Shitana backs local content push, slams N$2 Royalties

ADVOCATING FOR CHANGE: Affirmative Repositioning MP Fredrick Shitana has added his voice to growing calls for urgent reform in Namibia’s broadcasting sector, backing fellow MP Inna Hengari’s motion to prioritise local content. Addressing parliament this week, Shitana decried the continued marginalisation of Namibian creatives on local airwaves.



He strongly supported the proposed 80% local music quota on radio and revealed that Namibians have developed royalty-tracking software capable of monitoring airplay in real-time – a system he believes could transform royalty distribution if supported by government. Shitana also pointed to the meagre N$2 artists currently receive per radio play – an amount that must be split with the royalty collection agency and other contributors to the song – as further evidence of the sector’s neglect.

Shitana criticised the longstanding underinvestment in arts and culture, particularly in copyright enforcement, and urged lawmakers to act. “We are giving money away to foreign artists while sidelining our own. This is not just about music – it’s about our identity and economic growth,” he said.



PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED