The 2026 Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) Awards are set to make history on Friday, 28 August, with President Duma Gideon Boko expected to become the first sitting President to attend the ceremony since the awards were established in 2011. The 14th edition will be held at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC), ahead of Botswana’s 60th Independence celebrations.
Held under the theme “Music Beyond,” the awards will celebrate Botswana’s musical talent across 35 categories, recognising artists, producers and other industry players. A new category, Most Viral Song, has been introduced this year, reflecting changing trends in the music industry. Only seven categories are open to public voting, with voting closing on 26 August.
Beyond the awards themselves, organisers say the event provides an economic boost to the wider creative industry, benefiting fashion designers, make-up artists, hairdressers and photographers, as well as businesses in the hospitality sector. A long-standing feature of the BOMU Awards is that all nominees receive a nominee’s fee.
In keeping with the 60th Independence celebrations, guests have been encouraged to embrace the dress code “3 Colours of Botswana – Bold Colours/National Motifs,” bringing Botswana’s national colours into the red carpet. Events Lab coordinator Seabelo Modibe described the occasion as a major moment for the creative industry.
BOMU president Gloria Dzwikiti said the President’s presence is an important recognition of the sector, describing it as an affirmation that Botswana’s creative talent matters and deserves to be celebrated, supported and invested in.
