25 Nov 2015

An addition to the various performing awards in the country, the Northern Arts Awards will be held on 12 December.

The awards, which seek to empower, honour and celebrate the creative works of artists in the northern part of Botswana, will be held on an annual basis henceforth.

In an interview,   the chairperson of the committee, Ontiretse Nthinthie said the event tributes and celebrates all the art work for all genres.

These will be the best in Deejay (DJ), poet, promoter, comedian, arts reporter, visual artist, music producer, music group, theatre group, overall artist and life time achiever.

“The initiative is meant to promote and compliment other awards events that are already in existence and it is not about competing with anyone but to honour the artists’ contribution,” he said.

He noted that the more they give them support, the more they get motivated, hence putting more effort and creativity in their artistic works.

Furthermore, he said the awards ceremony makes people feel that their work was valued and also shows approval and gratitude for the good work and the recognition motivates others to strive for excellence.

In each category they will be judged based on their creativity, their crowd-pull as well as their lifetime achievements. For his part, the committee advisor Lyenor Nkosi said the theme of the event is: The arts blooming.

“The blooming has to do with growth and shinning, accentuating the state of arts in the north. The arts industry can only grow if we Batswana can appreciate the artistic work from our own artists,” he added.

He said the concept comes as a platform for performing artists to showcase their work and talents to be appreciated through awarding them for their creative work.

Nkosi further said not everyone who was on top today got there with success after success, they were some artists on the streets who were faced with numerous obstacles that forced them to give up and they need their encouragement and support.

“We made the registration open with no fee required for the first year. We are calling out to everyone to be part of the amazing event as we seek to create an indelible mark in the arts industry by ensuring that the arts industry can contribute towards the economy of Botswana,” Nkosi said. Ends