The countdown to Botswana’s biggest night in music has officially begun following the unveiling of nominees for the XIV Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) Awards.
The nominees were announced at Protea Hotel by Marriott Gaborone Masa Square on June 12, marking the return of the awards after a one-year hiatus. This year’s edition is themed Music Beyond, celebrating artists, producers and creatives who continue to shape Botswana’s music scene while pushing creative boundaries.
The launch event brought together musicians, industry stakeholders, media representatives and music enthusiasts eager to see which artists had secured nominations. The list features a mix of established performers and emerging talent, setting the stage for what is expected to be a highly competitive awards season.
Speaking at the launch, BOMU Awards Coordinator Seabelo Modibe revealed that the awards received an unprecedented response from artists across the country.
“A total of almost 2,000 entries were received this year, compared to 483 in 2024. While the judging process presented a few challenges, we are encouraged by the quality and diversity of the submissions. Amid the changing landscape of music, it is inspiring to see that our artists remain committed to their craft,” he said.
According to Modibe, the Best Single category attracted one of the highest numbers of submissions, reflecting the growing competitiveness of Botswana’s music industry.
One of the biggest surprises on the nominees list is the return of Vee Mampeezy to the BOMU Awards spotlight after several years away. The nominations also recognise a broad range of artists including Shumba Ratshega, Monnamogolo wa Thulaganyo, Jinger Stone, Kesego Lysson, Samantha Mogwe, Thato Tladi, Tefo Bright and Ancestral Rituals featuring Issa Sisdoh.
This year’s awards will also introduce a new category, Most Viral Song, recognising tracks that dominated conversations and captured public attention both online and offline. The addition reflects the growing influence of digital platforms in shaping music trends and audience engagement.
Among the standout performers this year is Issa Sisdoh, who secured nominations in multiple categories including Best Newcomer, Best Female Artist, Best Dance/House EP and Best Collaboration. Her strong showing signals the arrival of a rising force in Botswana’s music industry.
Han C emerged as the most nominated artist, earning six nominations across major categories including Best Male Artist, Album of the Year and Song of the Year. The recognition further cements his status as one of the country’s most influential contemporary musicians.
The late ATI also received a posthumous nomination in the Best Single category for his popular track Shimmy Shim, highlighting the lasting impact of his music on fans and the industry.
This year’s awards will also introduce a new category, Most Viral Song, recognising tracks that dominated conversations and captured public attention both online and offline. The addition reflects the growing influence of digital platforms in shaping music trends and audience engagement.
The coveted Top Six categories feature some of Botswana’s most recognisable names. In the Best Male category, Han C, Big T, Thomas Chilume and DJ Skizo BW will compete for honours. The Best Female category includes Samantha Mogwe, Amantle Brown, Dato Seiko and Issa Sisdoh.
Meanwhile, Jinger Stone, Issa Sisdoh, Kesego Lysson and Tefo Bright will battle for the Best Newcomer title, while the Album of the Year category features Lorato Ga Se Ntwa by Shumba Ratshega, Sebaga by Dada Kavino, Amadlozi by Ancestral Rituals and Bosa by Han C.
Public voting will determine winners in the Top Six categories, including the newly introduced Most Viral Song award, while winners in the remaining categories will be selected by the adjudication panel.The XIV BOMU Awards ceremony is scheduled for August 29, with the venue yet to be announced.
