24 Feb 2026

After a year-long strategic hiatus in 2025, the Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) Awards return for their 14th edition, scheduled for May on a date yet to be announced.

Speaking at the official launch recently, BOMU president Papie Rakhudu said the awards had been restructured and reimagined to reflect current trends in an evolving music landscape.

He highlighted the introduction of the Most Viral Song category, saying it reflected the growing influence of digital platforms and online music consumption.

He said digital transformation had changed the rules of the game in the creative sector, and noted that music now generated revenue through streaming, publishing, live performances, brand partnerships, licensing and digital content creation. 

He added that social media platforms, content monetisation and digital distribution had removed traditional barriers.

“Today, a young artist in Gaborone can release a song and reach the world instantly,” he said, stressing that artists must be equipped with digital skills, business knowledge, data literacy and ownership structures that protect their intellectual property.

Rakhudu also emphasised the music industry’s multifaceted nature and its ability to create employment for producers, sound engineers, graphic designers, marketers and event managers, among others, helping to curb unemployment.

He called for the creative sector to be recognised as a serious contributor to GDP as Botswana pursues economic diversification.

Events Lab representative Seabelo Modibe said over the years the awards had developed into an economic hub benefiting creatives and industry enablers ranging from administrators to fashion designers.

He added that each nominated artist received a nomination fee, representing a financial injection into the industry through prizes alone.

Modibe further advocated for amendments to copyright laws governing the creative sector, the development of proper cultural exchange programmes beyond grants, and the full-scale operation of the night-time economy, which he said would greatly benefit the industry.

He noted that out of  35 categories, six would be decided by public vote: Best Female, Best Male, Best Duo/Group, Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Producer. BOPA