Lifestyle

BOMU celebrates 50-year musical journey

Charma Gal won four BOMU awards in 2015
 
Charma Gal won four BOMU awards in 2015

The awards will celebrate and reflect on the Botswana music industry’s last 50 years, which is line with the country’s golden jubilee celebrations.

However this year, the musical event will change its traditional hosting venue, Gaborone International Convection Centre (GICC), for Boipuso Hall.

BOMU secretary general, Pagson Ntsie said: “The awards are back once again to celebrate local talent.  This year we will be reflecting on our musical journey for the past 50 years”.

Ntsie also said that prior to the event they are looking into hosting workshops for BOMU members.

“Some of the comments by our judges last year really made sense.  We are looking into hosting workshops for BOMU-registered members so that they do not lose points easily during the vetting stages,” he said.

“Some of the comments from the judges included poor production as well as substandard CD sleeves and profiles, which also carry marks during judging,” Ntsie explained.

Ntsie also noted that BOMU is impressed with one category, which was struck off by the judges last year, that is the best Kwasa Kwasa album.  He said that the artists have grouped themselves and approached BOMU on how they can improve so that they too can compete.

Some of the biggest winners from last year included Charma Gal, Mosakaso singer, who has recently lost five of her dancers in a horrific car accident.  Amantle Brown who won best newcomer at last year’s BOMU awards is also expected to be a contender to watch out for.