14 Feb 2024

Local music composer, David Slater says the music industry requires one to find the purpose of their intent in the sector.

“Once you are certain of what you want to do, find people that you can work with, that can mentor you to get established,” said Salter in an interview during the Botswana Music Union (BOMU) trophy handover in Gaborone, Monday February 12.

Slater has been recognised by BOMU as a Lifetime Achiever highlighting his journey as a pianist, music conductor and teacher in his 50 years of being in Botswana. 

Against this background, he said music had a way of reaching people amazingly, adding that he appreciated the time he spent doing music as he met and influenced people. 

“The influence that music has had on me and through me on other people is tremendous and I appreciate everything about that,” he said. He applauded the industry’s growth, saying there had been an evolution of producers and outstanding artistes with impressive albums. 

“We did not have all these back then, it has come a long way.”

Meanwhile, BOMU president Phemelo Lesokwane expressed gratitude to artistes for their passion and dedication to the industry. 

Lesokwane said music was a business that needed to be taken seriously given its contribution to the country’s economy. 

He, therefore, encouraged artistes to robustly market their craft beyond borders for the continued growth of the sector.

Further, Lesokwane encouraged artistes to collaborate, saying they benefitted the development of the sector. He appealed to established artistes to collaborate with new and upcoming artistes to enhance their game in the sector.

For his part, BOMU awards consultant Seabelo Modibe of Total Group said they had started with preparations for this year’s awards ceremony. Modibe said as an improvement, they would hold orientations for the nominees as well as guest presenters to address minor irregularities encountered during the 2023 BOMU XII awards ceremony.

Modibe also said the 13^th BOMU awards would be moved from December to an earlier date as   December had proved to be the busiest time for the musicians. Ends