The YAMAs are back
Correspondent | Tuesday September 1, 2015 15:33
The radio station said in its 16 years of broadcasting, it has dedicated itself to developing local talent and has played a major role in the development of urban music. Not only that it has developed the entertainment industry, it would also like to celebrate the strides made thus far.
“The station continues to appreciate growth of those artists that came from nothing and are now big brands in the industry. Urban music has grown in terms of content and quality, which Yarona fm acknowledges and continues to support,” Yarona fm station manager, David Moepeng said.
As part of their development of local talent, Yarona fm has afforded various avenues for artists to grow their art and brands, including airtime and special sponsorship portfolios.
A majority of local artists in the urban music genre have been given airtime on the station to promote their albums and events.
Yarona fm has also partnered with big brands to nurture and create avenues for young Botswana artists and DJs to showcase their talent.
Through the first instalment of the YAMAs as they are popularly known, the corporate world came together and supported the initiative by partnering with Yarona fm. To ensure that the event was a success, the radio station and partners joined hands in supporting local talent.
The Yarona fm Music Awards seek to recognise, appreciate and celebrate growth of the local music and entertainment industry.
The radio station, which has maintained an upward stride on its growth has been recognised and ranked as the leading private radio station in terms of playing music. The station currently plays an average of 36 percent local music, an indication of its support for local brews. Speaking further on the initiative, Moepeng indicated that with the awards being a product of Yarona fm, the majority of the nominees’ selection process will be guided by how the music and artists performed on the station’s playlist and Chart Show.
Only music released between June 2014 and July 2015 was considered in the nominee’s selection. As was the case last year, a committee has been set up to monitor and assess the nomination process according to the set criteria. As part of the annual birthday celebrations, this year the nominee announcement will be held on September 5, 2015 at Cigar Lounge.
The station will on the same day have its Gaborone leg of its birthday celebrations.
Thereafter, the list will be revealed to the public. The public will then be able to vote for the nominees.