NAA extends registration

Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Friday October 21, 2016 10:29

NAA started last year with the mandate of empowering, honouring and celebrating artists in the northern part of the country.

Ontiretse Nthinthie, the chairperson of NAA told Showbiz that there was a need for the extension of the registration period after many artists showed interest to be part of the awards at the 11th hour. He said that most of the artists did not register for the awards because they were busy preparing for the BOT50 celebrations.

“Majority of the artist were preparing for the Independence celebrations and music festivals which took place during the Botswana 50 years commemorations. Some of the northern artists did not register because they resides in the capital city and some stay as far as Kasane which made it difficult for them to register with us in time,” he said.

He added that in future they would enhance their registration by using an online registration system. Nthinthie said that the online registration would assist artists in bridging the gap of both distance and transport barriers.

He urged all of the northern artists to register for the NAA so that they can stand a chance to win prizes. He mentioned that the NAA would have 28 categories including new categories such as Best Annual Festival, Media House, Employer, Award of honour, and others.

He disclosed that they are still concerned about some of the categories, which artists appear reluctant or are slow to register for.

“Less or no individuals have registered for the Best Host, Art Reporter, Fashion Design only to name a few,” he said.

Nthinthie said that Kwambala Foundation, Kgalajwe Foundation, Garero Multimedia, Taolo Moshaga and others would sponsor the NAA. He appealed for sponsorship from corporate companies to promote the arts industry in the north.

Registration fee is P100 and tickets for the event are sold at P300 per individual, including dinner and P3,000 for a table of 10 people.

Moreover, tickets are sold through Computickets and available at Shoprite and OK Stores around the Country. NAA will take place on December 10 at Thapama Cresta Hotel.