Nascam charts future path amid governance, financial updates
At a poorly attended press conference held on Monday, 28 April, the Namibia Society of Composers and Authors of Music (Nascam) provided a quarterly update on its organisational developments and offered a glimpse into upcoming initiatives, even as internal governance issues and royalty distribution figures took centre stage.
Speaking from Nascam House in Windhoek, Suleiman Kyababa, chairperson of the board, outlined key outcomes of the organisation's last annual general meeting (AGM), which took place on 5 April. Chief among the updates was the presentation of the draft audited financial statements (AFS) for 2024.
“The draft AFS was presented to members at the AGM. However, the final review and approval will be reserved for a special AGM scheduled for 2 August,” said Kyababa.
A significant portion of the briefing focused on the board’s composition and leadership. Kyababa disclosed that elections for new board members were postponed due to insufficient nominations. “Although four vacancies were declared, only three nominations were received,” he said. “Members requested an extension to the nomination process to allow for more inclusive and merit-driven participation.”
He further noted that a new, more rigorous vetting process, consisting of psychometric assessments and written tests, has been introduced for board candidates.
While this approach sparked concerns among some members who argued it lacks constitutional backing, Kyababa emphasised that these measures align with prevailing governance norms in the international creative sector and are part of Nascam’s operational policy framework.
To facilitate a stable transition, the AGM approved an extension of the current board’s term until 2 August. “As Nascam progresses, I am optimistic about the strategic direction under new leadership,” Kyababa said. “Together, we have built a robust framework that will empower creatives and strengthen Namibia’s creative industry for years to come.”
Royalty earnings
Beyond governance matters, Nascam also lifted the lid on royalty distributions from its most recent payout cycle.
The society disbursed N$917 347.95 to local rightsholders, while international royalty transfers amounted to N$411 467.91 for societies with reciprocal agreements and N$591 144.08 for those without formal ties.
The top five royalty earners from the local payouts were also revealed. The highest-earning member received N$32 951.60, followed by N$15 909.45, N$13 999.45, N$9 906.18 and N$8 959.45.
While the modest press turnout underscored the ongoing disconnect between the institution and the broader public, the substance of Monday’s briefing painted a picture of an organisation cautiously repositioning itself amid financial accountability and leadership renewal.
As Nascam inches closer to its August special AGM, eyes across Namibia’s music and creative sector will be watching closely, not just for who will emerge to lead the organisation but whether Nascam can continue evolving into a more transparent and inclusive custodian of rights and royalties in the country.
Speaking from Nascam House in Windhoek, Suleiman Kyababa, chairperson of the board, outlined key outcomes of the organisation's last annual general meeting (AGM), which took place on 5 April. Chief among the updates was the presentation of the draft audited financial statements (AFS) for 2024.
“The draft AFS was presented to members at the AGM. However, the final review and approval will be reserved for a special AGM scheduled for 2 August,” said Kyababa.
A significant portion of the briefing focused on the board’s composition and leadership. Kyababa disclosed that elections for new board members were postponed due to insufficient nominations. “Although four vacancies were declared, only three nominations were received,” he said. “Members requested an extension to the nomination process to allow for more inclusive and merit-driven participation.”
He further noted that a new, more rigorous vetting process, consisting of psychometric assessments and written tests, has been introduced for board candidates.
While this approach sparked concerns among some members who argued it lacks constitutional backing, Kyababa emphasised that these measures align with prevailing governance norms in the international creative sector and are part of Nascam’s operational policy framework.
To facilitate a stable transition, the AGM approved an extension of the current board’s term until 2 August. “As Nascam progresses, I am optimistic about the strategic direction under new leadership,” Kyababa said. “Together, we have built a robust framework that will empower creatives and strengthen Namibia’s creative industry for years to come.”
Royalty earnings
Beyond governance matters, Nascam also lifted the lid on royalty distributions from its most recent payout cycle.
The society disbursed N$917 347.95 to local rightsholders, while international royalty transfers amounted to N$411 467.91 for societies with reciprocal agreements and N$591 144.08 for those without formal ties.
The top five royalty earners from the local payouts were also revealed. The highest-earning member received N$32 951.60, followed by N$15 909.45, N$13 999.45, N$9 906.18 and N$8 959.45.
While the modest press turnout underscored the ongoing disconnect between the institution and the broader public, the substance of Monday’s briefing painted a picture of an organisation cautiously repositioning itself amid financial accountability and leadership renewal.
As Nascam inches closer to its August special AGM, eyes across Namibia’s music and creative sector will be watching closely, not just for who will emerge to lead the organisation but whether Nascam can continue evolving into a more transparent and inclusive custodian of rights and royalties in the country.
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