Monika Amunyela
SAN-Welwitschia Music Production officially launched Season 5 of the highly anticipated Next Ma/Gaisa Star Competition. The pre-launch event took place at the NBC radio station in Windhoek on December 3rd, celebrating the growth of the genre and the national institutions supporting the competition.
As Season 5 officially opens for entries, people aged 18 and above are invited to submit 1–2 minute acappella Ma/Gaisa videos via WhatsApp. The launch highlighted the competition’s unique multi-stage format, which begins with an open call for video submissions and progresses through a series of culturally rooted musical challenges. Participants will perform traditional Ma/Gaisa compositions, multi-lingual original pieces, and live-band showcases. Backos !Aibeb, who is one of the judges, emphasised the cultural depth of these different stages, “Ma/Gaisa is a living legacy, a unifying force, and a reflection of Namibia’s collective identity.”
Institutional partners expressed strong confidence in the competition’s national impact in uplifting the genre and increasing exposure for local talent. Namport’s Head of Marketing and Stakeholder Engagement, Cliff Shikuambi, mentioned an investment of N$1.5 million in the competition. He added, “The competition is a catalyst for inclusive development that boosts economic activity across sectors.” The National Theatre of Namibia and the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation also reaffirmed their dedication to amplifying local talent and ensuring visibility across media platforms.
The event additionally reflected on the success of Season 4, where all 14 regions of Namibia were represented. Season 4 winner Sylvia Hoebes, who walked away with N$50,000 and a full recording package, was celebrated for her victory.