The Namibian Annual Music Awards Are Back

After a five-year break, the Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) are set to return. Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Dino Ballotti, announced the revival in Parliament in last year. The awards, which were last held in 2020, were paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which stopped entertainment and social gatherings nationwide. The Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture has now confirmed that the NAMAs will once again celebrate Namibian musical talent.With the return of the Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) many artist and people of the nation showed excitement about the return of the annual award stating that finally Namibian talent will be recognized.Namibian musician like Gazza GMP ( Lazarus Shiimi ) told Namibian Media Holding that the return of the annual music awards is a good thing and it’s long overdue.”For a while, something was missing in the culture. These awards are bigger than just trophies, they’re about recognition”.Gazza said that he believes the return of the awards will help revive the local music industry further clarifying that “ when the NAMAs are active, the whole system starts moving again, media, brands, collaborations, opportunities. It brings energy back and opens doors not just for artists, but for everyone working around the music.”OpportunitiesGazza further stated that the awards like the NAMAs build confidence and they also give you hunger.”They make you believe you can push further, try new sounds, and think bigger. They also help with opportunities, people take you more seriously” stated Gazza.NAMAs Artist of the Year and Best Female Artist of the Year 2019, Lize Ehlers said that she is genuinely thrilled and moved by the return of the NAMAs. “These awards have such a rich legacy of celebrating Namibian talent, and having them back feels like a homecoming for our industry,” Ehlers said, adding that the NAMAs brings attention back to local talent, encourages collaborations, and can attract interest from sponsors, promoters, and media.“When artists have visibility and platforms to showcase their work, doors open, from touring opportunities and festivals to brand partnerships and international attention,” she said.Ethlers stated that awards like the NAMAs can be incredibly empowering as they give artists confidence that their work resonates, which encourages them to take creative risks and explore new directions.Kwaito Larger said that platforms like the NAMAs play a huge role for artists as first of all they validate the work we put in behind the scenes.”When a national platform acknowledges local talent, it builds confidence and reassures artists that their sound, message, and effort matter” stated Kwaito Lager. When asked about the recognition from a national award platform like the NAMAs for him at this stage of his career, and how it would impact your journey moving forward Kwaito Lager Kwaito Larger said the NAMAs would mean that his voice and music are being heard and taken seriously in the industry.“The journey is not easy for local artists, and recognition like that would be a reminder that the sacrifices are worth it and that growth is possible with persistence and passion,” he said.

The Namibian Annual Music Awards Are Back

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Namibian Sun 2026-02-09

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The Namibian Annual Music Awards Are Back

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Namibian Sun 2026-02-09

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