The Ongoma Music Awards, aimed at uplifting upcoming local artists, have shown promising support ahead of the submission deadline set for today.
The organisers say so far, more than 200 emerging artists and upcoming producers have shown interest in the awards, which will include nine categories.
Awards founder and executive director Ndawana Ndume says the idea is to bridge the gap between upcoming artists and the main industry.
“We have noticed that many talented artists in Namibia are working hard, but they are not being seen and heard, as many opportunities are lacking.
“The awards were born out of a desire to provide them with a first platform to be recognised, boost their confidence, and to prepare them to take on bigger platforms.”
Unlike existing platforms such as the Namibia Annual Music Awards, Ndume says the Ongoma Music Awards are not a competition but a foundation.
“This is not about competition with existing awards. It is about development. We want to nurture talent from the ground up so that when artists reach bigger platforms, they are ready and confident,” he says.
Local artists who have been excluded form local recognition say the awards’ vision already seems to be resonating.
Northern-based Makilla the Rapper, who has spent more than a decade in the music industry, says Ongoma is a long-overdue breakthrough for artists in Namibia.
“As an artist who has been in this industry for over 10 years, I’ve seen how hard it can be to stay consistent without recognition, but these awards are not just a show, they also provide hope.”
Artist Loccosound, real name Nghelo yaMkwamani, says the awards serve to motivate those who have often been overlooked.
“After years of putting in the work and staying true to my sound, it’s refreshing to see a platform like this come to life,” he says.
He says it is not just about recognising talent, but also about restoring hope and reminding artists that their journey matters.
Ndume says after the closure of the submission process, the awards process will involve a screening and adjudication process by a panel of experts in the field, with the nominees to be announced on 30 April.
The awards ceremony is slated for 29 August at the Ongwediva Multipurpose Centre, with the date selected to coincide with the popular Ongwediva Trade Fair for maximum attendance and exposure.
Ndume is also calling on corporate Namibia to support the initiative.
“This is bigger than an awards show. It is about building the future of Namibian music,” he says.
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