With the announcement of the BOMU awards, artists have been getting off their feet to prepare themselves and ready their products for the coveted prizes.
With such developments, it is clear that if more honorary events like this one were introduced, more artists would work harder at their craft, knowing that they will get the recognition they deserve as well as getting bestowed prizes for being excellent creators of art.
Artists are not the only ones inspired by this positive turn of events at the highest office of artists’ representation.
Local celebrities like Karabo Seelo, commonly known as Lehenza, of Mokaragana fame, has also volunteered his services to rope in legions of his fans from the popular BTV show. Seelo said that his passion for the industry motivated him to approach the executive committee and offer to be an MC at all their consultative meetings. Seelo said that before he was hired at BTV he was a Motswako, which is something he’d rather not discuss.
Asked how he managed to get the most sought after position, he said that after seeing an advertisement, he went for auditions and was hired.
BOMU Communications manager, Pagson Ntsie, was very delighted by this move from Seelo.
“This is the spirit you want and need mo Batswaneng,” he said with gladness.
Ntsie said that in all the towns/villages they held their artists’ consultative meetings, they hosted festivals in the evenings.
He delightedly talked about the recent successful festival in Mahalapye. He said that after the consultative meeting they held at Oasis on the morning of August 17th, they did a show headlined by the Mzanzi residing artist Slizer as well as heavy giants like Jeff Matheatau. The festival that was held in Francistown the following day, after yet another consultative meeting, was also said to have been a success.
The meeting in Francistown also brought about positive developments in the music industry. After a casting of votes, Thapela Maleka, also known as M Maswe, was elected as the chairperson of the North-East BOMU district chapter.
“After getting voted in on the 18th of August, the following Monday, they had already secured an office. It is very impressive to see such passion amongst artists,” Ntsie said.
Ntsie said that the artists in the North-East lamented that Gaborone artists are the only ones who seem to be getting recognition. They complained about Gaborone artists doing all the corporate events, including those held in their own city.
“I told them that if they don’t take matters into their own hands, Gaborone artists were going to bulldoze them. I gave them an example using Durban artists who did not take the dominance of Gauteng artists lying down. They now have big events like the Durban’s Finest. I encouraged them to come up with things like Ghetto’s finest.”
Ntsie concluded by saying that five new categories have been added to the awards. These are Best Radio Station, Best Journalist (print/electronic), Most Downloaded Artist, Best DJ, Best Media House and Best District Chapter sponsored by Taolo Moshaga’s GTN consultancy company.
Non-BOMU members will only be considered after joining the BOMU organisation.
Commenting on the issue of improving Francistown’s industry, popular MC, Mc Maswe, said that he is ready to start working. He said that as soon as he receives logos and covering letters from BOMU head office, they will start working on proposals and sourcing funds from those who are able.
BOMU Francistown office is located at the old Magistrate court.
