YAMAs are here
The wait is over for the cherished Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs), as they make a return physically this November for the first time, post Covid.
Nominees for these awards were launched early this week at The Showcase and the main sponsors include; Okavango Diamond, Mascom and Taurus. This marks the eighth installment of the event, and it would be held under the theme 'Drip till Infinity'. Just a glimpse of the theme was demonstrated at the launch with guests looking dazzling in their drip outfits. The drip fashion house, BK Proctor was part of the lovely fashion mission theme as they dressed up some of the guests for the occasion.
The bubbly Yarona Fm presenter, Lebowa Moroen aka LB who was the Master of the Ceremonies alongside DJ Sway couldn’t emphasize further about the dress code for the event, reminding attendants to come looking the part on the big day. The awards ceremony is actually set to take place on Saturday the 11th of November 2023. The YAMAs recognize and celebrate outstanding contributors within the local music sector, with the awards providing a platform for local musicians to gain recognition within and beyond Botswana. This is to mainly buttress local artists’ efforts and showcase their talents.
General Manager at Yarona FM, Owen Rampha, noted that the YAMAs are important for the local music in the sense that they express hope for the industry. He emphasized that, through this platform, the awards can propel winners to even higher achievements on a global scale.
Brand and Communications Manager at Mascom, Malebogo Sesinyi said they are happy to be part of these awards as a sponsor. She said at Mascom, they are about innovation and fun, and so being part of this project excited them. She revealed that they would be sponsoring an award at P200 000.00. Sesinyi applauded Yarona fm for their efforts and highlighted that over the years they have also been the voice over drug and substance abuse, something that is commendable.
Managing Director at Okavango Diamond Company (ODC), Mmetla Masire also applauded Yarona fm for addressing the needs of young artistes and putting the YAMAs together. “This is a commendable initiative as it is about unearthing the gems, artistes and musicians, as well as creativity and innovation,” said Masire. He emphasized that the YAMAs come in a transparent manner to groom talent and for this he associates the station with their mission at ODC. “We are the largest distributor of diamond in the world, but remain as transparent as possible. We are the only diamond company that puts prices and auctions on the website so we feel obliged to be part of
YAMAs to polish the talent within the local artistes and produce them for the international market too,” said Masire.
Throughout different categories, there is a massive competition amongst the nominees. Chef Gustos garners seven nominations while Han C and DJ Ngwazi have been nominated for five awards each. There is also People's Choice Award which features familiar names such as A.T.I, Han C, Jordan Moozy, William Last KRM and Veezo View, to allow the public to vote for their favorites. The voting process for the YAMAs is also open and voting shall run until Tuesday 31st October 2023 at midnight. Event tickets are available at Webtickets as from today (Thursday 24th). General tickets are P200, Golden Circle P350, VIP P1, 500 and VVIP P5, 000 for 2. Tickets are also available at Mascom shops.