14 Nov 2024

The  9^th edition of the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs) promises a bigger and amazing line up of nominees who continue to raise Botswana’s music bar.

Speaking at the Yamas Awards nominees launch in Gaborone on Tuesday, Yarona FM board member Topiwa Chilume said YAMAS set to celebrate incredible talent within the music industry.

He said through the Yamas awards, they  were honouring artists, producers and creative teams who make the music unforgettable,.

He also noted that Yarona FM had been the voice of Botswana’s youth for the past 25 years, bringing in music to the airwaves.

Dato Seiko, a nominee in three categories said she was excited to be nominee.

 “I am super excited to be seen, to be heard and to be appreciated. I am also super excited to have other big powerhouses in the category.

Dato Seiko is nominated in three categories; best social media, best RnB song and best female single. She described Yamas awards as confidence booster, as they highlighted that artists’ work were  recognised and appreciated.

The 24-year-old Phenyo Nkala, known as Jackalas Onetym, was also delighted for nomination in different categories of the Yamas awards.

 He said he started his music journey in 2015 where he met his producer and they started working together since then.

Jackalas who is doing Motswako or Afro Pop is a nominee in categories of Best Newcomer, Best Hip Hop, and Best Botswana pop amongst others.

Thato Tladi of Wena hit song is a nominee in Best Male Single, Best New comer and Best Amapiano.

He said he started his professional music last year though he had been singing at a very young age.

“Being nominated in the Yamas awards is the best feeling and I am excited about it” he said.

As there had been some confusion that he is a South African artist, he said: “most people thought I was from South Africa because most of my songs were played that side, but I am a Motswana native and local artist.”

The 9^th Yamas will be held next year on February 1 at GICC.

Different categories of the nominees include Best New comer, Best Collabo, Best Dj, Best social media, Best Hip Hop, Best Amapiano, Best Botswana Pop, Best female single and Best male single.

Voting lines are open across all networks. The awards are sponsored by Okavango Diamond Company. BOPA