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8TH YARONA FM MUSIC AWARDS (YAMAs) – DRIP TILL INFINITY
Gaborone, August 22, 2023 – The highly anticipated 8th edition of the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs) is all set to take place this November. After a virtual hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the YAMAs are returning in full glory with a physical attendance. The awards ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, November 11th, 2023, at Molapo Showcase Piazza. The theme for this year’s event is “Drip till Infinity.”
The YAMAs, a prominent event in the local music industry, aim to recognize and celebrate exceptional contributions by individuals within the Botswana music sector. This platform allows local musicians to gain recognition both domestically and on the international stage, thus showcasing their talent and efforts.
Owen Rampha, the General Manager of Yarona FM, emphasized the significance of the YAMAs in the local music scene. He hopes that the awards will serve as a stepping stone for winners to achieve even greater success on a global scale.
The competition is fierce across all award categories, with Chef Gustos leading the pack with an impressive seven nominations. Han C and DJ Ngwazi follow closely with five nominations each. The People’s Choice Award includes notable names like A.T.I, Han C, Jordan Moozy, William Last KRM, and Veezo View, enabling the public to vote for their favorites.
Voting for the YAMAs is now open and will continue until midnight on October 31st, 2023. Event tickets are available through Webtickets starting from August 24th, 2023. Discounts are available for purchases made via Mascom MyZaka, and early bird discounts are also available. Ticket prices range from P200 for general tickets to P5,000 for VVIP tickets for 2 people.
The success of the 8th YAMAs is made possible by the support of sponsors such as Okavango Diamond Company, Mascom Wireless, and Taurus.
Categories and Nominees:
1. PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD:
- A.T.I (Batho Bame)
- Han-C
- Jordan Moozy
- William Last KRM
- Veezo View
2. BEST MALE SINGLE:
- Chef Gustos feat Priscilla K. – Away
- Danxelle – Distance
- Ezra Neethings – Danko
- Han-C – Sebinki
- Jordan Moozy feat Veezo View – Ginja
- Zeus Deuce – Kotsi
3. BEST FEMALE SINGLE:
- Courtney – Blue Skies
- Dj Kholii feat. Imanii – Khubule
- Kayso the eningma – Cherry Bomb
- Ms Abbey feat MELO – Wena Wareng? – Iwe
- Parmalat Barbie- XoXo
- Taffiny – Everywhere
4. BEST MALE ALBUM:
- Fella-The Beat
- Chef Gustos
- Buti On The Track
- Iem Suffocate
- WayKay Bw
5. BEST FEMALE ALBUM:
- William Last KRM
- Kiyoshima Edits
- Oska Bora Teachere
- FME – BW
- Mdu Tha Party
6. BEST AMAPIANO SONG:
- Dr. Dasu feat TEDDY WEST – Shake
- Ezra Neethings – Danko
- Haitche – What I Like
- Han-C – Sebinki
- Ms Abbey feat Melo – Iwe
- TEDDY WEST feat Thami – Gimme sum lovin’
7. BEST DJ:
- Chef Gustos
- FME – BW
- DJ Luu
- DJ EARTH
- DJ Millz
- Dj Kholii
- Dj Bunny
- DJ KMG
8. BEST RNB SINGLE:
- Courtney – Blue Skies
- Danxelle – Distance
- Jordan Moozy ft Veezo View – Ginja
- Taffiny – Everywhere
- Thomas Chilume feat Danxelle & Taffiny – All for me
- WNDR – Malibu
9. BEST DANCE SINGLE:
- De General & Amantle Brown – Go Monate
- DEEJAY BENGWAS x Lerato Modiega x EPIC Mo ft Kiyoshima Edits – Mapevha
- Dj Ngwazi91& Master KG SA Music Feat. Nokwazi Dlamini, Lowsheen & Caltonic SA – Uthando
- Dj Shawn Lee & Lioness Ratang feat Dj Kuchi – Your Love
- Sir Diamond- INT feat SUL-Q & Thato Tladi – Nkatumele
- Team Distant feat Jinger Stone – Ringtone
10. BEST HIPHOP SINGLE:
- Ban T – Morale
- M.O.D – BigFun feat SCAR – BW & HT
- Tautona Mabua – Preach
- Mista Ryan Blaze feat William Last KRM – Lit up.
- KX Legit – Back 2 Moshate
- TEDDY WEST feat Dr. Dasu – For the Money
- Zeus Deuce – Kotsi
11. BEST COLLABORATION:
- Chef Gustos feat Priscilla K. – Away
- Da QuTness feat Dramaboi, Tefo Bright & Benson Hotkeys Moyo Zululista -iLevel
- De General & Amantle Brown – Go Monate
- Dj Ngwazi91 & Master KG SA Music Feat. Nokwazi Dlamini, Lowsheen & Caltonic SA – Uthando
- Team Distant feat Jinger Stone – Ringtone dance
- WayKay Bw feat Sjuta, Rea WMNTA & Dashing Cee & Ceeka Dubula – O ne o le Kae?
12. BEST NEWCOMER:
- Courtney – Blue Skies
- Danxelle – Distance
- Dj Kholii feat. Imanii – Khubule
- KX Legit – Back 2 Moshate
- Taffiny – Everywhere
- WayKay Bw feat Sjuta, Rea WMNTA & Dashing Cee & Ceeka Dubula – O ne o le Kae?
Please note that this article includes the categories and nominees for the 8th Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs) scheduled for November 11th, 2023. For more information and updates, visit the official Yarona FM website or follow their social media channels.
Celebrated poet and musician iDLE is thrilled to announce the release of his latest single, “Soboka,” now available on all major streaming platforms.
The new single, “Soboka,” marks a powerful return for iDLE, showcasing his lyrical ability and unique storytelling. The song reflects iDLE’s artistic growth and renewed energy.
“I took a break from performing and releasing poetry, but my pen never rested,” said iDLE. “The ink flowed over many pages, telling countless stories. Now, after finding balance in all things art, I’m excited to share this journey with you all. ‘Soboka’ is just the beginning.”
Key Highlights:
Release Date: 01/07/2024
Streaming Platforms: Available on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon Music, and more.
Music Video: An official music video for “Soboka” will be released soon.
About iDLE: iDLE is a renowned poet from Kanye, Botswana, known for his captivating performances and thought-provoking poetry. iDLE has touched the hearts of many with his words and music. His hiatus allowed him to explore new artistic avenues, leading to the creation of “Soboka,” a testament to his enduring talent and passion for the arts.
Established in 2008, the Technical Device Fund Levy aims to foster the creation and production of literary and artistic works while supporting the enforcement of copyright and neighboring rights. This initiative has significantly contributed to the technological advancement of businesses, particularly SMEs, across various industries. In this article, we explore the achievements of the fund to date, the impact it has had on local businesses, and the monitoring tools employed by CIPA to ensure the effective use of the funding. Joining us for an insightful discussion is Ms. Keitseng Monyatsi from Copyright Administration at CIPA, who will provide an update on the latest developments and future plans for the fund.
Rati: Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we have a special update from the Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA) regarding the Levy Technical Device Fund. We are joined by Ms. Keitseng Monyatsi, who will shed some light on the latest developments. Thank you for being with us today.
Ms. Monyatsi: Thank you for having me.
Rati: Can you start by giving us an overview of the Levy Technical Device Fund and its primary objectives?
Ms. Monyatsi: Certainly. The Levy Technical Device Fund is an initiative by CIPA aimed at supporting the acquisition of technical devices that enhance the operations and capabilities of businesses, particularly SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises). The primary objective is to promote technological advancement and innovation within the business community, ensuring that local businesses remain competitive in an increasingly digital global market.
Rati: That sounds like a significant step forward. Can you tell us about the recent updates or changes to the fund?
Ms. Monyatsi: Absolutely. One of the key updates is the increase in the funding limit. Previously, businesses could apply for up to BWP 50,000 in support, but we have now raised this limit to BWP 100,000. This change is aimed at accommodating larger-scale projects and more advanced technological needs.
Rati: That’s a substantial increase. What has prompted this decision?
Ms. Monyatsi: We’ve seen a growing demand for more sophisticated technology among local businesses. As they scale up and face more complex challenges, the need for advanced devices and systems has become more apparent. The increase in funding is a response to these evolving needs, ensuring that businesses have the resources to invest in cutting-edge technology.
Rati: How can businesses apply for this fund, and what are the eligibility criteria?
Ms. Monyatsi: The application process is quite straightforward. Businesses need to submit a detailed proposal outlining their technological needs and how the fund will be used to address these needs. The proposal should include a budget breakdown and expected outcomes. As for eligibility, applicants must be registered with CIPA and demonstrate a clear need for the technical device in question. Priority is given to businesses that can show potential for significant impact and innovation.
Rati: Are there any success stories or examples of businesses that have benefited from the Levy Technical Device Fund?
Ms. Monyatsi: Yes, there are several success stories. For instance, a local agribusiness recently used the fund to purchase advanced irrigation systems, which significantly increased their yield and efficiency. Another example is a tech startup that acquired high-performance servers to support their growing client base, enabling them to scale their operations and offer better services.
Rati: It’s great to hear such positive outcomes. What are the future plans for the Levy Technical Device Fund?
Ms. Monyatsi: We plan to continue expanding the fund and exploring partnerships with other organizations to provide even more comprehensive support. Additionally, we are looking into offering training and advisory services to help businesses make the most of their technological investments.
Rati: Thank you for sharing these insights. Any final words for businesses considering applying for the fund?
Ms. Monyatsi: I would encourage all eligible businesses to take advantage of this opportunity. Investing in technology can be a game-changer, and the Levy Technical Device Fund is here to support you in making that leap. Don’t hesitate to reach out to CIPA for assistance with your application.
Rati: Thank you, Ms. Monyatsi, for this informative update. We look forward to seeing how the fund continues to benefit the business community.
Ms. Monyatsi: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure.
The wait is almost over! Priscilla K, the versatile and high-potential artist, has just announced that her much-anticipated album is coming out soon. Fans have been eagerly asking for new music, and she’s finally delivering. This year alone, she dropped a joint project with superstar Han C and St Louis, adding to her collection of multiple hit records.
Priscilla K has been honing her craft and has collaborated with some of the best in the industry, including Chef Gustos and her long-time collaborator Dj Levels. Recently, she teamed up with Flex the Ninja on production, promising a fresh and exciting sound.
A few years ago, Priscilla K was part of an initiative by Red Bull Music and Tall Racks Records called Lift As You Rise. This initiative gave artists from around the continent the opportunity to submit their own 16 bars to tracks that already featured verses by renowned artists like Nasty C, Tellaman, Gemini Major, Rowlene, Lastee, and Zino D.
She’s also made significant strides across the border, collaborating with Sun El Musician, Karyendasoul, and many other top Deejays, further showcasing her versatility and talent.
We’re so ready to experience what this BW native is about to dish out
