By Patience Makwele

The Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music (NASCAM) has called for fair treatment and better pay for local artists following public criticism over the recently held Windhoek Jazz Festival, where concerns were raised about sound problems, the inclusion of international acts, and allegations that South African singer Kelly Khumalo was paid N$650,000.

NASCAM’s Head of Finance and Administration, Ferdinand Gertze, said the organisation supports a model that guarantees at least 50 percent local representation at such events, emphasising that Namibian artists deserve prominence on home stages.
“NASCAM will always support a position where there is a 50% local representation or more, as we must always support our own,” Gertze said. “Our priority is the sustained development and support of our national artists, ensuring Namibian talent is given the prominence it deserves on our own stages.”

Gertze confirmed that NASCAM was not consulted on artist selection or compensation for the festival, explaining that its primary mandate is the collection and distribution of royalties owed to composers and authors through event licence fees. Negotiations on artist fees, he said, fall under artist unions or representative bodies that are “currently struggling with full functionality” in Namibia.
While confirming that the City of Windhoek complied fully with licensing requirements, Gertze highlighted the persistent challenge of underpayment and exploitation facing Namibian artists.

“Local artists are frequently not compensated fairly,” he said. “Promoters often exploit them by offering exposure instead of fair payment, essentially devaluing their worth. Foreign acts are sometimes used as leverage, compelling local artists to accept subpar compensation just for the opportunity to perform alongside them.”

He added that NASCAM, through agreements with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, is enforcing compliance to ensure foreign performers obtain valid work permits and that organisers pay the required event licence fees before hosting such shows.

Gertze further urged the City of Windhoek and event organisers to invest in local creative talent, describing it as both an economic and cultural responsibility.

“By prioritising payments to foreign entities, the City is effectively exporting capital that should be circulating locally,” he said. “Investing in Namibian artists will attract tourism and provide quality recreational activities for residents.”

In a follow-up note, Gertze clarified that the 2025 edition of the Windhoek Jazz Festival was headlined by South African music legend Sipho Mabuse, supported by a strong local lineup that included Harmonic Grooves, Ugly Creatures, Esme Songbird, Botselo, Bongani Soul, and Sigera Jazz all representing Namibia and the wider Southern African region.

However, in a statement issued on Saturday, City of Windhoek spokesperson Lydia Amutenya dismissed the allegations regarding Kelly Khumalo’s alleged N$650,000 performance fee as false information circulating on social media.
“Contrary to false claims circulating online, artist Kelly Khumalo was not paid N$650,000,” Amutenya said. “The total combined cost for all artists performing at the 2025 Windhoek Jazz Festival is N$726,000, including amounts paid directly to some artists by sponsors and partners.”

She added that the Jazz Festival is self-funded through sponsorships, ticket sales, and partnerships, with the City’s contribution limited to venue-related support to ensure ratepayers are not burdened with operational costs.
“The Windhoek Jazz Festival is one of the City’s flagship cultural events, designed to position Windhoek as a leading entertainment and tourism destination while providing a platform for Namibian artists to perform alongside regional and international acts,” Amutenya said.

She said the event continues to play a vital role in supporting small and medium enterprises, generating revenue across the hospitality and tourism sectors, and stimulating the local economy.
Amutenya also urged the public to verify information before sharing, saying that spreading false claims “unfairly damages the reputation” of the City and its partners.

“The City respects residents' rights to express their concerns,” she said. “However, we encourage the public to rely on verified information and refrain from circulating inaccurate statements that may mislead the community and undermine efforts to promote local arts and culture.”