10 Feb 2015

Local musicians have been urged to submit their works for the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) scheduled for Texas later this year.

Botswana Entertainment Promoters Association (BEPA) public relations officer revealed that the awards will be held in October. Registration for entries ends on February 26.

Gilbert Seagile said the awards are held annually and artistes can drop their works at BEPA office.  

The AFRIMMA is the sole award ceremony in the diaspora that caters to all musical genres including but not limited to Gospel, Afrobeats, Assiko, Genge, Kwaito, to mention a few.

African music is currently gaining global recognition at a rapid pace and the awards create a platform that promotes the diversity of African music.

The seasoned promoter said they are calling for all the interested musicians to submit their music in order to compete in the awards.

He said the closing date for registration is around the corner and said BEPA wants local artistes to enter in large numbers.

Seagile said they encourage the local artistes to take advantage of this platform as such will create opportunities for them.

“Through participation in these awards, we have seen South African musicians collaborating with some of the best continental musicians. Currently, AKA is touring Nigeria solely because of collaborating with a Nigerian artiste.”

BEPA spokesperson said over the years, local musicians had been complaining about lack of market and stressed that taking part in the awards was an avenue to sell local music. He said musicians should use their talent to sustain themselves.

He said when the AFRIMMA officials visited the country last year, they were impressed by traditional music and dance and said the organisers intend to use one of the local troupes during the awards’ opening ceremony.

The promoter said such an opportunity would promote local music. “We want the world to appreciate and patronise our music and we hope that local artistes will view this new relationship as a ticket to international stage.”

Seagile said that they were delighted by AFRIMMA organisers’ decision to visit the country in July to appreciate the local music during the President’s Day competitions.

He said they were also hoping that the organisers would consider their suggestion to allow Botswana to host the awards Pre-nomination party, as that would create the hype among the public who vote for artistes.

On another note, Seagile said that they would submit President Seretse Khama Ian Khama’s name for the Transformational Leader award, a category that attracts a leader or politician who has shown interests or who has contributed immensely in the promotion of creative arts.

The introduction of President Day competitions, he said has boosted a number of local musicians’ careers, and attributed the commercialisation of Polka dance to the president’s love for the dance and the competitions.

“It is encouraging to see government engaging local musicians in some of their events, and to date there are a number of groups that have been engaged by foreign missions.”

He said given the government’s initiatives and support, he believes that the president will win the award.

Seagile said their desire was to witness a growth in local talent and being able to penetrate international market. ENDS