The Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Keletso Rakhudu says the Botswana Music Union (BOMU) Awards are an important platform for artists to gauge themselves against one another and compete with the best in the country. He was giving a keynote address at the 4th BOMU Awards on Sunday night at Boipuso Hall.
Honourable Rakhudu, who is also the Patron of BOMU said Government was aware of the potential of the arts to create employment, reduce poverty and diversify the economy. He said to this end, the President’s Day Competitions were introduced in 2008 while the Constituency Art Competitions were introduced in 2010 as a way of rewarding artists who use their trade to sustain themselves.
He said the prize money received by artists who participated in the 2011/12 Constituency Art Competitions and the President’s Day Competitions amounts to P50.8 million. This money is a sign that we have the interests of the artists at heart.
Honourable Rakhudu said BOMU was doing well as a Union and challenged members to ensure that there is maturity, growth and commitment in fundraising so that the 2013 Awards are bigger and better. He encouraged BOMU to enter into long term strategic partnerships that are beneficial to both BOMU and those sponsors. He went on to say this will attract the right sponsors who will ensure that the music industry can sustain the artists.
There were different categories for the nominees but Vee and Tshepo Lesole became the men of the moment when they won 3 of the awards which they were nominated for.
Best Reggae- Ijah Man States
Best Folk- Benson Phuthego
Best Afro Jazz- Shanti Lo
Best Afro Pop- Ashley Gops
Best Kwaito- MMP Family
Best Contemporary Gospel- Tshepo Lesole
Best Traditional Gospel- Obakeng
Best Disco- Linda
Best Dikhwaere- Ditiro
Best Mosakaso- Ekentolo
Best Hip Hop- Eure
Best House- Boogie Sid
Best Kwaito Kwasa- Slizer
Best House Kwasa- Vee
Best Motswako- A.T.I
Best R&B- Sharon
Best Sleeve Design- Tshepo Lesole
Best Traditional- Culture Spear
Best Producer/Engineer- Tshepo Lesole
Best DVD- Seragantswane
Best Video-Mapetla
Best Male Artist- Vee
Best Newcomer- Benson Phuthego
Best Female Artist- Nnunu
Best Club DJ- Fondo Fire
Album of the Year- Nnunu
Song of the Year- Vee
Best Group/Duo- Groove Cartell
Best Kwasa Kwasa- Jeff Matheatau