By Emma Kakololo
WINDHOEK
The fifth annual Sanlam NBC Music Awards, to take place in December, promises another spectacular event.
Lines for voting opened on Friday and each person is allowed to vote only once for an artist in a given category except for the song of the year.
This year, artists can compete in 17 categories, from Best Ma/gaisa/Damara Punch to best Oviritje, as well as Best Single, Best Song of the Year and Artist of the Year.
For the first time, the competition introduces six nominees in categories which received more than 20 entries, while those categories that had less than 20 entries remain a maximum of four as in the past.
Double growth was witnessed in some categories such as gospel, and with very high entries in House and Dancehall/Ragga.
“With the fifth Awards, we have seen an increase in the quality of entries as well as the numbers,” said committee member Angrid van Rensburg.
“Very creative, entertaining songs were entered. We have received overwhelming support from the artists and so far we have registered the highest entries ever.”
She said compared to previous years, many artists have achieved a lot and have contributed a lot musically in terms of album releases, album sales, performances and social responsibility “and for this reason and for the very first time in the history of the music awards, we have nine nominees for the artist of the year”.
The pre-selection of the different nominees was done by a committee comprising of six music professionals and specialists, which she said was a daunting task.
Assessment was based on the following criteria: originality; artistic ability; creativity; arrangement and production; overall sound; and entertainment value and popularity for audio. And for best music video: creativity (concept development); originality; visual quality; editing style; and entertainment value.
To vote for their favourite artist in a specific category, mobile phone users can send a text message only consisting of the artist code (in that specific category) to 7662.
For example, if Slow is your favourite artist for Best Ma/gaisa/Damara Punch, then SMS the letters BMD 1 to 7662.
The charge is N$3 per SMS.