Monkagedi Gaotlhobogwe
2 November 2009
Gaborone — Just what is the value of winning a Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) award? Well ask Vee, Lister Boleseng, Banjo Mosele of Ntsa E Jele Ntsanyana fame and DJ Sid.
They were doing something else somewhere when their music albums, hit songs and videos were announced as some of the winners at the BOMU music awards at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC) on Saturday night.
Vee? The Orange cellular phone company's no.1 artist probably was not supposed to be seen receiving an award from a rival in the form of Mascom sponsored BOMU awards? When Vee's name was announced as the winner of the Kwaito-Kwasa category, only his representative showed up and claimed the star was performing some where in Francistown. Banjo Mosele should have been the toast of the night. What with his song, Ntsa E Jele Ntsanyana, voted by Mascom subscribers as the hit of the season!
Somewhere on the programme, it was noted that the audience would enjoy a live performance of the Song of the Year by the winner. And where was he? Somewhere in Europe on a concert tour. His fellow jazzman, Lister Boleseng, was also not present to celebrate the award for the Best Video prize. The jazzmen, especially might have rubbed shoulders with some EMI record company chiefs who came all the way from Mzanzi to witness Botswana music talent.
The celebrations that greeted the announcement that Ntsa E Jele ntsanyana is officially the hit song of the year, were inspiring to say the least. Only Banjo Mosele should have been there to experience the appreciation. Of course there were other murmurs across the GICC Hall, some announcing that Culture Spears' Khudu is the real makoya. Then lead singer for the track Khudu Magdeline Lesolebe took it further when she was receiving the Best DVD award when she declared that although Culture Spears missed out on Album of The Year and Song of the Year, there is no doubt Khudu is the song of the year, and she added on Botswana Television (Btv) live broadcast, "We are also receiving this as the song of the year award". What defiance! There was also a chance for veteran radio and club DJ now-turned-journalist, DJ Sid, to celebrate a rare BOMU award. Surprisingly ,DJ Sid was announced the winner of the Best House Album ahead of shortlisted hit maker, DJ Sly, who had a wonderful remake of Olivier Mtukudzi's hit Naira last year.
When there is this unknown entity, 507, who you would think would have done anything to be at the award night and increase their chances of exposure and publicity after being crowned the Best Kwaito act by the judges. Afro-pop Group, Tu-Unik, however, provided probably the best moment of an award-winner when they were declared the Best Group ahead of the likes of Dikakapa. The two girls screamed like babies as they jumped off their seats. And when it was their turn to say something on the microphone, excitement was so all over them they did not realise what they were saying, overcome with joy. Dance music man, Senyomfere's hilarious laughter on stage also went on to demonstrate just what an award could mean to a musician. Unspeakable joy. Not just he won in any category this time.
Senyomfere received what is called the Chairman's award, because, according to Amelia Malebane of Debswana, who was the co-presenter of the award, this one is for some one who is so dependable and hard working. Although, some whispers on the night said BOMU really had to give the guy something considering the storm he raised the last time he missed out on the awards.
But the guy was glamorous, decorated with two horns on the head, and some really funky hairdo for the live broadcast on television. Ok, Afro hair man, Christ Manto 7, after bagging a Kwasa-kwasa award, announced that his mother sent him a text message saying he was the most glamorous guy in the hall that evening. Then the Gomolemo Motswaledi fever was rekindled on the night. On live television broadcast here was the suspended Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) secretary general invited to present one of the awards. The ululation that met the man on stage was simply deafening.
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