By Pinehas Nakaziko
WINDHOEK-For the very first time the Namibia Annual Music Awards (NAMAS), covers 37 with N$ 845,000 in prize monies this year.
NAMAS Executive Chairperson, Tim Ekandjo, admits that organising such a mega event outside of the capital comes with its own logistical nightmares, thus he was very happy with the organising committee and stakeholders who tried their best to ensure and deliver the promised expectations as usual. This year’s awards is scheduled to take place at the Sports Indoor Centre in Swakopmund tonight and tomorrow night with the first NAMAS Industry Awards ceremony tonight where a total of 17 awards will be handed out. This is attended by sponsors, nominees and invited quests only. The main award tomorrow evening sees for the first time the screening of the NAMAS Industry Awards highlight, a news bulletin, a live blue carpet arrival and the main awards ceremony.
“We have stepped up security immensely and we can therefore guarantee all our quests complete safety. We will not allow intoxicated quests in the venue and we have gone as far as slapping bans on two individuals who invaded the NAMAS stage in the past two years. Their identities are only known to our security personnel and they will not be allowed to enter the venue,” stresses Ekandjo.
He adds that South African media houses such as Drum, Move Magazine and The Sowetan are expected to attend the event.
Coastal artists to perform are Pule, Stella and Mr Rhee. Gazza, Mr Makoya, Vanity, Obie & Jaden, The Dogg, Exit, Arrafat, Dixon and Lady May will be thrilling the quests as well.
Tickets are available at Computicket (at all Shoprite and Checkers outlets countrywide) for N$ 250 normal tickets and VIP N$ 500. The official NAMAS after party takes place at the Infinity Lounge in Swakopmund right after the main awards ceremony.