Right of Reply: Nascam Responds to False Claims

Falsehoods will not go unchallenged.

The Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music (Nascam) categorically refutes D-Naff’s accusations and calls for an end to the personal attacks that harm the entire creative industry.

In an article published on 14 April 2025 by The Namibian, gospel artist D-Naff made false claims regarding the postponement of Nascam’s annual general meeting (AGM) and the payment of his royalties.

We must state clearly: The board cannot postpone an AGM without members’ approval.

D-Naff himself failed to attend the meeting.

Furthermore, his claim about unpaid royalties is misleading.

Nascam has full record and proof of payments distributed to him. His public attack is not only false, but harmful to the progress we are making as a united industry.

We also highlight that D-Naff last submitted new works to Nascam in 2018.

Without registering new songs, artists cannot expect big royalties. Royalties represent only 5% of potential income – the remaining 95% comes from performances, sales, marketing, and consistent public engagement.

Low airplay and low bookings are the result of poor marketing, which is not Nascam’s fault. Artists must take ownership of their careers.

It is crucial to educate members: Nascam’s mandate is to collect and distribute royalties for registered works – not to manage, market, or promote artists.

Membership does not guarantee royalties; every song must be registered before release.

The saying stands true: You reap what you sow. We must stop diverting blame and start building a sustainable creative economy.

Instead of finger-pointing, we should focus on advocating for more local content on radio and TV.

Under this board’s leadership, we have achieved seven new internal policies, signed contracts for all staff, agreements with the trade ministry and the Business and Intellectual Property Authority, and fair royalty distributions based on merit.

Nascam today is stronger, more transparent, and more accountable than ever.

We have faced resistance, but we remain committed. Nascam is an institution for all artists.

We must not destroy the foundation we are laying for future generations.

We call for unity.

Nascam belongs to all creatives who value integrity, growth, and unity.

Suleiman Kyababa
Chairman, Nascam

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