The Voice (Francistown)
Moses Maruping
18 September 2007
Francistown — Despite a lot of misgivings from critics that this year's Botswana Music Union (BOMU) Music Awards will not see the light of the day, many will be glad to hear that preparations for the coveted awards which are slated for December 9 are at an advanced stage.
During the week, hundreds of local musicians and fans gathered at Gaborone Sun for the awards' launch as well as the unveiling of the sponsorship, awards brand logo and trophy.
Just like last year, the mobile phone operator, Mascom Wireless has once again gotten on board by sponsoring the awards to the tune of P250 000.
Giving a background on the awards, BOMU's Communications Officer Seabelo Modibe pointed out that the awards were hosted in line with the music union's strategic plan for the year 2005-08.
He said while the total budget for last year's awards was P127 000 this year the budget totals to P200 000 a clear sign that the awards have grown both in stature and value.
He added that despite the inaugural awards having had teething problems and spin-offs due to the haste in preparation, this year's awards promises to be bigger and better.
"We have seen local music groups attaining international recognition all thanks to the publicity which accompanied the awards. For instance groups like Culture Spears, Dikakapa and Dithakga tsa Mmino have been invited to perform outside the country several times after international promoters saw their potential at the awards."
He noted that while last year there were only three sponsors, this year they have been able to secure five sponsors with more and more still to come on board.
Modibe added that the South African hair products company, Jabu Stone, which had sponsored the awards last year has also pledged to come back on board and urged people to secure tickets early to avoid disappointment as this year's awards promises to thrill.
BOMU president, Bafana Pheto, said his union sought to continue on President Festus Mogae's legacies which include issues of economic diversification, private sector participation in developing fellow citizens, ploughing back to the nation and Vision 2016 among others.
He noted that the music awards sought to reward performance among the ever growing local music industry and added that the artistes' popularity, recognition by global village has increased tremendously.
Pheto said from next week artistes from across all the corners of the country will be able to submit their entries.
He said the material submitted last year would not suffice in this year's awards adding that only newly released material from those who had participated last year will be accepted.
"However, if you are an artist who had not submitted anything last year and your album was released last the very same you are eligible to enter. We do accept entries from all across the country."
The main sponsor of the awards, Mascom Wireless' Chief Marketing Officer, Dzene Makhwade-Seboni said when they undertook to sponsor the awards last year; they did so not on the basis of historical involvement, but purely on the strength of Mascom's dedication to nurturing and promoting Botswana talent in various areas.
She said that her company's involvement in the music arena is a clear testimony of Mascom's commitment to the development of Batswana.
"We looked at the 2006 BOMU Music Awards as an opportunity for local musicians to be recognized by their fans for their contributions to the industry as well as an opportunity to help our stars to shine."
Makhwade-Seboni stated that during the build up to the 2006 Music Awards' actual ceremony, it had became increasingly apparent that this initiative was a fantastic opportunity for the local music stars to shine; as well as becoming a part of a professionally run event that met the highest international standards.
Last year year's winners include Dithuso Selepeng under the Reggae music category, Punah Gabasiane (Jazz), Mapetla (Kwaito), Vee (Kwaito-Kwasa), Stiger and Sister (Best Traditional), Franco (Kwasa-Kwasa), Mr.Tagg (Afro-Pop), Tebby (Gospel), Moxido (Disco) and Culture Spears who dominated both in the Song and Album of the Year category for the renowned song, Kulenyane.
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