The countdown to one of Botswana’s biggest nights in music has officially begun following the launch of the 14th edition of the Botswana Musician Awards (BOMU) recently.
The awards were unveiled at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Gaborone Masa Square, where entertainment journalists, music industry professionals and key stakeholders gathered to witness the formal opening of submissions ahead of the ceremony scheduled for May 2026.
Regarded as the country’s flagship music honours, BOMU recognises excellence across Botswana’s music ecosystem, celebrating artists and creatives whose work continues to shape the industry. The awards acknowledge both mainstream success and sustained artistic contribution, reflecting the diversity and growth of local music.
The 2026 edition returns under the theme “Music Beyond”, signalling a renewed vision following a planned pause in 2025. Organisers said the break allowed for reflection and restructuring, ensuring the awards remain relevant in a rapidly evolving music landscape increasingly influenced by digital platforms.
The awards are organised by the Botswana Musicians Union in partnership with Events Lab, alongside sponsors and industry partners. A total of 35 categories will be contested this year, including a new Most Viral Song category introduced to recognise the growing impact of social media and online music consumption.
According to Modibe, the awards stimulate economic activity beyond the stage, benefiting sound engineers, production crews, fashion designers, stylists and other service providers. He added that BOMU remains the only local awards platform that provides a nomination fee to shortlisted artists, offering direct financial support to creatives within the gig economy.
Six of the categories- Best Female, Best Male, Best Duo/Group, Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Producer -will be decided by public vote.
Speaking at the launch, Events Lab Managing Director Seabelo Modibe said the awards have become a significant contributor to the creative economy. He explained that the strategic pause in 2025 was necessary to navigate economic challenges and trengthen the platform’s sustainability.
According to Modibe, the awards stimulate economic activity beyond the stage, benefiting sound engineers, production crews, fashion designers, stylists and other service providers. He added that BOMU remains the only local awards platform that provides a nomination fee to shortlisted artists, offering direct financial support to creatives within the gig economy.
BOMU President Papie Rakhudu highlighted the profound impact of digital transformation on the music industry, noting that local artists can now reach global audiences through streaming and social media platforms. He stressed the importance of equipping musicians with digital and business skills to ensure they fully benefit from content monetisation opportunities.
Submissions for the XIV BOMU Music Awards are open until March 20, 2026. Entry is free for musicians and creatives, although participants are encouraged to join BOMU. Eligible works must have been commercially released between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2025, and all entries will undergo a vetting process before adjudication by a panel of judges for non-public vote categories.
Now in its 14th year, the BOMU Music Awards continue to play a key role in promoting local talent, recognising excellence and strengthening Botswana’s creative economy ahead of the highly anticipated May 2026 ceremony.
