IT IS going on five years since the last Namibia Annual Music Awards (NAMAs), once the country’s premier music awards ceremony.
Sponsored by MTC for 10 years, the NAMAs provided a competitive platform for musicians to showcase their talent, win awards and receive monetary prizes.
The biggest music awards event in Namibia, it was eagerly anticipated by artists and fans every year.
When it was announced that the 2020 edition would be the last, I never imagined Namibia would go five years without another sponsor stepping in.
While there have been a few smaller awards ceremonies, none have matched the scale and impact of the NAMAs.
The hunger for recognition among artists was evident in the overwhelming response to the recent Bank Windhoek Brand Song Remix competition.
It attracted a large number of entries within a short period, highlighting the immense talent Namibia possesses.
Importantly, it underscored artists’ desire to be recognised and rewarded for their hard work.
OFF-KEY
It is disheartening that so many talented Namibian musicians have little to show for their tireless efforts.
The Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music (Nascam), mandated to collect royalties for member artists under the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Protection Act, has been plagued by inefficiencies.
These include reports of operating without critical policies for over 26 years, allegedly failing to pay royalties to some artists, and internal disputes over employee contracts.
Some artists are unaware of Nascam’s mandate, compensation requirements or don’t understand the copyright laws.
Nascam should prioritise improving information dissemination and awareness campaigns to better educate artists.
DIGITAL DEMANDS
In addition, Namibia’s music industry struggles with outdated distribution methods.
Many artists still rely on selling CDs, primarily to shebeen owners, instead of leveraging digital streaming platforms.
Namibian musicians and other content creators also don’t receive financial benefits from streaming services, an issue that demands urgent intervention.
Recently, the government announced plans to introduce YouTube monetisation and digital payment solutions, which would allow Namibians to fully participate in the global digital economy. This is a promising step.
Corporate organisations must step up by sponsoring awards and creating recognition platforms for artists.
Many companies generate millions in profits from Namibian consumers but fail to give back to the community in a meaningful way.
Artists, in turn, need to recognise that their names and personas are brands.
If properly managed, their brand identity can open doors to lucrative opportunities such as endorsements, brand ambassadorships and corporate advertising.
Some artists, especially those who are up and coming, don’t seem to fully value themselves as brands.
Reputation and image can cause brands to be hesitant to associate with some artists.
TUNING IN
The involvement of someone like Frederick Shitana, who was recently sworn in as a member of parliament, presents a valuable opportunity for artists to have a stronger voice in policymaking.
Known for addressing social issues through his music, he now has a prominent platform to advocate for fellow musicians and creatives.
My hope is that he will champion the rights of artists, push for policies that benefit the creative industry, and ensure that musicians receive the recognition and compensation they deserve.
It’s time for stakeholders to step up and ensure that our musicians and creatives are given the platforms they need to shine.
With the right support, fair policies and a collective effort, Namibia’s music industry can thrive, providing artists with not only the recognition they deserve but the financial ability to sustain their craft.
- Asser Nakale is an assistant archivist in the Ministry of Education, Oshikoto region. This article is written in his personal capacity; laudikanakale@gmail.com
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