AS A Namibian creative, one does not always have something to smile about. The government does not take the entertainment and arts industry seriously and ordinary Namibians themselves do not seem to give a shxt.
So yeah, as a Namibian creative practitioner, we often frown more than we smile.
However, that changed tremendously for me this week. The question now is…how did I, Naobeb Se Kind go from a Kazenambo Kazenambo-style-inspired rant to a Monica Geingos bright smile in under a few weeks?
Blame it on the launch of the Namibian Content Creator’s Awards and the Vaultz Connect Influencer Awards. This Namibia of ours only knew of two awards ceremonies… the MTC-funded NAMA’s and the Simply You Magazine Lifestyle and Fashion Awards. The NAMA’s are defunct as things stand while there are talks of a 2024 edition for the Simply You Magazine Lifestyle and Fashion Awards.
That means the Namibian entertainment and arts industry would have three national award
platforms. If this does not make you smile as a Namibian creative, then I don’t know what will.
In a time when the traditional route to Hollywood superstardom has become more difficult with unnecessary gatekeeping, genuinely talented and deserving of an opportunity creative professionals are taking their art online and creating content that resonates with their audiences.
Gone are the days when actors would sit there and hope for a Hazel Hinda-inspired breakthrough in the South African film industry. Gone are the days when musicians would pray to their maker for a Tyla-inspired breakthrough to the world music scene.
Creatives are now re-writing the game by directly connecting with people through their content and making money off it. Hence why we have terms like “Tik Tok Star”, “Viral” or
“Instagram baddies”.
Needless to say, the Namibian content creative space has exploded and this speaks to the talent
in this country. Well done to the organizers of these two new award platforms that will celebrate Namibian creative practitioners. Well done to the financiers of these awards ceremonies.
Speaking of award shows…today’s episode of Industry Loop the podcast features a gentleman who has been operating in this sector as a creative professional for the last two decades and some change. Fidel Nambundunga aka Fidel O’Del is an underrated legend who deserves his flowers.
Watch the episode and don’t forget to use the hashtag #IndustryLoop when sharing your thoughts.
Until the next Loop, we say #GMTM
Need an MC? I’m your guy. Hit me up…naobebsekind@gmail.com