And the winners are ….

The blue carpet for the Namibia Annual Music Awards is being laid out as you read this and before the weekend is over, we’ll have a new crop of winners. The organisers have promised a glittering ceremony tomorrow night at the Ramatex Industrial Grounds in Otjomuise, amidst criticism from some quarters of the public who seem to think that everything taking place in the townships is doomed for failure.

Organisers have announced that preparations are well on schedule and people can prepare for a real musical spectacular.Given the prestige and glamour that characterise the awards, all eyes will definitely be fixed on the Female and Male Artist of the Year award.Last year’s winners in the best female category, Gal Level and the male title’s winner Jericho were clear favourites to take home the top gongs from the moment they were nominated but this year’s line-up is really a tough one to predict.Contrary to those who believe kwaito has lost its shine, the five kwaito artists nominated for this year’s Best Male Artist of the Year award certainly say otherwise.The highly talented Dixon is the only non-kwaito artist nominated this year.Kwaito master Dogg will be vying to reclaim his crown against the new boys on the block like Exit, Mushe, Mr Makoya and EES, who was the most recent kwaito artist to win the coveted award in 2009.Exit and Mushe, who were ironically winning awards together during their days as the Exit & Mushe have emerged as powerful players over the last couple of years and so has Mr Makoya, formerly of Matongo Family.The abilities of German-based EES are unquestionable and the likeable artist has definitely grown a very formidable fan base, strong enough to deal another knock-out blow to his fellow contenders for the award.Lone man Dixon has unmatched singing abilities which he showcased on his debut album ‘This Is Me’, which has received positive reviews from music scribes as well as the public. Whether this translates into votes big enough to clinch the top prize remains to be seen.One thing for sure – never write The Dogg off! He’s already travelled the length and breadth of the country to promote his nomination and secure votes.Meanwhile, the Female Artist of the Year is probably the most open award at this year’s event.Whether the beautiful voice of TeQuila is good enough to win her the biggest prize is something that will be decided by the voting masses tomorrow night.School girl Linda is definitely a clear favourite while veteran singer Stella is an artist the public has grown to love in recent years.Vanity are young and very vibrant but they seem isolated from the public somewhat although certainly a favourite among male fans because of their sexy shows and good looks, but looks alone can’t win awards.Also in the running for the prestigious award is gospel artist Carolina who is definitely the lesser known of all the nominees in the category, along with the quirky Lize Ehlers.Needless to say Carolina is very popular in gospel circles while Lize also boast a huge following of her own which makes the Female Artist of the Year award the most interesting categories at this year’s Namas.The Weekender predictions:The Dogg for Male Artist of the Year simply because of his popularity and TeQuila for Female Artist of the Year because of her singing ability.-conrad@namibian.com.na