Google teaches us that a one-man show refers to a performance by a single creative practitioner (actor, musician, etc). Basically, it refers to exhibiting or showcasing the work of a single artist. One – not two or three – one artist. 

So, why do we, in Namibia, have a one-man show with a hundred people on the lineup? 

Please make it make sense.

Yes, times have changed. 

One rarely sees a solo artist exhibiting their work or staging a so-called one-man show. 

I understand that because of the Namibian market, it is impossible for any creative practitioner to solely fill up a venue of any kind.  

I really do get that. 

So, I will perhaps settle for an opening act. Google teaches us that an opening act, also known as a support act or warm-up act, is an entertainment act that performs before the main headlining act at a concert or event. 

In the land of the brave, we call them ‘many more’. 

 Their role is to engage the audience, build anticipation for the main act and set the tone for the performance. 

They typically perform for a shorter duration than the headliner. 

The question is, is an opening act enough to help the headliner fill a venue of any kind in the Namibian market? 

History teaches us based on real case studies that it is possible. 

Namibian comedy does extremely well with this set up. 

What about music? 

I say yes again, it is possible. 

It just depends on your star power, marketing, branding and momentum. 

If you do not have any of these, you have no business staging a one-man show. 

If you need a hundred many mores to fill up your venue, then you have no business lying to the Namibian audience about your apparent one-man show. 

However, it also speaks to your inadequacies as a layman. 

We never call out nonsense of this nature. Instead of being honest with your fav, we hype them up on socials. 

We lie to these inflated egos that they can do a one-man show, knowing very well that your fav does not have the needed star power, marketing, branding and momentum. 

Or does it perhaps reflect on us as a Namibian society? 

Are we so nonchalant that we do not question why a poster has a hundred people on it, but the promise is a one-man show? 

Or no one cares, right? 

Well, that is why you have me – I care. 

I will highlight things of this nature. 

It is literally my job to sensitise both you and your fav. 

So, the next time you see a poster that promises a one-man show but has a hundred people lined up, you will remember my words and probably realise that you should not be spending your hard-earned money on manure of that nature.  

Until the next Loop, we say #GMTM

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