Local musician Jericho Gawanab and events master of ceremonies (MC) Denzel //Naobeb, known as NSK, have been removed from the lineup of Childline/Lifeline Namibia’s 45th anniversary celebration due to a dispute.

NSK informed the organisers that he will not share the stage with Jericho.

In a letter sent to Jericho, the organisers said that NSK, who was booked as the master of ceremonies for Friday’s celebration, refused to work with the rapper after seeing the event poster.

NSK reportedly cited “unresolved personal issues” with Jericho dating back to last year, insisting he would withdraw if Jericho remained on the line-up.

With little time left to secure another MC, organisers said they had no choice but to remove Jericho from the performance list.

“This was a difficult decision, and we regret having to inform you at such short notice,” the statement reads.

The decision has since divided public opinion, with some questioning why personal disputes are being allowed to spill into professional spaces.

Others argue that organisers acted in the best interest of keeping the event intact.

Former Namibian Broadcasting Corporation journalist Anna Nicodemus expressed disappointment.

She said she would not attend the event because of how Jericho was treated.

“I had every intention of attending your 45th Anniversary celebration. But after hearing that Jericho, one of Namibia’s most influential and respected artists, has been dropped because your MC has ‘personal issues’ with him, I will no longer be part of this event. This is not professionalism – it is pettiness hiding behind logistics,” she said.

She further criticised the move as hypocritical, noting that Jericho has used his art and personal journey to inspire people, especially in areas of mental health and recovery.

Her sentiments were echoed by other public figures. Socialite and media personality Pombili Shilongo took to social media, offering to host the event “completely free” if Jericho was returned to the line-up.

Similarly, award-winning actor and media personality Adriano Visagie posted that he would host “for free in the rain” on the same condition.

NSK said he did not ask Jericho to be removed but to be excused as MC.

when he communicated that to the organisers, they said that getting another MC would be difficult.

In addition, they stated that NSK would play a significant role as an MC, unlike an artist who would perform only one song.

“I explained to the organisers that Jericho and I have a deep-rooted situation, which he never apologised for. Hence, I didn’t want to be put in a situation where I had to share a platform with someone who spoke ill of my family, of my parents, of my character – someone who accused me of murder (he accused me of “killing” Kanibal) and accused me of getting Cheeze fired from Fresh Fm,” he said.

“What I did not expect was for them to use my name in their communication to Jericho,” NSK added.

NSK is a well-known radio personality and MC, who has hosted several major events in Namibia.

He has also been at the centre of controversy before.

At the Simply You Magazine Lifestyle Awards last year, he caused a stir after losing the Best Male Radio Presenter award to Donald Kariseb.

During the ceremony, NSK said he felt robbed, questioning how Kariseb could have won.

“Deep down, you know you are not better than me – and deep down, in your heart, you look up to me, so how is it possible that you are telling me I am losing an award to him?” he asked at the time.

Jericho said he will issue a statement today.

-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na