It warms my heart to see sons and daughters of the land of the brave dominating the nomination lists for both the Africa Choice Awards and the Zikomo Africa Awards.
The last time Namibians dominated continental awards like this was back then when the Channel O Music Awards were still a thing.
Recently, it was the AFRIMAs.
But even the Channel O Music Awards and the AFRIMAs, it never has been such record nominations.
The question now is, do ordinary Namibians care that Namibian creatives and entertainers are dominating the nomination lists for the African Choice Awards and the Zikomo Africa Awards?
Industry talk dictates that these Namibian creatives and entertainers just need to win.
That way, ordinary Namibians will be forced to take note. Your ordinary Namibian would understand that to be Namibian is enough.
To be quite honest, I do not think it will change anything. We have had Namibian creatives and entertainers win before.
Namibian creatives and entertainers have been landing amazing accolades on the international stage. But your ordinary Namibian continues to worship anything but Namibian.
Your ordinary Namibian continues to value art from outside above Namibian art. Go to any car wash, lounge or public area where entertainment is part and parcel of the set-up, sit there for 30 minutes and you will understand what I am talking about.
However, this will not stop me from praising those who got a nomination for both the Africa Choice Awards and the Zikomo Africa Awards. It cannot be easy to canvass for votes and corporate support in the face of this reality (anything but Namibian).
I salute you brave sons and daughters of the land of the brave.
I, however, do advise the nominated to do extensive research on what it means to be Namibian. What is the original Namibian way of life?
This is key to avoiding a Chanique Rabe incident.
Attend these ceremonies and market the Namibian arts and entertainment space.
All the other industries are thriving. We unfortunately have to fight this battle on our own.
I doubt the Namibian government will support you in this instance. So go out there, win these damn categories and enjoy the success.
Until the next Loop, we say #GMTM
* Need an MC? I do not post naked pictures or have 100k followers but after 10 years of MCeeing, I think I can do the job. Contact me for a quote at naobebsekind@gmail.com