Namibian artists will have to wait a bit longer for their moment to shine and be celebrated on the big stage, as the highly anticipated Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) return only next year.
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture Dino Ballotti assured the nation that plans are in motion to revive the NAMAs.
He said a committee has already been established to oversee the successful revival of the awards.
This committee includes representatives from the ministry, the National Theatre of Namibia, the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) and the Office of the Auditor General.
The official launch of the NAMAs revival is scheduled for November this year in preparation for the main event in March 2026.
The awards went on a hiatus when its main sponsor, MTC, withdrew from the once annual event nearly five years ago.
MTC was the main sponsor for 10 years.
Speaking to VIBEZ, Ballotti said N$5 million has been allocated to cater for the awards, festivals and summits aimed at promoting the arts.
In addition, the ministry will support the creative industry through film and TV development, education, creative hubs, incubation programme and mobility funding.
“To support this vision, the government has allocated N$50 million toward the creative sector for 2025 under the National Development Plan 6 (NDP6),” he said.
Thus, the ministry will be hosting the National Arts and Creative Industries Awards in 2027.
In preparation for the 2027 awards, Ballotti stated that the ministry is forming a national steering committee to oversee planning and ensure the awards are meaningful, inclusive and lasting.
This committee is expected to be announced soon. It will play a key role in guiding the entire process, leading up to the national event.
“One of the biggest investments from the N$50 million budget is the Namibia Local Content and Distribution Plan, which is receiving N$20 million in funding.
This project, in collaboration with the Namibia Film Commission, is aimed at creating original Namibian content that reflects the country’s stories, people and culture,” shared the minister.
He added that the funding will also support the production of a new local soap opera, a television drama series and 14 regional short films, ensuring representation from all corners of Namibia.
“These projects are expected to create jobs, support local talent, and put Namibian stories on the global stage,” he said.