Ministers to decide the Bot50 theme song

Sharon Mathala | Thursday July 21, 2016 09:40

The Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) secretary general Pagson Ntsie confirmed this. “As BOMU we did our part. We have submitted the song that we were assigned to do. The feedback we received is that the song together with others from independent individuals had been given to cabinet for approval,” he said.

Other private institutions including Limkokwing University Choir and other private musicians have been identified as some of those that have submitted their own samples of the Bot50 theme song. Previously BOMU had been given P40,000 to come up with the Bot50 theme song. In an interview then, BOMU said: “We have been given the guidelines. We asked our members to come up with verses that fit the stipulated guidelines.

However popular big names in the industry including Kwaito kwasa sensation Odirile Sento also known as Vee Mampeezy, BK Proctor and Tshepo Lesole had recused themselves from the Bot50 theme song allegedly dissatisfied with the remuneration.

Meanwhile, Ntsie also revealed that after the media outburst on alleged Bot50 sidelining, the existing music and arts structures, BOMU have now been contracted as the technical advisors.

“For the six shows that will be running in every district chapter, we will be assisting those who would have won the tender on which artist to use.

“For the coming shows which are Kasane with a contemporary show and the city of Francistown with the jazz show, we will be assisting with artists,” he said.

Ntsie further lamented that this is because the artists were crying foul that local promoters sometimes fail to pay them hence opting to being paid directly by Bot50. Reached for comment on why ministers will be the one’s choosing the theme song, Bot50 coordinator, Charity Kgotlafela said, “I am in between meetings. There is no truth in that,” before hanging up the phone.