a free gospel gathering featuring ministers from Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa and the United Kingdom. The announced line-up includes Minister Spokes, Takalani Chairo, Katleho Seobi, Fifi Sibanda, Seako and Minister Leo, alongside other local performers. The gathering follows its first edition last December. Sesame says the event is a way to give back to supporters and make worship accessible regardless of what people can afford. “Funds shouldn’t be a limitation,” she said. Her ambition, as described in the interview, reaches beyond individual milestones. Sesame wants her music to lead people to Christ and hopes fellow Botswana artists will seek wider platforms rather than limit their ambitions. She argues that local talent is already present; the challenge is securing the investment and visibility needed to carry it further.