While Charma Gal, Ditiro Leero, Mpho Sebina and DJ Ngwazi are some of the popular names that made the cut, big name artists such as Vee Mampeezy, Franco, Culture Spears, Han C, ATI, La Timmy, William last KRM and Samantha Mogwe are some of the notable names missing from this year’s edition of the nominations.
Comedian-cum-musician, William Last KRM also known as Motsetserepa dominated the nominees’ list in 2021, clinching five nominations. The artist, whose real name is Bofelo William Molebatsi, William Last KRM won the South African Hip Hop Awards (SAHHAs) Best International Act Award earlier this year. He is one the most followed public figure on social media in Botswana with over a million followers.
Vee Mampeezy has been one of the busiest local artists, releasing song after another in the past 12 months. However, some names on the list have raised eyebrows with members of the public criticising the nomination of some artists.
Groups such as Machesa Traditional Group, Wizards and Metal Horizon are some of the surprise names nominated for the awards. BOMU president Phemelo Fresh Lesokwane said the fact that the awards are nominees are not dominated by the so-called big artists is a sign of industry growth. “As you can see, these awards are dominated by lesser known artists. It shows the industry is growing.
We are not doing this to satisfy anyone or nurse anyone but we are here to expose and grow talent. That’s how we can grow,” said Lesokwane. Seabelo Modibe, founder of Total Music Group, which organises the BOMUs, said the awards are not about the names but what the artists have to offer. He said the awards will reveal who the big artists are.
Seabelo could not say if the so called big name artists did enter the awards. The much anticipated BOMU awards will be held on December 3 at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC).
