Seabelo Modibe of Total Music Group revealed that this year's awards attracted more than 2,000 submissions. However, over 200 entries were disqualified for failing to meet the submission requirements. He urged artists to pay closer attention to entry guidelines, citing issues such as incorrect category placements, incomplete information, and poor labelling of submissions. Modibe also delivered a firm reminder about the importance of entering the awards process. "We don't care how big you are or how much your song is being played. If you don't enter the BOMU Awards, we ignore you," he said during the announcement. His comments may explain the absence of some notable names from this year's nominee lists, with artists such as Ezra Neethings and Ubuntu Band's hit Skeem Saam amongst those missing from the nominations, sparking discussion amongst music fans.
Leading this year's field is Issa Sisdoh, who emerged as the most nominated artist. Her nominations include Best House/Dance EP/Album for Echo of the Healing, Best Female Artist, Best Newcomer (as Issah Sisdoh), and Best Collaboration for Vumadlodzi alongside Ancestral Rituals. Other artists enjoying strong representation across multiple categories include Thomas Chilume, Han C, DM Guys, Vee Mampeezy, and Jinger Stone. The nominations reflect the breadth and diversity of Botswana's music industry. In the highly coveted Song of the Year category, contenders include Harry Cane's Gomba Gomba, DM Guys' Raskanta Tobetsa Pina, Han C's Mamasita, and Thato Tladi's Nkadumela. Album of the Year nominees feature Lorato Ga Se Ntwa by Shumba Ratsega, Sebaga by Dada Kavino, Amadlozi by Ancestral Rituals, and Bosa by Han C. Competition is equally fierce in the artist categories. Best Male Artist will see Han C, Big T, Thomas Chilume, and DJ Skizoh BW battle it out, while Samantha Mogwe, Amantle Brown, Dato Seiko, and Issa Sisdoh headline the Best Female Artist category. The Best Newcomer award shines a spotlight on emerging talent, with Jinger Stone, Issah Sisdoh, Kesego Lysson, and Tefo Bright earning nominations.
