South African media personality, Pearl Thusi and former Yarona FM afternoon drive presenter, DJ Sway will host the eighth edition of Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAS).
The awards will be held under the theme, #DRIPTILLINFINITY at Molapo Showcase Piazza on November 11, 2023. Speaking to Yarona FM presenters via a live call during an interaction session on Friday, Pearl Thusi said this will be her second official visit to Botswana. She also said the first time she was in the country was about 13 years back during the launch of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency film. She expressed gratitude for being chosen as part of the awards hosts. She further explained how Emtee’s hit song, which was dedicated to her, affected her life. She added that she would be dripping as part of the event’s theme. Pearl Thusi surprised attendants when she announced that she will co-host the awards with DJ Sway who clearly was not aware that he would be sharing the stage with the South African beauty. The interaction session was graced by awards nominees, members of the media and awards partners.
Still at the interaction session, Kgalagadi Breweries Limited (KBL) was announced as the awards partners. When addressing the gathering, Trade and Marketing manager at KBL, Oteng Tlhong, said the awards signified a call to challenge, establish perspectives and shine the light on the immense talent that often remained hidden. “Together we can elevate our proud Botswana brand to new heights and inspire our future generations to embrace their unique abilities. Every Motswana can earn a living through art. This afternoon is a momentous day for us at KBL. We have the privilege of sharing some exciting news and celebrating it together. We mark a new chapter in our marketing strategic approach while remaining true to our local flavour. Today is about the arts, our cherished creatives and their labour of art. Let’s get ready to embrace extra ordinary,” she said. Tlhong added that St Louis Lager would be presenting the Hype The Homegrown Campaign and partnership with Yarona FM’s YAMAs. She explained that the campaign aims to inspire a new sense of pride in the creative forces within their communities.
She added that it was an invitation to celebrate the untapped potential in their backyards, reinforcing the belief that true greatness is from within. She said Yarona FM had put the spotlight in the local talent and modern lifestyle. For his part, the general manager at Yarona FM Owen Rampha said he was excited about the partnership between Yarona FM (YAMAs) and KBL. He added that was a testament of a solid relationship between the two entities. He further explained that the YAMAs came a long way since the beginning, adding that they came up with those awards because they had deep passion for music and the desire to create a platform for their artists. He added that the awards grew tremendously over the years.
He also said they witnessed history being made, stars being born and the music industry being reshaped. He further explained that the addition of KBL to their family was a great milestone for them.
