Stars shine at BOMU awards night

Botswana Music Union (BOMU) delivered its 11th music awards edition over the weekend at a colourful event held at Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC). The event attracted Botswana's socialites and who's who in the entertainment industry, who showed up looking the part and remarkably in sync with the event’s theme dubbed ‘dress to impress’. Among the notable guests were senior government officials, Copyright Society of Botswana (COSBOTS) board and management, BOMU executive committee, international delegates and creative industry stakeholders. Conveying his opening remarks, BOMU President Phemelo Lesokwane noted that the creative industry was the hardest hit by the Covid 19 pandemic hence it was an honour to embrace the re-installation of the awards citing that, “there is light at the end of the tunnel.” Lesokwane reminded the audience that the BOMU Awards carry significantly the commitment to celebrate exceptional talent and creativity in the arts. “Tonight is about uniting and bringing us together as only music can do that,” he said. Bakalanga Malikongwa designated as Chairperson of COSBOTS Board, highlighted that the government and COSBOTS have been supporting the creative industry for many years for the reason that, globally the creative industries contribute massively to the economic growth of their respective countries, Botswana included. Further on, she announced that for the second time in a row, the COSBOTS board has resolved to pay out relief grants to all its members. Meanwhile, Lushen Kebatlege who is commonly know as Dj Ngwazi took the spotlight as he scooped 4 awards out of his 7 nominations of which among them were best new comer, best video and best collaboration. In an interview on the sidelines of the event, the ‘Uthando’ hit maker who is also Master KG’s DJ expressed joy following his achievements as he highlighted that it was his first sole recognition. “This is a very special day for me and it will be forever memorable. Thank you to everyone who has supported me from day one,” he said as a gleefully made a commitment to empower local upcoming artists. "I plan to create an album for them, produce quality music videos and assist them climb up the ladder so that they can penetrate the market". DJ Ngwazi says he is hopeful to get the rightful support from MYSC in realising his dream for Batswana upcoming artists. Renowned songbird, Mpho Sebina, known for her soothing melodies emerged victorious on her three debut nominations which are best RNB, International Achievement and album of the year. Sebina, adorned in a gold glittery gown, revealed to this publication that she was honoured to have received the awards and that it meant everything to her as a Motswana artist to be recognised by BOMU. “It gives me all the confidence and the pride in the world to go out there knowing that I am acknowledged back home and that Batswana fully support me,” she shares further urging fellow artists to create good quality and high standard music. "If your work is great, it will speak for you,” she advised. The Best group award was bagged by Eskimos, who have been in the industry for 23 years and much to their surprise, renowned South African based painter- Lebani Sirenje, from Zimbabwe, paid tribute to the talented group, gifting them with a painting of themselves. The Song of the year award was snatched by Kabelo Tiro with his ‘Baga Mmangwato’ track. Best Afro-Pop was awarded to Ezra Neethings of the ‘Danko’ hit. The Best hip-hop award went to Baxon while Best female award was snatched by Boago Fengu who also bagged Best Packaged and Best Contemporary Gospel Music awards. The colourful event went well into the night with the artists executing outstanding performances and diversity, proving substantially that, indeed Botswana is a hub for talented and passion driven individuals.

TheVoiceBW

Entertainment

Stars shine at BOMU awards night

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