Sally, Adora scoop NAMAs at first virtual show

FOR the first time in the history of the Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs), artists received their awards at a virtual event, on Saturday evening.

The event was hosted by some of the most recognisable faces in Namibian entertainment – Pombili Shilongo, Paul Munanjala known as Paul Da Prince, and Tanya Daringo.

Alba Hamukwaya, affectionately known as DJ Alba, one of the country’s best female DJs and music producers, entertained at the event with KP Illest, Lioness, Adora, Bertholdt, Monique English and Sally Boss Madam.

Sally Boss Madam walked away with the award for the best Afro-pop category for her song ‘Centre’, featuring dancehall artist Don Kamati, while Adora (real name Lilani Kisting), affectionately known as the Queen of the South, scooped the best collaboration award for her hit song ‘Sim Di A’ featuring Jayden.

Sally Boss Madam was thrilled that her favourite song off the new album ‘Lucky Girl’ was recognised. “I indeed feel like a lucky girl,” she said.

The track marked the first time she teamed up with Don Kamati, whose talent she admits she instantly fell in love with the first time she heard his music.

Performing under Covid-19 regulations has been challenging, remarked the singer. “It was difficult, but we had to follow the rules. This is a new way of performing. I advise those still lined-up to grace the event to just have fun. This is a great platform to reach out to the public.”

Adora was surprised by her song’s success especially because the process of working on it with Jayden was characterised with arguments.

“Jayden and I did not agree on anything most of the times. Winning this award was, however, a very sweet moment for me. I want people to know that getting recognition late in your career is also fine. You must just keep on working hard and give it your best,” Adora said.

She said attending the event this year was markedly different from previous NAMAs due to the Covid-19 regulations. Having to stand outside with all the nominees while waiting for the announcement of the winner and not having any friends and family to witness this beautiful moment in her career was rather challenging.

Fans watching from the comfort of their homes flooded social media with comments regarding Covid-19 regulations. One such fan was Maria Nashilongo who noted than none of the presenters or performers were wearing masks.

“I watched the show in fear for their safety. This was very disappointing for me. A big event like this must inspire the nation to wear face masks during a difficult time,” Nashilongo said.

She also pointed out that the organisers uploaded photos on social media which showcased the fact that social distancing measures were not being taken seriously.

Tim Ekandjo of the NAMAs executive committee, however, assured the public that the virtual NAMAs were conducted with very strict safety measures in place to adhere to Covid-19 regulations.

“Mics are being sanitised, temperatures of all artists are checked, no guests are allowed, we have an attendance register in place and no dancers are allowed. In the case of collaborations, only the main artist was allowed to sing without a mask and all crews in the venue wear masks,” Ekandjo said.

The much-anticipated music award show will take place over eight weekends, kicking off with this weekend’s proceedings and ending on 31 October.

Check out the next NAMAs virtual event on Friday, 4 September where winners of the best single and best traditional categories will be awarded. The best gospel and lifetime achiever awards will be announced on Saturday, 5 September.

NAMA tickets are available at Webtickets for N$10 per show

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