BOMU Introduces Most Viral Song

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