Chief Human Capital and Corporate Affairs at MTC, Tim Ekandjo has clarified that the NAMAs are not a developmental awards and that the event makes a huge impact in Namibia’s music industry.
Speaking at the nominations reveal show at the National Theatre of Namibia Ekandjo explained that performances at the NAMAs main show are normally meant for excellent artists.
“There is always a complain by artists about why are we don’t give opportunities to upcoming artists and artists that are still in development stages. I hate to be one to break it to you, the NAMAs have a specific mandate and that mandate is to recognise excellence within the industry. It doesn’t say recognise excellence by upcoming artists. The harsh reality is that the NAMAs is unfortunately not a developmental platform,” said Ekandjo.
He also said the NAMAs is not only necessary to complete Namibian artists for all their musical achievements but the platform can be used to support and assist Namibian artists with issues such drug and alcohol abuse or issues related to their fame. “We have lost artist to drugs. It is time to compliment artist and we assist them cos not everyone can handle fame,” he said.
Ekandjo also pointed out that the majority of performances at the main show of the NAMAs that takes place on 07 September 2019 at Swakopmund, new artists will be given a chance to make a mark at the NAMAs stage. “We will have 32 performing artists on the Na, 82% of the artists will be new artists because they are nominated,” shared Ekandjo.
Ekandjo highlighted that out of hundreds of applications there were received by the NAMAs vetting committe
Of the hundreds of applications received by the NAMAs vetting committee only 64 nominees will be battling it out at Swakopmund’s Dome. Only 24 winners will be walking away with awards on the 07 September 2019.
For NAMA 2019, MTC invested N$7.8 million while the NBC injected N$6 million.
