Okahandja songstress Sylvia Haoses was crowned the winner of season four of the Next Ma/Gaisa Star at a thrilling, packed National Theatre of Namibia.
Emerging as the shining star from a 500 group of hopeful singers, Haoses was visibly overwhelmed with shock, gratitude and joy.
“Winning this year’s competition feels like a dream come true. It’s a beautiful confirmation that hard work, passion, and faith really pay off. I’m deeply thankful to everyone who believed in me and supported me throughout this journey,” she said.
From the hopeful competitors, Haoses said she had to find inner strength to stand out and make it to the nine finalists.
“I think my extra spice came from authenticity, staying true to my sound, my story, and my energy. I poured my heart into every performance and made sure to connect with the audience on a deeper, more meaningful level. I didn’t just want to perform; I wanted people to feel something real,” she explained.
“The journey was intense, emotional, and incredibly rewarding. I learned a great deal about myself as an artist and as a person. Every challenge pushed me to grow, every round strengthened my confidence, and every setback reminded me why I started. Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited for what’s next.”
Haoses told VIBEZ!, she is just getting started to make an impact in the genre and cement herself as a household name. “This is just the beginning for me. My goal is to use this platform and the N$50 000 prize to elevate my craft, create meaningful music, and inspire others to chase their dreams fearlessly. I also plan to collaborate with other talented artists and give back to the community that has supported me,” shared the singer.
Leading organiser of the competition, Stella !Naruses, said they were very excited to see the growth of the event, which has always been their goal from the beginning.
“Along with the engagement of the corporate world and various companies. We are making progress; while we haven’t reached our destination yet, we are on our way. This year’s contestants were powerful in terms of vocalists and entertainers, making the competition significantly tougher. Overall, the number of submissions this year has increased,” she said.
“We believe she is someone we can collaborate with effectively. Please remember that our role is to assist in shaping and developing raw talent, and that is precisely what we intend to do with her. Our primary focus is to transform her into a star, and we are dedicated to achieving that goal. She possesses a laid-back demeanour and demonstrates a quick learning ability, which we observed during the preparations for the finale.”
!Naruses said the support this year has been remarkable since the start of the season, leading up to the grand finale.
“The voting numbers surged, and the entries for season four doubled, indicating a growing interest among fans, followers, and contestants. Regarding the finale, I must acknowledge the corporate sector, as numerous large corporations and companies came out in significant numbers to show their support.” -slunyangwe@nepc.com.na