|
After a year of absence, the Mascom Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) music awards 2009 took place over weekend at the ever so glamorous Gaborone International Conference Centre (GICC).
Musicians from across the country descended on the venue in their finest gear, some looking absolutely stunning while others just plain ridiculous, to see which one of them would be the best vocalist of them all come the end of the night. With M.O.D the comedian at the helm of proceedings the show got on the road an hour-and-a-half late. He did an excellent job, making everybody the target of his jokes including President Ian Khama himself. The stage was marvellously set with a live band in the background beating to the tunes of every performer of the night. The glittering event was also graced by the newly appointed Minister of Youth, Culture and Sports, Shaw Kgathi. Giving his maiden address, Kgathi urged law enforcement agencies to clamp down on piracy as this stunts the growth of the music industry. He also stated that a general purpose studio would soon be ready for artists to use. Minister Kgathi ended by encouraging the development of the music industry for the upcoming generation.
Meanwhile, presenting the Afro Jazz award to Mabombo Mmereki, suspended Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) secretary general Gomolemo Motswaledi got a huge applause from the audience as he stepped to the podium. Legendary Jazz musician Ndingo Johwa walked away with the Best Folk award while the ‘Security guards’ Matona beat Vomit of ‘Tsaya Thobane’ to be crowded best Dikhwaere. New kid on the gospel block, Gabo Thotobolo, scooped one of the most contested awards, Best Newcomer. The son of music pioneer, Clement Jackson, Eugene Jackson certified his arrival on the music scene by taking the Best Afro Pop award. Rap sensation Eureka beat Channel O award winner Zues and two others to clinch Best Hip-hop. While the Best House award went to DJ Sid and Best Kwaito going to 507. Zwakapresa star Chris Manto 7 walked away with the Best Kwasa-kwasa. Tu-Unik scooped the Best Group award. Tshepo Lesole caused one of the biggest upsets of the night by outwitting Vee and Chris Manto 7 for the Best Male and the girl from Bobirwa, Slizer, got the Best Female award. Young music producer, BK Proctor beat the odds as he was named the Best Producer in the country and the Chairman’s award, which was given by the man himself Soccer Moruakgomo, the BOMU Chairman, to Senyomfere of ‘Omphele Bana’. Moruakgomo said the award was given to the artist who showed the “most dedication and determination” to the union. The performances were also of the finest kind with artists like K Bos, Slizer and Malombo putting on fantastic acts that had most people on their feet. Eugene Jackson upstaged everyone performing his ‘Ke waago’ song with absolute zeal and class. The most coveted awards of the evening, Album of the Year and Song of the Year, were left for last, Barwa Kgodumo’s Mmamakgona tsa Bagwe won Best Album and Banjo Mosele’s ‘Ntsa e jele ntsanyana’ snatched Song of the Year awards.
The rest were: Best Kwaito Kwasa; Vee, Best Video; Lister Boleseng, Best Contemporary Gospel; TOT, Best RnB; Tebogo, Best Reggae; Ras Jesus, Best Disco Mercy M, Best Traditional Gospel; Phepheretlhe, Best Rock ‘n’ Roll; Metal Horizon, Best DVD; Culture Spears and Best DVD live Earnest Seakgosing.By MODIRI MOGENDE
|
Subscribe to this comment's feed
