SWAKOPMUND– Music lovers from all walks of life gathered at the most anticipated glitz and glamourous event at the coastal town as the 2015 Namibian Annual Music Awards, NAMAs, took place.
As expected, local artists Gazza and Oteya were crowned Best Male and Female Artist of the Year respectively with five thumbs up each. They each won N$100000 for being adjudged the best in the music business in Namibia over the course of the past year. The new girl duo Stardust were also among the big winners, walking away with three awards out of their four nominations. The most socially responsible artist is D-Naff who also grabbed Best Gospel.
The late Tate Kwela was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award which was received by his children. Recognition award went to South African- based Afrikaans singer, Juanita du Plessis. Ongoro no Mundu seized Best Live Performance; Big Ben took Best Song with a Message; Lize Ehlers Best Rock/Alternative; Best Shambo went to Lonette while Blossom took Best Kizomba, KK Best Rap/Hip/hop, Lil D Best RnB, Black Vulcanite Best Music Video and Best Traditional award went to Donsy and Daisy.
Kwaito artist, Exit, took the best of this genre’s tittle. Paradox owned three categories Most Disciplined Artist, Song of the Year, and Most Popular Artist.Best Newcomer is Kalux and the Ma//Gaisa trio Tswazis won Best Album with album titled Full-Force.
The evening also featured exceptionally breathtaking performances by artists like the Female Donkey and the 2015 Best Oviritje group, Bullet Ya Kaoko, whose performance was off the hook, along with admirable performances by Namibia’s finest musical export, Nia and Riana Nel. Besides the flash of the awards, there were buzzes on the red carpet where attendees, especially the women, were dressed amazingly.