14 Nov 2016

Preparations for the second Northern Arts Awards ceremony billed for Thapama Cresta Hotel in Francistown on December 10 are at an advanced stage.

The awards, which are in recognition of budding and established artistes in the northern part of the country, were inaugurated last year and this time around they are expected to be bigger and better.

“People are excited and they can’t wait for the big day so they get a taste of talent from this side of the country,” said the chairperson of the organising committee, Ontiretse Bakaile, in an interview.

Bakaile said there were 29 categories up for grabs and that already there is a swelling of artistes registering to participate.

“Unlike last year when we registered only 18 artists, this year we already have a record 90 entrants ready to battle it out come the big day,” he said with sheer excitement.

The promoter said they had done every effort to market and publicise the event through banners, radio jingles, media houses.

The maiden awards last year were successful despite the challenges such as being staged for first time and clashing with Botswana Games.

“The turn-up was massive, including the northern city’s Mayor, Sylvia Muzila and a number of parliamentarians, among other dignitaries.

Baakile said this year they have decided to bring in new ideas that were not there last year such as partnering with local mobile communication networks to give people the opportunity to vote for artists of their choice for certain awards.

Categories that have sponsors will have prize money for winners, while those without sponsors a trophy and a certificate will suffice.

Last year the venue was small, but this year the venue will be bigger for the expected crowds and all the artists to fit.

For the sake of bringing quality to the awards, we will not be allowing artists who perform using CDs during the awards ceremony,” he noted.

Bakaile further said the support from local companies and individuals for the event was satisfactory. BOPA