24 Nov 2024

Government recognises the potential of the creative industry to drive economic growth and contribute significantly to a diversified economy, Minister of Sports and Arts, Jacob Kelebeng has said.

Speaking at the 13^th Botswana Music Union (BOMU) awards held in Gaborone on Saturday, Kelebeng said the sector had the capacity to create jobs, showcase Botswana culture on the global stage and bring pride to the nation.

“Our administration believes in the power of arts and sports as vehicles for transformation.

The creative industry, in particular, is not just about entertainment, it is about economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and inspiring future generations,” he said.

Meanwhile the awards ceremony was not only a celebration of music but also a display of fashion with elegance, funky and vibrant designs.

Most guests honoured the theme, which was ‘Dresses, Suits and Sneakers’.

While the awards recognised musical talent, they also honoured those who contributed to the music industry of Botswana, shaping and paving way for the current generation to fruitfully reap rewards of their efforts in developing the industry over the years.

Late Gomolemo Motswaledi was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award, whose musical impact, vision and influence continue to live among Batswana beyond his death while Eric Ramogobya, mostly known as Eric Ramco was awarded the Chairman’s Award.

DJ Ngwazi and DJ Hurricane reigned at the awards as they each went home with three awards of Best Single, Best Amapiano Album, Song of the Year and Best Remix, Best Producer and Best Music Video respectively.

Ngwazi and Hurricane are Botswana’s exports in South Africa signed to Wanita Mos Record label of acclaimed South African artist Master KG.

 Also, from Wanita Mos was DJ KSB with Best Dance Album and he also walked away with the same award on the 12^th BOMU awards last year.

“The algorism of focus I use is what got me this award again, I never lose focus. I do not run away with new trends, I stick to my sound, which my fans love and I always ensure that whenever I make new music I work on what my fans love, with just a little twist to the original sound,” DJ KSB said following his win of Best Dance award.

He advised producers and artists willing to take home the award to never lose focus of their initial and original sound.

Some of the winners were Kearoma Rantao walking away with two awards of Best Female and Best Jazz Album, Kabelo ‘Skavenja’ Tiro taking home the Album of the Year award and Han C with Best Pop Album.

 Thato Tladi won Most Played Song on Radio, VeezoView also won two awards of Best Hip Hop Album/EP and Best collaboration with Ban T, Best R&B Album/EP was won by ATI, Best Male went to  Chokoma and Best newcomer was scooped by DJ Kap.

Revelation in Christ walked away with the newly introduced category of Best Clap and Tap Album.

The night’s performances were also energetic and thrilling from the best of Botswana stars such as Han C, Baxon, Chokoma, Ban T and VeezoView, Ephraim Maatla, Mmurubele, Abigail Isa, Kearoma Rantao among others.

Although Baxon did not win an award, he astonished his fans with his performance of Sekgalagadi/Rumba sound, a transition that left many wondering if the talented hip hop artist is shifting genres.

“When I started this, I just wanted to experiment as a cross gender type of feature, and Batswana has received it well, proving that I am on the right track,” Baxon said in an interview. Ends