Glitzy Northern Arts Awards to take country by storm

Glitz and glamour will be anticipated during the second edition of the Northern Arts Awards (NAA) billed for Thapama Hotel in Francistown city this Saturday.

Northern based artists who have for a long time alleged to be sabotaged by Gaborone based artists will throng Thapama Hotel to experience the glitz and glamour among celebrities who have been nominated for various categories. During the first edition of the awards last year, there were only 12 categories but the number has since increased to 29 categories with new categories including best fashion designer, best media house, best arts reporter and best employer among artists.

The NAA chairman Ontiretse Baakile told VIBE that the awards would be better organised, bragging that they intend to stage an event which will not be forgotten anytime soon. He pointed out that when the awards started last year there were no sponsors and organisers had to dig deep from their pockets to make the event a success but their fortunes have now changed.

“We have been sponsored by Duma FM for airtime worth P130, 000 which will be used for promoting the awards as well as interviewing nominees and various sponsors. As if that is not enough, the Francistown City Council have also embraced the awards to form part of their calendar next year. It is a great honour to be recognised by the council and it will render mileage which will take the awards to another level, “ he said.

Baakile explained that FCC came on board and supported the awards after several councillors and the city mayor graced the first edition of the awards last year and liked what they saw.

The best dressed individual at the awards will also walk away with a special award to appreciate their effort in the fashion stakes.