BOMU Awards 2017 Hits and Misses
The 9th Botswana Music Union (BOMU) was an electric affair that attracted scores of Batswana and guests from across the borders. The night was all about celebrating local talent and it was great to see how everyone had a blast! Vibe was in the mix of things and we jostled down what was super cool and what needs to improve. Hits:
** It was packed to the rafters. It was heart warming to see so many people thronged to GICC to celebrate homegrown talent. Keep it up Batswana!
**ATI bagging six awards. It was undoubtedly his year to shine!
** The clap and tap gospel performance was a refreshing act. Thank you to the organisers for appreciating the fact that Batswana are a Christian people who believe in worship. It was marvellous!
**Sponsored categories. It is great to see how locals go all out to support those who are trying to make a living through music. We all know that the BOMU awards don’t come with a fat pay cheque but some local businesses sponsored several categories.
**Having top guests in our midst like a team from Lesotho radio and from South Africa, Tshwane University of Technology, at the invitation of BOMU boss Pagson Ntsie, who graduated there in mechanical engineering, as well as from India, Ekam Maanuke, who also performed with Berry Heart. It is great to see locals cement ties with other countries through the arts and media. Misses:
**The seating arrangement was muddled up. Performers, artists, journalists, judges and other guests sat anywhere. Some artists were seated at the back and had to walk all the way to take their award, while journalists craned their necks to see what was going on. Next time please have accreditation tags and devise a more organised seating plan. Worse still, the MCs were boring. In fact, Mokaragana presenters Lehenza and Atamelang did a better job when they presented an award because they were energetic and upbeat. Next time choose people with a bit of energy.
** Charma Gal seriously needs an attitude makeover despite her fame and talent. She was cold and uptight. Honey, no amount of make-up can conceal a stinking attitude. Don’t forget that “the masses” made you what you are, so be nice or life will chew and spit you out back to Lerala. Swallow some chill!
**Vee snubbing the awards. He is suddenly too big for the Botswana that made him? Those South Africans once used him and he returned home crying. To make matters worse, of late his music sucks. He has forgotten that it is Batswana who understand and appreciate his music, everything else is business. Oh, how we miss the days of Taku Taku and Pompatswidi.