19 Apr 2021

Preparations for the 10th edition of the Botswana Music Union (BOMU) awards are reportedly progressing well and the union has entrusted Total Music Group as their consulting firm.

Giving an update on the preparations in Gaborone on Thursday, Total Music Group director, Seabelo Modibe said the awards would be held in Gaborone on July 31 and that entries for categories would open from May 1 to May 30 and would be open for BOMU members, non-members, citizen non-members and non-citizens who had been residing legally in the country for the past 12 months.

“Non-BOMU members will be expected to pay P500 for registration fee while the entry requirement for members is a fully paid membership,” he said.

Modibe said albums released in 2019 would not qualify for the top six categories being Album of the Year, Best Newcomer, Song of the Year, Best Male Artiste, Best Female Artiste, Best Group/Combo/Duo or Cassette, however Best DVD videos, Best DVD live and Best Compilation would be exempted from this requirement.

Entries in each genre, he said should had composed a minimum of four tracks of that specific genre and that entries must submit in one category and entries would be screened and vetted for compliance and those placed in the wrong categories would be recommended for correct placement.

“An appointed panel of judges will adjudicate in all categories except that of public vote and life achievement categories.

In the interest of uniformity, judges will be required to return the score sheets of each entry for audit. This will be done in a manner that will show knowledge of the music, the artiste and the market in general,” Modibe said.

He also stated that an independent firm of auditors would be engaged to calculate the results for nominees after which nominees would be announced.

“Sponsors and partners of this year’s awards and the prize money for each category will be announced on May 1 while nominees will be announced June 1.

This year’s awards will have 34 categories and they include, Best music video, Best DVD/Live recording, Best packaged album, Best Contemporary Gospel/Faith album, Best Kwasakwasa, Jazz, Traditional music, Kwaito Afro pop, Hip hop, indigenous/folk Disco, Best Music producer, Best new comer and album of the year among others.

BOMU Awards president, Phemelo ‘Fresh’ Lesokwane, said the union engaged Total Music Group as their consultant based on their creativity and commitment. ENDS