Mixed reactions on 2017 YAMAs nominees
Dumisani Ncube | Tuesday November 14, 2017 15:52
A number of urban music artists were nominated into 14 different categories with a new category dubbed the Best RnB Single category introduced.
Celebrated pop artist Yaw Bannerman is leading the pack with six nominations with most of them coming from the collaboration track he did with Veezo called Zaka.
With the list is out, many believe that the choosing criteria to nominees by Yarona FM radio hosts and the production team did not do justice by leaving out a number of young artists that were dominant this year.
Critics cried fowl of artists such as Obado, Mane Dilla, Baxon, Trippy Rhe, Riz Khali, Ozi F Teddy, Wndr, Bang Gae Producers, German Dollar and DJ King to mention but a few who are not included in the nomination list.
Other critics especially on social media felt that some of the selected artists did not deserve the nod, as they did not do much pleasing work this year. This left many asking which criteria was used to choose nominees.
According to Yarona FM marketing assistant, Thabiso Tafa while selecting the nominations the radio hosts and production team looked at a number of elements such as songs that have been released since June last year till August this year, audience response, artwork and rotation on radio.
One notable category, Best Newcomer, has artists such as Yaw Bannerman and Tafnaz who have been in the music circles for years but they have been categorised as new comers.
Despite the critics, the YAMAs remain as one of the most sought after musical awards in the country.
“The 4th Annual YAMAs will be another platform where we honour our artists in the music industry. The YAMAs will showcase the talent in Botswana, not only for musicians but for the designers too. People will be wearing the best of the best from designers in Botswana. This year we are delighted to add a new category. As Yarona FM we are looking forward to this fourth installment. The launch will be an exciting feature showcasing our artists,” said Yarona FM station manager Kelly Ramputswa.
Full list of nominees
1. Best Male Single
Veezo/Yaw Bannerman - Zaka
ATI/Legacy DG/Yung Amazing - Khiring Khiring Khorong
Bangu - Hani Mubone
DJ Anthem/Skavenja - Monyopi
2. Best Female Single
MP3RD - Yeah yeah
Amantle Brown/Juju Boy - Follo
Bouncy/ Perion - Side1
Kaycee - Inamba namba
3. Best New Comer
Yaw Bannerman
Lunar
MP3RD
Tafnaz
4. Best Hip hop/Motswako
Single
Veezo/Yaw Bannerman - Zaka
ATI/Legacy DG/Yung Amazing - Khiring Khiring Khorong
Bangu - Hani Mubone
Drama Boi - Bosigo kaofela
Frost/Morwa Tsankana - Kgwanyape
5. Best Dance Single
DJ Anthem/Skavenja - Monyopi
Vee/Trademark/Thulasizwe - I do
Team Distant/ Han C - Changes
Zo Harvey and Raul Bryan/Lunar - Tricky Silly Boy
6. Best Kwaito Single
MMP Family - Kwela kwela
Kaycee - Inamba namba
T.H.A.B.O - Back together
Dipstrada - Ko Kae
7. Best R&B Single
(new category)
Bouncy/perion - Side 1
Tafnaz/Big Budget - Selfish
Licky/Bouncy - Push away
Amantle Brown/Juju Boy - Follo
8. Best Collabo
Amantle Brown/Juju Boy- Follo
DJ Anthem/Skavenja - Monyopi
Veezo/Yaw Bannerman - Zaka
T.H.A.B.O and Mapetla - Sanketsa
9. Producer Of The Year
Bangu
Ammo Ski Mask
BK Proctor
Prez Beatz
Suffocate
10. Social Media Award
Kast
Dramaboi
Scar
Martin Fani
Mr yummy
Yaw Bannerman
Mdu Tha Party DJ Izzy
11. People’s Choice
/Artist Of The Year
Han C
Kast
ATI
Ban T
Drama Boi
Vee
12. Best Hip hop DJ
Tumie Black Ace
DJ Izzy
Mr Yummy
KUD
13. Best Dance DJ
DJ Bakito
DJ Chrispin The Drummer
NT
Base
Easy B
14. Song Of The Year
Veezo/Yaw Bannerman - Zaka
Amantle Brown/Juju Boy - Follo
ATI/Legacy DG/Yung Amazing - Khiring Khiring Khorong
DJ Anthem/Skavenja - Monyopi
Bangu - Hani Mubone
15. Icon *receipient to be announce on award night
16. Hall of Fame*receipient to be announce on award night