While we celebrate those Namibians who put a smile on our faces with their music and make us proud to be Namibian, on the other hand we’re faced with quite a few unanswered questions, if you ask me.
And surely I hope by the time you read this, those questions will have been addressed.
The 2017 Namibian Annual Music Awards raised so many questions and had my mind working overtime on grounds of transparency and accountability – two attributes so much stressed by President Hage Geingob and First Lady Monica Geingos as critical for the future of this nation. They even went as far as revealing all their assets and financials to the nation for heaven’s sake – a gesture meant to inspire us to stay true and honest.
While the NAMAs has shown tremendous growth in terms of production, especially at the main event, it was no secret that Namibia was not entirely happy with all the winners announced – some of which were complete surprises to the audience and the nation at large.
Obviously the win that caused for the most controversy is that of Monique English as Female Artist of The Year.
Monique, you are a gorgeous woman, and I humbly call on you not take the public’s rage personally. I don’t know you, but you seem like a very sweet and lovely person, and I am sure you are great at what you do. I would hate to see you affected in any way by the controversy surrounding your win. It is those behind the decisions that are being questioned, not you. Keep on doing your music and show Namibia who Monique English is. Congrats on your win.
Now, I must admit I understood my fellow Namibians in questioning Monique’s win. And while I also admit that I am not very familiar with the local music industry, with my ears on the ground, I am definitely clued up on the stand-outs.
But then you look at the results of NAMAs, and you are confused by what clearly is not a reflection of the ‘present’ on the local music scene. I unfortunately am one of those who asked the question “who is Monique English?” I guess her management and marketing team has their work cut out for them.
But more so, clearly the people behind the scenes who make these decisions have some questions to answer. Look, I am not going to sit here and pretend to know it all – honestly, I know very little when it comes to the local music industry – much less than my days as an entertainment writer. But I have learnt the hard way that where there is smoke, there is fire. And I also don’t believe an entire nation would cry about something if they didn’t notice a snake in the grass.
I would like to believe that visibility and presence plays an important part in deciding the winner of especially important categories such as Male and Female Artist of the Year. Or is this solely based on music sales? Like I said, I don’t know much, but clearly clarity on these things are needed.
Come on organisers, judges and whoever else is involved, bring some clarity to the table – transparency and accountability, peace and prosperity. Let us move forward and not take a step back.
And if the decision is based solely on public votes, make those records available.
