Team distant leads YAMA nominees
Sharon Mathala | Wednesday August 27, 2014 12:40
The group which is comprised of Roy Kasale stage name Roy-K, Aaron Motlhabani also known as Riise, Omphile “OMP” Baoki and Kgosithebe Toto popularly known as Afrozest, has to date released three singles, which have enjoyed massive airplay on local radio stations. The band’s manager Kgolagano “Pukka” Entaile said the nomination shows that Team Distant’s fan base has grown immensely. The group is nominated for Best Dance Artist, Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Newcomer awards.
“It only shows growth and immense recognition not only from the radio station but also from the general public, because I understand that the criteria was also based on the artist’s performance on the chart shows, which are voted for by the public,” he said.
Entaile further said although it would be great to scoop all the awards they are nominated for, they are eying Best New Comer or Artist of the Year awards. He also said they see all the artists they were nominated with as stern competitors. “All the categories have artists with talent and a huge fan base. I do not want to take anything away from them. I think the Song of the Year category where we are facing big shots and veterans such as Vee, Dramaboi and Samantha Mogwe. I think that is the one to look out for,” he said.
Vee expressed excitement about the awards and applauded Yarona FM for taking a stand and being the first local radio station to come up with such an initiative.
“Yarona FM has always supported me, they were with me since my first album. These awards are for everyone and for every deserving artist who has worked hard over the past years, may the best man/group win,” he said.
Vee has been nominated for the Song of the Year, Artist of the Year, and the Best House-kwasa category.
The YAMAs have 15 categories. The winner of each category will be voted by the public through an SMS voting system except for the two categories, Best Female and Best Professional artist, which will be selected at the station manager’s discretion.
Voting lines will be open from September 1 to November 1. The final event is slated for November 22 at the Gaborone International Convection Centre (GICC).