A rather neglected region of Kavango in terms of social and celebrity limelight will start its first of a kind Kavango Music Awards hogging the limelight when least expected it.
Primed as a platform created to embrace and acknowledge artists in the Kavango regions the awards ceremony is expected to beam some light on an otherwise neglected location in Namibia.
The awards were initiated by one of the locals of Nkerenkuru, Issa Saidi and a team of vibrant locals, also from the Kavango regions with, the aim of promoting a uniform approach in the marketing of the Kavango Music.
“Our artists have been side-lined for way too long and we decided to create a platform where we appreciate their work as Kavango artists. We assure you that this is the first of many. The awards are for artists based in Kavango for as long as they identify Kavango as their home,” said Magdalena Haingura the spokesperson of the awards.
The awards will see artists from different genres including Best soukus/kwasa, Best afro-pop, Best gospel, Best kwaito, Best house, Best traditional, Best song of the year, Best male artist, Best female artist, Best kizomba, Best male upcoming, Best collaboration and Best single. According to Haingura, over 40 artists have entered as nominees for the upcoming awards.
“We still appeal to all businesses and companies for sponsorship or partnerships of any kind to make our event successful for the Kavango Region artists to be appreciated,” she said.
The awards date will be announced at the second launch of the event in Rundu which will take place on 29 February.
“The launch took place at Biggies Lounge in Nkurenkuru and the nominees traveled from as far as Windhoek, just to be there for the first week ever local Music Awards. Since it is our first event, we tried our utmost best as a team to get things rolling. The launch was a success I must say, with a team of volunteers we made a common dream come true. We were graced by the presence of Gabriel Amugongo, the head of licensing department at NASCAM to represent NASCAM and as one of our sponsors,” she said.
