The search for Ma/Gaisa’s next star is gearing up for its fourth season, promising to carve out Namibia’s unique musical identity and challenge the perception that local musicians are merely “copycats” borrowing from other African cultures.

Next Ma/Gaisa Star is an initiative birthed by renowned Ma/Gaisa music producer and owner of Welwitschia Music Production, Steven Naruseb. He conceived the idea after a poignant experience at the KZN Music Imbuzo in Durban, South Africa, in 2019, where he realized the lack of musical identity and originality in Namibia.

While the first three editions of this talent search took place between 2020 and 2023, the fourth edition is expected to kick off next month, pending a period of mourning following the passing of Namibia’s founding president, Dr. Sam Nujoma.

In Durban, Namibia’s music scene was labeled as derivative and lacking originality. This sparked a fire of creativity and determination in Naruseb, setting him on a path to cultivate authentic Namibian talent using the Ma/Gaisa music genre.

“During the meeting, Namibia was described as a nation lacking its own identity, with the phrase 'this is Namibia, the copycats' being used. In contrast, other countries were introduced with their unique contributions to music, such as South Africa being recognized as the originators of Kwaito. Feeling embarrassed, I resolved to return with a sense of urgency to develop an original and distinctive sound for Namibia, which I termed Ma/Gaisa,” Naruseb explained.

Naruseb popularized Damara Punch around 2002 through artists like the late Phura and Ou Stakes. He adds that cultivating the Ma/Gaisa genre aimed to achieve an unmistakable association with Namibia, no matter where it was played.

For season four of Next Ma/Gaisa Star, Welwitschia Music Production is partnering with the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN), the National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN), the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), and NBC Plus.

Season 1 winner, Marvtown, released his debut album, Gurisen, while Season 2 winner, Larcos, has enjoyed airplay with his popular song, "Los Die Damara In My". Season 3 winner, Nadine, who gave electrifying performances during the competition, is busy in the studio and is expected to release music sometime this year.

“The competition is designed to not only seek out skilled performers but to encourage originality and artist expression. With mentorship from seasoned musicians such as my wife, Stella, participants will receive invaluable insights into the nuances of developing their sound and building a sustainable career in the music industry,” he said.

From vocalists and dancers to instrumentalists and songwriters, the Ma/Gaisa talent show welcomes a diverse array of talents united by a shared passion for promoting a uniquely Namibian genre.

Aspiring musicians can apply to join Season 4 of Next Ma/Gaisa Star by sharing a landscape video (2 minutes maximum) of themselves singing a cappella versions (without musical accompaniments) of a Ma/Gaisa song of their choice. Submissions can be made via WhatsApp to 0817076838 or email to nextmagaisastar@gmail.com before midnight on 28 February 2025. Applications are free, and the competition is only open to Namibian citizens.