Disgruntled artists cry discrimination

Botswana musicians have expressed displeasure over the recent virtual performance initiative which was organized by Yarona FM. The initiative was sponsored by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development (MYSC), and virtualized through Now! TV.

It is no doubt that the entertainment industry has been greatly impacted by Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) as the industry is a game of numbers. With mass public gatherings prohibited- only fifty (50) allowed, it is difficult for the musicians to make money like they used to.

In an effort to assist musicians, MYSC sponsored an initiative which was organized by Yarona FM to select artists which would then take part in virtual performances through Now! TV. The gig came at a reward of twenty-five thousand pula (BWP25 000.00) per participating artist.

Although that was a handsome initiative that was welcomed by the artists, especially after they took their concerns to the streets of Old Naledi grounds- complaining of failure by the government to assist them, upon the selection of the participating artists the initiative met great denunciation from musicians.

Condemning what they term as discrimination, during their joint press conference at Acacia Mall over the weekend, Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) and Botswana Entertainment Promoters Association (BEPA) questioned the criteria that was used to select Now! TV participating artists as it is said the selection was limited only to artists who were nominated for Yarona FM Annual Music Awards (YAMAs). “We believe the criteria used for Now! TV channel recordings isn’t proper. We can’t use the YAMAs nominees to qualify and select artists for these recordings. One, Yarona FM is a radio station that does not play other genres such as kwasa-kwasa, gospel, and traditional music but is based on urban type of music” BOMU president Fresh Lesokwane decried.

Some artists selected by Yarona FM for virtual performances include Vee Mampeezy, Charma gal, ATI, Han C and Scar. However, Lesokwane said they have engaged MYSC to consider giving other BOMU members a share of the pie.