The Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music (Nascam) has increased funeral benefits to support members during challenging times.
Sula Kyababa, Nascam’s outgoing chairperson, said the adjustment will ensure a more dignified farewell for deceased members.
The funeral benefit increased from N$3 500 to N$15 000.
In addition to the funeral benefit, the board has committed to reducing its reliance solely on royalties from public performances.
They promised to broaden their revenue sources to lessen this dependency. Furthermore, Kyababa indicated that management would address member grievances by modernising royalty distribution systems, combating unauthorised music usage by DJs, reforming the organisation’s internal culture, and enhancing employee training to boost organisational capacity.
“The board advocated for comprehensive member welfare, digital communication tools, and constitutional reviews to align governance with the needs of members. The proposed constitutional amendments will be presented for approval at the AGM. Additionally, the board has sanctioned various documents to ensure transparency in royalty distribution”, he continued.
As he wraps up his term as chairperson of the 2022 Board of Directors at Nascam, he expressed immense gratitude and pride for the collective journey undertaken.
“This role has provided an extraordinary opportunity to serve and transform Nascam. I conclude my term with confidence in the solid foundation we’ve established for future success. During my tenure, the board committed to unlocking Nascam’s full potential, addressing management inefficiencies to create a more streamlined, agile and effective organisation. By promoting strategic leadership, we aimed to position Nascam as a leader of transformation and excellence within the creative industry,” Kyababa said.
Musician Don Kamati remarked that while the increase of the funeral benefit to N$15 000 is positive, artists are suffering while alive.
“Why must one die for their family to benefit from an artist’s work? This move is beneficial, but you currently receive nothing from Nascam—only in death will something be provided. It feels contradictory”, he shared.
Kamati added that producers have long been overlooked, with many Namibian producers not earning their deserved income. He appreciates the new amendment, but wishes to see Nascam take greater care of producers, performers and recording artists.
“On royalties, it’s positive that Nascam has made progress. However, we have learned that the rates have remained unchanged since 1995 under the agreement with the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation. It must be reviewed, because imagine being in 2025 and still receiving 1995 rates for royalties,” he stressed.
“It’s unfortunate that we’ve been losing out on royalties due to board members not negotiating on artists’ behalf.”
He expressed optimism that Kyababa’s departure opens doors for improvement, noting, “anyone leaving Nascam brings a chance for progress.”
Actor and musician Mabuzza, whose real name is Fillemon Stephanus, echoed Kamati’s views, declaring that while the increase in funeral benefits is a step in the right direction, he hopes for better changes ahead.
“I don’t believe there is a new constitution because as a member of Nascam, I haven’t been presented with a document to review and approve, so I haven’t seen any new constitution,” he observed.
Mabuzza expressed his satisfaction with Kyababa’s resignation, saying, “I’m relieved he’s leaving. He was dictatorial, and didn’t listen to artists. I hope Nascam brings in someone who is willing to collaborate and heed artists’ voices.”
He then urged fellow artists to engage with Nascam and educate themselves about the music industry and royalties.
-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na