Veezo View, Han C dominate YAMAS nominations!
WeekendLife
The iconic Yarona FM Music Awards are back with a bang and billed to shake the industry to the core. The YAMAS, as tenderly called by its followers, will be held on the 25th of April at the University of Botswana Indoor Sports Arena, and the theme for this year’s event is ‘Fabolous 20’.
Launching the awards at the Cigar Lounge recently, the Urban-youth radio station revealed that this year’s edition is the sixth instalment of the YAMAS. ‘’Six years ago, we launched the YAMAS and since then, we have celebrated cool in ways that cannot be duplicated elsewhere. This year, we are even more so committed to continuing to create the unforgettable moments that have made the YAMAS the preeminent celebration of youth culture.’’ Yarona FM Programs Manager Tshepiso Motshisi said at the launch.
Yarona FM Marketing Manager Kutlwano Monnamoncho told Weekend Life that ‘’ This time around the YAMAS are back with a number of interesting surprises which will be unveiled during the awards ceremony. The YAMAS team is working tirelessly to make sure that this year’s event will be one to remember, you will notice that it will be different from the previous events. The brand has a new feel and the packaging is fantastic’’. She further stated that the music showcase’s aim has always been to recognize, empower and honor local artists for the role they play.
‘’A number of artists were selected as nominees in various categories; the selection of these nominees was not an easy one because the competition was tight. Our selectors were looking at various factors such as the quality of music, chart rankings, online streams and talent amongst any other important aspects’’ she said
For the past years the event has always been held at the Gaborone International Convention centre GICC, but this time around it will be held at the UB Indoor Sports Arena. The change of venue was due to the YAMAS having been attracting large numbers in the past years, and this time around more than three thousand people are expected to attend the glamorous event.
The YAMAS remain the only music awards ceremony that has fully empowered the local music industry by not only awarding artists but supporting them with relevant resources. The music showcase has changed the music landscape with the introduction of artist’s workshop and entrepreneurship networks. Last year regional artists shared the stage with local music maestros, sharing insights on how best to penetrate the complicated music industry.
This year’s edition of the night of glitz and glamour in the local music industry is bound for more greatness as it ushers in a new category of Best Pop entailing Botswana’s finest hit makers, and social media enthusiasts. Interestingly enough, the Fabulous 20 Nominations saw one rapper stand out as the most nominated, Veezo View of zaka fame. And for the very first time this year, a rapper tops the charts! Veezo View is seemingly having a great year…I mean just recently we saw South African Hip Hop giant Cassper Nyovest expressing a great interest to working with View, following his tweet that a track with this superstar can change his whole life.
Cassper Nyovest took to social media to say ‘’Known you for years and you never asked for sh*t. always been a dope guy nje. I have been fooling around in the studio lately. I am sure we can hook something up. Hallla! Botswana stand up”. It was reported that Cassper sent View a message and now Veezo has given himself a week to come up with a collabo idea. Let’s just hope this is not a PR stunt! But either way, Veezo View continues to be centre of attention as he garnered himself eight nominations at the YAMAS last week.
Veezo View was announced as People’s Choice or Artist of the Year alongside other industry Rap boys BanT, Han C, Thato Jessica as well as Vee Mampieezy! This year, BanT is only nominated twice! Thato Jessica went home with three nominations, while Vee Mampieezy will be trying his luck on just only two nominations! If this is not shocking, then I don’t know what it is.
Our main man View was also included under Best R&B single as well as Best Hip Hop, or Motswako. His hit tune Banyana ke maaka made the best R&B while for the Motswako category; he will be contesting with his track Cream, featuring Ason as well as his Weekend Special. Veezo View was also nominated as Best New Comer for his track Banyana ke maaka, Best Male Single Cream and his track Cream is nominated Song of the Year.
Han C came second on the list of Top artists nominated for Fabulous 20 YAMAS with six nominations! His all-time hit featuring DJ Kuchi Rejection made the Best Male single, Best Collaboration, Best Pop, Song of the Year categories and we is also featured as a contestant as People’s Choice and Best RnB!
In other interesting nominations, the most controversial artist of all time, and Rolling stone hit-maker ATI was nominated as Best Pop, Best Collabo, Best RnB single, Best Male of the Year and Rolling Stone made Song of the Year nominations!
The most nominated artist in the previous year, the peppy and lively Diva Bouncy was nominated in three categories, where she will be battling for Best Female single with Girly, Ms Abbey, Trippy Rhee as well as Thato Jessica! The battle of the Queens! May the best Queen wear the crown!
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BOTSWANA TO HOST MISS WORLD 2026
Even though Botswana has over the years been performing extremely poorly at the Miss World competition, the country has confirmed that it will be hosting the beauty festival in 2026. Initially, the country was to host Miss World next year, something it failed to confirm before deadline. Director at Miss Botswana, Benjamin Raletsatsi, says Botswana will be ready then to host all participants. Miss Botswana Top 25 finalists left the boot camp yesterday. Quite shocking though, Miss Botswana team is still failing basics as responding to media inquiries on time yet it is dangerously hoping to host an event of high status
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DJ Sway ‘saved’ the YAMAs
DJ Sway, the daring and ambitious on-air presenter of Yarona FM, played a crucial role in saving the radio station’s music awards, known as the YAMAs. The event was initially dry and disorganized, but DJ Sway, who co-hosted with Pearl Thusi, injected life into the show. However, things took a turn for the worse when Pearl Thusi abruptly left the stage, leaving DJ Sway to carry on alone. Despite the unexpected setback, DJ Sway rose to the occasion and captivated the audience, effectively putting an end to the drama caused by Pearl Thusi.
In an exclusive interview after the YAMAs, DJ Sway revealed the behind-the-scenes chaos that unfolded during the event. He acknowledged the script editors, Phalana and Hope, who worked tirelessly to reedit the script and adapt it to a one-host format. Despite the last-minute changes, DJ Sway remained composed and focused, thanks to the support of his colleagues, such as Owen Rampha, Katlego Rakola, Tshepang Motsisi (DJ Easy), and LB.
When asked about his initial reaction to the unexpected turn of events, DJ Sway admitted to feeling saddened by how things ended. However, he credited Pearl Thusi for giving him a much-needed confidence boost during his moment of doubt. She reminded him that he was destined for greatness and that he didn’t need big stars to succeed. With her words of encouragement, DJ Sway regained his composure and approached the rest of the show with the same professionalism and charisma he displays on the radio.
To overcome the challenges he faced, DJ Sway relied on his radio skills and calm personality. He engaged with the audience as if he were speaking to a single person, pointing out individuals in the crowd to create a more intimate connection. He also expressed gratitude for his backstage team, who provided support and ensured the smooth running of the show.
DJ Sway expressed satisfaction in being seen as the saving grace of the YAMAs. He believed that he fulfilled his role as a host and brought joy to the Yarona FM board, his family, and his fans. Despite his success, DJ Sway’s journey has not been without hardships. He has experienced the loss of his mother and sister, which has left a lasting impact on him. While he continues to grieve, he seeks solace in therapy sessions and relies on his father for emotional support.
DJ Sway’s dedication to his craft and ability to overcome adversity make him a remarkable figure in the radio industry. His vibrant personality and deep knowledge of music have made him a perfect fit for Yarona FM. Despite the challenges he has faced, DJ Sway remains determined to make a positive impact and bring joy to his listeners. With his talent and resilience, there is no doubt that DJ Sway will continue to thrive in his career and leave a lasting legacy in the world of radio.
WeekendLife
Chef Gustos walk of shame
Chef Gustos, the renowned hitmaker, recently experienced what can only be described as a walk of shame at the 8th edition of the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs). Despite being nominated a whopping seven times, he failed to secure a single win. Ouch!
The night was filled with surprises, drama, and controversy, but the biggest winner of the evening was Han C, who walked away with three awards, including Best Pop and Best Male Single for his hit song, “Sebinki.” Han C graciously announced that he would be donating P10,000 from his winnings to his fellow nominees, promoting a spirit of togetherness among artists. What a noble gesture!
Meanwhile, Chef Gustos found himself on the losing end of several categories, including People’s Choice Artist of the Year, which he had won in the past. He seemed unfazed by the loss, stating, “People know that ‘Away’ was big, but they won’t stop me.” It’s clear that Chef Gustos is determined to continue making music, regardless of the awards he receives.
However, he did express his frustration with the outcome, suggesting that the awards may be corrupt. He declined to comment further, citing the need to protect his brand and maintain good relationships with corporate clients. It’s understandable that he wants to avoid any potential damage to his future prospects.
In fact, Chef Gustos went so far as to request that Yarona FM not nominate him for future YAMAs. It seems he wants to distance himself from the disappointment and focus on his music without the pressure of awards. Perhaps this decision will allow him to create freely and without the burden of expectations.
While Chef Gustos may have experienced a walk of shame at the YAMAs, it’s important to remember that awards do not define an artist’s talent or success. His fans still appreciate his music, and he continues to have gigs with corporate clients. So, despite the disappointment, Chef Gustos remains optimistic about his future in the industry.
In the end, the YAMAs may have been a letdown for Chef Gustos, but he’s determined to keep moving forward. He won’t let a lack of awards dampen his spirits or hinder his creativity. And who knows, maybe next time he’ll come back stronger and prove that he’s deserving of recognition. After all, the true measure of an artist’s success lies in the hearts of their fans, not in shiny trophies.