News
Race for the Okavango WINNER of Jackson Wild Original Music Score, The producers of Nkashi
Jackson, WY, September 29, 2023 — The National Geographic Society was recognized with two Jackson Wild Media Awards yesterday during the Jackson Wild Summit in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. The Society’s film Nkashi: Race for the Okavango won for “Original Music Score” and National Geographic Explorer Ciril Jazbec won “Short Form – Climate Categories” for his Society-funded film Dream to Cure Water. The Jackson Wild Media Awards are some of the most prestigious in the world of nature filmmaking, and were launched to celebrate excellence and innovation in nature, science and conservation storytelling.
The producers of Nkashi: Race for the Okavango met Koolkat Motyiko for the first time at Seronga at Winela boat Station. It was a day after the 2022 Nkashi Classic. He gave them his Seronga 1 CD featuring hits Ko Seronga and Willie Makhandane. And that’s how Koolkat aka ‘Mr Seronga’ started to work on the film score. He produced six tracks together with Mike Rosen. They were later joined by NEWF Compose Yourself Lab fellows from around Africa (including Marcia Buwa in the picture) to do additional two tracks for the film.
Over 450 films entered the competition this year with over 1,100 category entries from 74 different countries around the world. Finalists were selected by more than 200 international judges who together screened over 1,000 hours of media. The Society was a finalist in two other categories: Healy for “Natural Science – Short Form” and Nkashi: Race for the Okavango for “Global Voices.”
“At the National Geographic Society, we believe in the power of stories and storytelling across the globe,” said Kaitlin Yarnall, the Society’s chief storytelling officer. “This is evident in the grants we give and the projects we produce ourselves, and we’re incredibly proud to be recognized for this work by Jackson Wild.”
Nkashi: Race for the Okavango was filmed in Botswana, in the Setswana language, and in close collaboration with a team of Batswana filmmakers. The film score features six tracks by Motswana musician Thato Kavinja (who goes by the stage name Koolkat Motyiko, also known as Mr. Seronga) and two tracks from the Nature Environment & Wildlife Filmmakers (NEWF) Composers Lab, which is part of the Society’s Africa Refocused program. The film was created by the Society’s Impact Story Lab — an award-winning creative unit within the organization — and directed by Sarah Joseph. Joseph serves as a producer, along with Dustin Sylvia and National Geographic Explorer Thalefang Charles. Yarnall, Vanessa Serrao and National Geographic Explorer Steve Boyes serve as executive producers.
“Having grown up in the Delta, I relate with Nkashi: Race for the Okavango on many levels — after all, it’s about my home, Seronga, and our Wayei heritage,” said Kavinja. “In many ways, my music is about returning to one’s roots, and I treasured the opportunity to make music for Nkashi for that very reason. When we tell a Botswana story, it’s even more powerful when it’s set to our home-grown music and instruments that carry the sounds, emotions and melodies of the Delta. I’m grateful to Jackson Wild for recognizing our work in this category, and to my fellow NEWF Composers who joined me in bringing this story to life.”
Nkashi: Race for the Okavango shows the triumphs and challenges of three mokoro (dugout canoe) polers, celebrates Botswana’s cultural heritage, and illuminates the importance of the Okavango Delta — one of the most unique wetlands in the world. The team curated a musical score that engages local musicians and embodies the sounds, rhythms, instruments, and expressions of the Okavango Delta. Kavinja licensed his breakout hit “Ko Seronga” — which is credited with inspiring travel to the Delta — and composed and recorded six additional tracks for the film with his producing partner, Mikael Rosen. Later in the filmmaking process, the team brought a pan-African dimension to the soundtrack by engaging NEWF’s Composers Lab, including musicians from Botswana, South Africa, Kenya, Mozambique, Morocco, Nigeria and France for a multi-day, immersive experience in the Delta. The fellows each brought an instrument from their respective country to show the unique music of different African countries. The film and annual Nkashi Classic race are made possible through the Okavango Eternal partnership between National Geographic and De Beers.
The 9th edition of the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs) unfolded with a different rhythm this year—more intimate, more focused, and more reflective of where Botswana’s music industry stands today. While the change in scale sparked mixed reactions among fans, the awards themselves continued to deliver what matters most: recognition of talent, hard work, and cultural influence.
Less Flash, More Focus
This year’s ceremony departed from the red-carpet glamour and live performances of past editions. Instead, it created space for industry conversations and community acknowledgment. For some, the stripped-down format was refreshing—a sign of maturity. For others, it felt like something was missing.
“I expected a show. This felt like a press event,” one fan shared online.
“But credit to them—it felt focused and intentional,” added another.
This divide highlights an important tension: audiences want deeper conversations—but they also want to celebrate.
A Year of Breakthroughs and Bold Statements
The awards saw a strong mix of emerging voices and established names take home top honours.
- Juu Matere led the winners’ circle with multiple accolades for “O Tshameke”, which won Best Male Single, Best Botswana Pop, and People’s Choice Song of the Year.
- Jackalass Onetym, a rising star with a distinct voice, was awarded Best Newcomer and Best Hip Hop for “Tshipi”.
- Dato Seiko’s heartfelt single “The Vow” secured Best Female Single, affirming her place among Botswana’s finest vocalists.
Other key wins included:
- DJ Latty ft. Dalom Kids, Thato Tladi & Way Kay – Best Amapiano (“Dithuthuntshwane”)
- ATI ft. Caliba & Seneath – Best Dance Single (“Kwashioka”)
- Licky ft. Katlego Ramphaleng – Best R&B Single (“Pressure”)
- Baxon & Juu Matere – Best Collabo (“Chobolo”)
- The Choreographers – Best Social Media
- DJ Quest – Best DJ
Honouring Legacy and Leadership
This year’s YAMAs also took time to honour those behind the scenes:
- Fella was named Producer of the Year, a nod to his impact on some of the year’s most defining records.
- Zenzele Hirschfeld received the Hall of Fame recognition, marking her contributions to artist development and the business of music.
- The Icon Award went to Brando, whose influence stretches beyond airplay into mentorship, media, and movement-building.
What the YAMAs Got Right—and What’s Still Possible
The 2025 YAMAs proved, once again, that Botswana’s music scene is talented, proud, and moving forward. The awards did justice in celebrating hard-working artists, highlighting new voices, and opening up space for meaningful conversation.
But the biggest missed opportunity? Not giving the fans the moment they wait for all year. The YAMAs aren’t just industry awards—they are a cultural event tied to the identity of Yarona FM, a brand that listeners love because it understands youth, sound, and celebration. The scaled-back experience left many craving more—more performance, more spectacle, more energy.
In a time when local artists are pushing boundaries and fans are showing up louder than ever, the YAMAs must continue to evolve. But in doing so, it can’t forget the power of the show itself—the excitement, the lights, the live moments that stick long after the awards are handed out.
Next year marks a decade of the YAMAs. The stage is set—not just for another ceremony, but for a comeback. One that honours both the music and the movement around it.
Let’s hope the 10th gives us all of it.
WhatsApp has introduced a new music-sharing feature, enabling artists and musicians to connect with fans, promote their music, and drive engagement. Users can now share music in Status updates and Channels, integrating with Spotify to display album art, song titles, and a “Play on Spotify” button for seamless music discovery.
A Game-Changer for Artists and the Music Industry For musicians, this feature offers an effortless way to share their latest releases, exclusive previews, or personal playlists directly with fans. Unlike traditional social media posts, WhatsApp’s end-to-end encrypted Status updates ensure that artists can share music directly with their core audience—fans who have saved their contact details—creating a more intimate and engaged connection.
WhatsApp Channels further elevate this experience by allowing artists, record labels, and music organizations to broadcast updates to their followers. As a one-way communication tool, Channels provide a direct and distraction-free way to share new releases, tour announcements, and exclusive content.
Followers can engage with updates by reacting with emojis or participating in polls, giving artists valuable insights into fan preferences without the noise of public comment sections.
How the New Feature Works Music in WhatsApp Status:
- Users can now overlay up to 60 seconds of music from the WhatsApp Audio Library onto their photos or videos.
- These Status updates remain visible in the ‘Updates’ section for 24 hours, ensuring maximum visibility.
- Music in WhatsApp Channels: Artists can use Channels to share updates about new songs, upcoming concerts, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Followers cannot reply directly to messages, ensuring a controlled and streamlined communication experience.
- Enhanced Privacy: WhatsApp’s dual contact model ensures that Status updates and Channel interactions remain private. Followers cannot see each other’s information or engagement, making it a safe space for authentic artist-fan interactions.
For years, Botswana has been calling for more major artists to hit our shores. We’ve watched as international and African superstars tour neighboring countries, leaving us with only social media highlights and the lingering hope that one day, the big names will make their way here. That day is now entirely up to us.
Enter TOORLY, a revolutionary touring platform that puts the power in the hands of the fans. No more waiting, no more hoping—if enough of us want a show, we can make it happen. And TOORLY’s first major play in Africa? The one and only Nasty C.
Nasty C’s Ivyson Tour Africa: You Decide Where It Stops
South African rap icon Nasty C has officially put out the call. The Ivyson Tour Africa is coming, and instead of a fixed lineup of cities, the decision is now in the hands of fans. Botswana, this is our chance to prove we’re a must-stop destination.
Taking to Instagram, Nasty C made it clear: If you don’t see your city listed, hit the link and request it. The more requests a city gets, the higher the chance it becomes an official tour stop.
His exact words?
“IT’S GO TIME. The Ivyson Tour Africa is coming, and YOU decide where. Hit the link in my bio to request me in your city. If you don’t see your city, head to @itsTOORLY and start your own fan request.”
How to Get Nasty C to Botswana
It’s simple: 📌 Go to TOORLY’s website or social media
📌 Search for Botswana (Gaborone, Francistown—wherever you want the show!)
📌 Click ‘Request’ and spread the word
📌 Get your squad, your cousins, your whole street involved—because numbers matter
This isn’t just about one show. It’s about proving that Botswana is a prime stop for international and African artists. If we rally now, more artists will take notice, and our music scene will get the respect it deserves.
Why This Matters for Botswana’s Live Music Scene
We’ve had glimpses of what it means to host world-class artists—from Rick Ross pulling up to St. Louis, to the unforgettable nights with Burna Boy and Davido. But those moments have been rare. Botswana’s fans are some of the most loyal, engaged, and hungry for top-tier live experiences. Now, with TOORLY making touring demand-driven, we have the chance to put Botswana on the map permanently.
Can Local Artists Use TOORLY?
Absolutely. TOORLY isn’t just for international superstars like Nasty C—it’s a fan-driven touring platform, meaning local artists in Botswana can also use it to gauge demand and plan their own shows.
If we show up for this, we change the game. If enough of us request Botswana, Nasty C will pull up. And once he does, others will follow.
Botswana, let’s make it happen. #IvysonTourAfrica #TOORLYBotswana #BringNastyCToBW
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