Composers’ board delays election, faces corruption claims

Delays raise fears of clinging to power.
Artists upset about low royalty payouts, hidden finances.
Jericho defends society, blames little local airtime.

The Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music (Nascam) is under fire after postponing its board election, with musicians accusing leaders of clinging to power and mismanaging royalties.

Nascam, which collects and distributes royalty payments among Namibian artists, has faced growing criticism over transparency and fairness.

Board chairperson Sula Kyababa has announced that the election, meant to select a new board, was delayed to 2 August, after an annual general meeting (AGM) on 2 April.

He says only three candidates applied for four open seats, despite extending the nomination deadline.

“We wanted more participation, so the AGM decided to hold a special general meeting in August,” Kyababa says.

“This year, we introduced an application-based system to focus on skills and experience, including a psychometric test to ensure qualified candidates.”

However, some artists see the delay as a tactic to hold onto power.

Veteran musician Naftalie Amukwelele, known as D-Naff, last week didn’t mince his words.

“Postponing the election shows someone wants to keep their position and continue with nonsense,” he said. “Many creatives want transparent leaders, not people chasing personal gain.”

D-Naff, a long-time Nascam member, said his royalties have dried up.

“There was a time I enjoyed good royalties, but lately, it’s been declining. Last year, I got nothing for the first time ever. I don’t know if my music’s not played, or if Nascam’s system is broken.”

He also claimed some board members have corrupt financial records, a serious accusation against an organisation meant to protect artists.
Nascam’s job is to collect royalties from radio stations, television channels, and public venues, then pay musicians based on how often their music is used.

With over 8 000 members, it’s a lifeline for Namibian artists, but complaints about delayed or missing payments have grown.

A 2023 report by The Namibian noted that artists like KP-Ilest and King Elegant had not received royalties for years, pointing to deeper issues.
Fillimon Stephanus, aka Mabuzza, echoed D-Naff’s frustration.

“I haven’t gotten a penny from Nascam since 2021,” he says. “There’s no transparency. People are just there for their own benefit.”

Musician D Kandjafa shared a similar story, saying he received only N$750 during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite producing albums that cost thousands.

“I’m fed up,” he stressed. “I paid everyone who worked on my albums, but Nascam gave me almost nothing. They said the money was split with collaborators, but it doesn’t add up.”

Musicians have also raised concerns about the AGM, where the board allegedly failed to present financial reports.

A source claimed only six months were given to prepare, and Kyababa offered little clarity.

“You’re looking for controversy,” he told Unwrap last week. “I can’t discuss internal matters.”

On the psychometric tests, he said: “Ask the company that did it. I don’t know why you’re asking me.”
Not everyone agrees the board is failing, however.

Renowned rapper Jericho Gawanab has defended Nascam, saying the current leaders have made progress.
“The new board updated documents and got employees proper contracts,” he said last week.

“They also raised the death benefit for members’ families from N$3 000 to N$15 000. Plus new deals with the trade ministry last December let artists keep 100% of some royalties.”

Jericho said low royalty payouts are caused by local music getting little local airtime.

“Radio, TV, DJs and events need to play more local music,” he said.

“We’re drowned out by South African and Nigerian songs. Even club DJs play more foreign tracks, so how can we expect better payouts?”
Still, D-Naff remains sceptical.

“You can’t have board members with grudges against certain labels,” he said.

“They’ll make sure their rivals get nothing. I’m tempted to say dismantle Nascam and let artists find help elsewhere.”
– Additional reporting by Otto Gotlieb.

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