Gaborone – The stage is set for the 13th annual Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) Awards, slated for November 23, 2024, at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC). Under the banner “Music Beyond,” this year’s event promises to surpass last year’s memorable ceremony, which trended on social media and marked a new chapter in Botswana’s music awards landscape.

In collaboration with Events Lab and backed by various sponsors, BOMU will once again shine a spotlight on the best talents in the country’s music industry. The awards will honor artists, producers, and professionals who have entertained audiences throughout the year. Seabelo Modibe, head of Events Lab, shared that preparations are already in full swing to ensure an even more spectacular event than before.

“Our goal this year is to elevate the platform for local music and create new networking opportunities for artists, both locally and internationally,” Modibe explained.

The 2024 BOMU Awards will feature 38 categories, including two new ones—Best Traditional Contemporary Music/EP and Best Clap & Tap EP/Record—highlighting the diversity and evolving nature of Botswana’s music scene. These additions will broaden the range of musical talents recognized at the event.

In addition to celebrating artistic achievements, the BOMU Awards serve as a springboard for developing the local music industry. Modibe emphasized that the event plays a key role in rebranding Botswana’s music scene, with plans to host workshops and masterclasses on lighting, audio engineering, stage management, and event production.

“This is part of our ongoing effort to attract international brands, independent music distributors, and broadcasters while expanding the commercial reach of the BOMU brand,” Modibe added.

The workshops aim to enhance the skills of behind-the-scenes industry professionals, positioning Botswana’s music industry to compete on a global scale. BOMU is also looking to increase viewership through its partnership with Botswana Television.

Submissions for the 13th BOMU Awards are now open, with a deadline of September 30, 2024. Eligible entries must have been commercially available between June 2023 and August 2024. Key submission guidelines include free entry for all musicians and industry professionals, with a strong recommendation to join BOMU. Music previously submitted in 2023 is not eligible for re-entry, and a vetting process will ensure that submissions meet the awards’ standards.

While most categories will be judged by a panel, the public will have the opportunity to vote for major categories such as Best Female Artist, Best Male Artist, Best Newcomer, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Group. Additionally, the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award will also be decided by public vote, with a Chief Judge overseeing the adjudication process.

As the November 23rd date approaches, excitement is building across the entertainment industry. A Nominees Launch Party, scheduled for October 16, 2024, will reveal this year’s contenders, generating further buzz ahead of Botswana’s biggest night in music.

The XIII BOMU Awards are set to be an unforgettable celebration of Botswana’s musical talent, and fans across the nation are eagerly awaiting the event. Mark your calendars for November 23, 2024, as the GICC prepares to host the country’s most prestigious music awards.