BOMU untangles from debts
For the first time, in a long time, likely to make profit from the awards ceremony
The Botswana Music Union ( BOMU) organization is turning a new leaf. Over the years, the organization has had to deal with one obstacle after another, ranging from debts spanning years as well as administration issues. But in recent times, the organization has been getting a transformative facelift, which promises to take the union back to its glory days. One of these transformations happens to be that, for the first time in years, the union is set to host the annual awards on a clean slate minus any pending debts. In fact, this year, it has been revealed that the union might possibly make profit from hosting the annual awards spectacular. The BOMU awards will be held on December 9th, under the theme: ‘ Music Beyond’.
Speaking recently in an interview, the Consultant for BOMU, Seabelo Modibe, of Events Lab, tells this publication that as part of the growth strategy, they were selling rights to the awards, and were looking to sell to other players such as BTV and outside market.
One of the highlights from last year, is how P575 000 went towards paying artists fees and prizes, he says.
“This year, we have sold rights to BTV, which is a first for us,” he explains. He also says that they intend to make money from broadcasting rights, which is a new development after 12 years. The fact that they have changed the business model, he says means that they are able to run at full optimal level. He also excitedly shared that when it comes to the big night of the awards, they have partnered with one of the giants when it comes to production, which is Frozen Lab. Frozen Lab, he says are best known for their impeccable work when it comes to events such as the South African Music Awards, as well as the Basadi Music Awards, and the Sports Awards. The company is owned by a Motswana, He further says that viewers can expect a spectacular event, something that they have never seen before.
On the question of the new categories, he explains that the music landscape is changing, and that the awards needs to reflect such. “People want to know what is playing on the streets and on radio, hence we have categories such as the People’s
Choice,” he explains. Other additions include Best Single, which he says is influenced by the fact that musicians are no longer releasing albums but singles these days. Meanwhile, it has been revealed that the number of awards categories this year have increased by four. The newly included categories include the Most Played song on Radio and the Most Used song for ringtones.
Top Six Award categories include Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Newcomer, Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist and Best Group/ Combo/ Duo or cassette. This places the total number of awards to be awarded this year to 33, allowing deserving music stars, ranging from singers to producers and music video directors an opportunity to be recognized. Awards recipients will be those whose works have been highly appreciated and consumed by the market between January 2022 and August 2023. The awards ceremony serves as a platform from where the nation recognizes Botswana’s preeminent and daring artists who, every year, gallantly demonstrate their worth. These are musical stars who keep delivering to the market, songs which do not only impact, and inspire people but also send and keep them in merriment.
Submission of nominees opened on September 15, and will end on October 10th. This year’s ceremony has been designed to be even more glamorous, engaging, inspiring and delightful. It is an event that will go down in history as a memento worth treasuring by all who will attend or watch it on television.
The theme for this edition, particularly highlights the role of music in cultivating essential changes to the point of impacting social and economic realms. It further recognizes and emphasises that music can be a powerful force for good; that it is critical for industry leaders to continuously create opportunities for the nation’s next ambitious generation of the musically talented. The theme further commands that a platform for engagement with the Botswana music industry should be created. In response to this command, a BOMU awards digital ecosystem will be created to enable meaningful on- going conversation.