The Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) has officially transferred all intellectual property and multimedia archives of the Namibian Annual Music Awards (Namas) to the government.
The rights were handed over to the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture on Tuesday, placing the country’s most prestigious music event under public custody.
For ten years, MTC alongside the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation served as the headline sponsor of the awards, turning the platform into a celebration of musical talent recognised across the continent.
Though MTC’s active sponsorship wrapped up in 2019, the company retained the rights until now, seeking a transition that would safeguard the awards’ future.
“MTC and its co-sponsors have invested over N$100 million over 10 years, and today handed over a brand name that is over N$400 million,” says MTC chief brand, marketing, communication and sustainability officer Tim Ekandjo.
Ekandjo has expressed pride in the platform’s legacy, noting that the transfer ensures continuity and wider access to a decade’s worth of Namibian cultural history.
The ministry recently confirmed it will take full responsibility for organising and managing the awards going forward. By taking the reins, the government aims to provide stronger institutional backing for local artists while expanding the reach of the awards both at home and abroad.
The move has been welcomed by industry stakeholders who hope public stewardship will breathe new life into the awards.
With the intellectual property, audio and visual archives now securely in the hands of the ministry, the foundation is set for the Namas to return to the national stage, preserving Namibia’s musical heritage for the next generation of creatives.
