The NAMAs Go Big

The biggest night on Namibia’s entertainment calendar – the 2019 Namibia Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) – went down as one of the best events thus far. Held at The Dome at Swakopmund last Saturday evening, the awards aimed high by bringing in special effects to wow the crowd.

And NAMAs executive chair Tim Ekandjo promised that next year’s event will be even bigger. “We will be celebrating 10 years, so it will be big,” he said.

Singer, songwriter, actress and music mentor Lize Ehlers was the biggest winner of the night – scooping the best house, female artist of the year and artist of the year awards – earning her a whopping N$280 000.

Ehlers said winning the best house award means the world to her, because of the message in the song.

“’Fantastic Sam’ is just the beginning of a big movement in danceable message music for me. Winning the best female award made my heart swell with joy, because as a mixed woman coming all the way from Mariental, I feel honoured and proud that women of my kind can identify with me and feel they are worthy and they belong,” she said.

“I am very grateful for all of my winnings. I have been crying happy tears since the win on Saturday evening. Gratitude is overflowing from my eyes. Thank you for recognising 10 years of tireless work and passion,” said Ehlers, who launched her first album, ‘Fairy Circle Love’, in 2010.

“Work even if you feel uninspired. If you can’t help yourself, help others, because it will motivate you. Have a purpose, create your purpose and stick to it. My purpose is the same: Creating a future, enhancing life,” the talented artist said.

Speaking about what she plans to do with her winnings, the ‘Lovesick’ hitmaker said she needs a new car.

“I want to travel safely and make music even outside Namibia. I am challenging local companies to partner up and spread a message of hope, quality and creativity.”

Another highlight for Ehlers was entering the venue in style on a horse. She explained that the idea came from performance director, former Miss Namibia, actress, MC, brand ambassador, dancer and model Odile Gertze and choreographer Paul Phedolo.

“They said we need to make a statement. I agreed because the times we are living in reflect a painful reality. Dondolo the horse was a very mature and stable animal. I was very proud to ride in on him.”

Behind The Scenes

Gertze, who was one of the presenters at the awards last year, particularly enjoyed her role backstage.

“To really understand the effort and hard work that goes into an incredibly multi-layered live music production and show such as this, one must be willing to walk a mile in those shoes. I enjoyed being on stage, but I fell in love with the process of working backstage. Backstage and producing the magic is an entire incredible movie by itself,” she said.

Gertze and her team worked on the project for over six months.

“At the end, the dancers blew us away. They were really one of the hardest-working teams, with around-the-clock rehearsals and a mountain of choreography to learn, and then bringing it all together uninterrupted one after the other on show day. During every rehearsal and performance, it was an honour to see such young talent shine.”

Controversial hitmaker Exit, who won the best kwaito and male artist of the year awards, said it is time for a change.

“I have discovered the holy grail – my true self. I now know my strengths and my weaknesses. My journey has taught me something important: A fish does not know it’s wet and God’s approval is more significant than earthly fame, so I have transcended. From now on, my fans will witness discipline, hard work, respect and vision from me.”

The ‘I Am Rockaz’ star said this year’s event was perfect. “The birds flew in harmony, the bath tub was filled with musical foam, gender-based violence was ultimately condemned and my smile delighted the nation. It felt like the BETs at some point,” he said.

“As a leader, my first order of business is to eradicate GBV and passion killing. When you have influence in society or leadership status of any form, it’s your responsibility to create awareness. I intend on going global and paving the way for all Namibian artists. I don’t intend on being selfish. If I make it, we all make it. I want the spirit of working together to reign supreme,” the Oshakati-born muso said.

Celebrated

One of Namibia’s newly celebrated guitarists and live performers, Vaughn Ahrens, won the best Afrikaans award for the inspiring song ‘Amen’, which was his first foray into Afrikaans music.

“I am glad it was received so well. The song’s production and writing came quite naturally to me. It felt like a need to address the way most of the Afrikaans community treats mental health issues.

“I am still kind of pinching myself at winning the award. The reality has not really set in yet,” he said.

Newcomer to the scene Lindsey said scooping the best gospel award is proof that she is on the right path.

“This is my first album. The award is motivation to continue doing what I am passionate about. I also had my first performance. It was on a honour to work with the organising committee and all the artists. I have met with the most amazing talent in Namibia,” the soft-spoken artist said.

“The song points to a time in my life with a lot of pain and suffering. It reminds me of surrendering unto God for healing and peace,” she said.

The best producer award was taken home by DJ Chronic, who said that when he started out, nobody believed in him or his music.

“They would say music is for intoxicated people. I once came across a great interview with Steve Jobs on YouTube that changed my perspective and encouraged me to do what I love. He said ‘poke harder with energy and something will pop out’.”

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