NAMAs – The Big Winners

THERE is nothing better than receiving recognition for your hard work, effort and passion. The Namibia Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) 2014 again afforded the best in the industry much needed recognition for proving to be the best in their respective genres.

All category winners walk away with a brand new Huawei P6 Smartphone. Female and Male Artists of the Year, Erna Chimu and Gazza, each walk away with N$50 000, a holiday for two at any of the NWR lodges, as well as laundry services to the value of N$10 000. In addition, they and the Album of the Year winner, Elvis se Seun, will perform at the TribeOne: Dinokeng music festival, the biggest of its kind in Africa. All other category winners take home N$20 000.

Erna says the award came as a huge surprise to her. “I was there at the back somewhere on my way out, I had no idea I even stood a chance of winning this award,” she said, adding that she is still trying to get used to the idea that she actually won one of the biggest awards of the night.

The songbird said that for her, winning the award means so much more than just the money or the title. It is about creating a gateway for artists from various genres, especially those that are not as popular. She says winning the award proves that the Namibian music industry is slowly but surely diversifying, with little known genres being appreciated. She is also pleased that the industry is appreciating live music more, which is a great advantage. Excited about her upcoming performance at the TribeOne music festival, Erna says she will represent the country to the best of her ability.

“I know that I will be carrying the entire nation on my back, so I want to give the best performance so that it can also open doors for the entire music industry,” Erna said.

Male Artist of the Year winner Gazza says although he didn’t expect to win, he worked very hard and the album was well received, thus he is humbled to be recognised for his work. According to the ‘Tufike Apa’ singer, local music has developed for the better and the fact that live vocals and instrumentals have become such a big thing, is evidence that they as artists are doing something right in pushing for the betterment of the industry, and taking the industry to international levels.

“I feel humbled that my fans are still around and they remain loyal in their support,” Gazza said.

He added that to remain relevant, he makes sure he listens to what music lovers want and finds a way to give it to them. He says the secret is not to relax, but to rather keep studying the people and what they want.

For the TribeOne music festival, Gazza says his fans, the audience, music lovers and the entire Namibian nation can rest assured that he will deliver an entertaining and quality performance that will put the nation on the map.

“I will not disappoint the Namibian people and I will not put them to shame. I will try and go fully live or at least semi-live if there are some sounds that I won’t be able to get,” Gazza said.

This year definitely belonged to the newcomers who burst onto the scene with some of the best sounds we have heard lately.

Jean-Michael’s debut album ‘Rise and Shine’ became an instant hit, so much so that it saw him nominated in the Best Male Artist of the Year category and winning the Best Newcomer award.

First time NAMA winner, Jean-Michael said he is humbled by the award and the recognition he has been receiving ever since his album came out. He says winning the award gives him the boost to now even work harder in delivering quality music for his fans. A go getter, Jean-Michael says the award proves that if you really want something, you can get it as long as you give it your all.

“It really feels encouraging to be rewarded and I feel that I should now give it my all, I believe that I should now make things happen,” Jean-Michael said.

He had just finished a smashing performance of a lyrically rich Hip-Hop song when he was called back to receive the Best Hip-Hop award. Having being gone from the country for some time, N.I.A used his time in the US to educate and immerse himself in Hip-Hop culture, which has certainly contributed to his fresh, original sound. He says he is humbled by the response he has been receiving ever since his return to Namibia and that he feels honoured to have been awarded.

He added that he is glad that people were open to his music and that he was not seen as a threat to the existing industry, but rather as an addition to the growing success of the industry.

“When I was younger all we had was South African music and to come back to an industry that has grown so much is just amazing. We now have our own pioneers in our music, the Gazzas and them.” He added that the fact that Namibia has its own music awards is also an indication that the industry is reaching for greater heights and that it is growing. He says fans can expect only the best from him and that he will give it his all to contribute positively to the industry.

Voted Most Popular Artist of the Year, nominated for Male Artist of the Year and taking the award for Kwaito Artist of the Year and judging from his past experience at the NAMAs, it can safely be said that Exit is the man of the moment.

His latest album, ‘My Notebook’ went viral with every jukebox, taxi, house party and club banging hits like ‘Koskola’ and ‘My Notebook’, with his album and performances garnering great reviews.

The Kwaito master said that closing off a good year with the award for Best Kwaito, one of the most competitive categories, is just terrific. He said he could not be more honoured to have the title and that the recognition serves as extra encouragement to keep doing his best. He is humbled and thanks his fans for the ongoing support.

“Getting the best Kwaito award was really just amazing,” Exit said.

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