13 Nov 2023

 In a night filled with glitz, glamour, and outstanding musical performances, the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAS) took centre stage, honouring the exceptional talent in the community. 

The event, held at Molapo Crossing on Saturday evening under the theme; Drip to Infinity, showcased a diverse range of musical genres and celebrated the hard work and dedication of local artistes. 

The YAMAS is an annual event that has become the highlight on the local music calendar, aimed at recognising and promoting the achievements of musicians, bands and industry professionals who call the Gaborone city home. 

This year’s edition (eighth edition) did not disappoint, as it brought together a remarkable line-up of performers and an enthusiastic audience. 

The evening kicked off with a red carpet event, where local musicians, industry players, and music enthusiasts gathered to celebrate and show their support, capturing pictures for the historic moment ahead of them. The atmosphere was electric as the attendees eagerly awaited the announcement of the winners in various categories. 

One of the standout moments of the night was the performance by KTM Choir, who captivated the audience with their tribute to the late DramaBoi, who was an icon in the music industry, particularly Motswako. 

Yarona FM thereafter presented the Hall of Fame award to DramaBoi’s family in honour of his contribution to the community through music. 

The awards ceremony itself was a testament to the incredible talent within the community. 

Categories such as Best New Artist, Song of the Year, and Best Producer, showcased the diversity and creativity that the local music scene has to offer. 

The winners were determined through a combination of public vote and a panel of judges, ensuring a fair and unbiased selection process. 

The night’s biggest winner was Han C, who took home multiple awards, including Artiste of the Year, Best Male Single, and Best Afro-Pop. His earth-shuttering sound and thought-provoking lyrics have resonated with audiences far and wide, solidifying his status as a local music icon. 

The YAMAS also provided a platform for emerging artistes to shine. The Best Newcomer category recognized promising talents who are making waves in the industry and are poised for a successful career. 

This year’s recipient, KX Legit, impressed the judges with his raw talent and unique musical style, leaving the audience eager to see what the future held for this rising star.  The other award winners were: KX Legit (Best Hip-Hop) Day Cute (Best Collabo) Danzel (Best RnB Single and Best Hip-Hop) Kenso (Best Female Single) KTM Choir (ODC Diamond Award) Fela (Best Producer of the Year) DJ Ngwazi (Song of the Year with Uthando) 

The event also featured captivating live performances from the likes of Khoisan, Han C and Pricilla K, Courtney and KX Legit, showcasing the incredible depth and breadth of musical talent. 

From House to Hip-Hop, RnB to Amapiano, the stage was alive with the sounds of the artistes’ creativity. 

Minister of Youth, Gender, Sports and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare, said the YAMAS event did not only celebrate the achievements of local musicians, but also served as a reminder about the importance of supporting and nurturing home-grown talent. 

“I would like to urge all upcoming or already established artistes to work harder in their musical journey and to not rely on being spoon-fed, but rather put in the extra effort so as to be recognised and taken seriously in the community,” he advised. 

As the curtains closed on another successful YAMAS, the echoes of applause and the memories of outstanding performances lingered in the air. The event served as a testament to the power of music in bringing people together to showcase their innate talents. ENDS