Dear Artists, Stop Blaming the Government

Dear namibian artists and creative industry stakeholders, I write to you today with great concern regarding a growing trend that is undermining the value of our industry.

It has come to our attention that some artists have been approaching the government to offer free performances at state events, particularly funerals, in an attempt to gain favour when major events, such as Independence Day celebrations, are being organised.

This practice not only sets a dangerous precedent, but also devalues the immense contribution of artists to the cultural and economic fabric of Namibia.

By offering free services, we weaken our industry’s bargaining power and create an environment where artists are not compensated according to their worth. This has prompted the government to make public calls for pro bono performances for the purpose of transparency – further exacerbating the issue and creating unnecessary competition among artists.

As a result, our industry remains fragmented, with individual interests taking precedence over collective growth and sustainability. It is crucial that we as artists and creatives recognise our worth and demand that our contributions be respected.

We must discourage those who willingly offer their services for free in exchange for favouritism, as this not only harms their own careers but also undermines the credibility of the entire industry. Our art is valuable, and our impact on the nation’s economy should not be taken lightly.

Therefore, we call on all artists to stand in solidarity and refuse to participate in any pro bono performances in the near future unless it is a voluntary initiative for a noble cause agreed upon by the industry as a whole. We also urge the government to adopt a formalised approach when engaging artists by requesting quotations and selecting performers based on merit and relevance to the occasion.

The government should respect the creative industry as a legitimate business sector and refrain from calling for unpaid performances.

Together, we have the power to create a thriving and sustainable creative industry that benefits all artists.

Let us remain united in our pursuit of fair compensation, professional recognition, and respect for our craft.

The change starts with us.

Suleiman Kyababa

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