NAMAs to be over eight weekends

By Rosalia David

THE much anticipated Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) will be held over a period of eight weekends starting from August 14 until October 31, due to the prevailing Covid situation.

The NAMAs executive committee also announced in a press statement that they are finally ready to bid farewell to 10 years of Namibian music excellence.

“As communicated last week, the NAMAs finale will still be held over a period of eight weekends. We have now moved the mini premium events from Saturdays and Sundays to Fridays and Saturdays and all events will start at 18h00 live.”

According to the press statement, nominees who may not be able to travel to Windhoek for any reason are obliged to inform the committee in writing otherwise they will forfeit their performance fees and prize money in the event that they win in line with the rules.

Last week, the committee announced that all nominees in the different categories will have an opportunity to perform their nominated songs which is unlike the previous years, and the winners will be announced immediately after the shows and collect their prize money.

“This year we will also give every nominee a flat participation fee of N$3 000 taking into consideration that Covid-19 has resulted in a loss of income for so many artists. In addition, all proceeds from ticket sales will go to a Covid-19 relief fund in support of Namibian artists and the live music entertainment industry that have lost all their income during the pandemic restrictions,” explained NAMAs executive chairperson Tim Ekandjo.

The event which was initially scheduled to take place on May 2 can only be viewed via live stream by those who will have bought a ticket to the show.

Weekend One:

Sat, 29th August: Afro Pop & Best Collaboration

Weekend Two:

Fri, 4th Sept: Best Single & Best Traditional

Sat, 5th Sept: Best Gospel & Lifetime Achievement Award

Weekend Three:

Fri, 11th Sept: Best House & Best Producer

Sat, 12th Sept: Best Kwaito & Best Reggae

Weekend Four:

Fri, 25th Sept: Best Music Video & Best Group/Duo

Sat, 26th Sept Special NAMA Award

Weekend Five:

Fri, 9th Oct: Best Soukous Kwasa& Best Afrikaans

Sat, 10th Oct: Best Damara Punch & Best Oviritje

Weekend Six:

Fri, 16th Oct: Best Hip/Hop & Best R&B

Sat, 17th Oct: Best Pan African Artist & Song of the Year

Weekend Seven:

Fri, 23rd Oct: Best Album of the Year

Sat, 24th Oct: Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist & Artist of the Year

Weekend Eight:

Fri, 30th Oct: Best Newcomer & Artist of the Decade

Sat, 31st Oct: All Time Fan Favourite