Blossom challenges NAMAs ban
Local musician Ruusa Munalye, whose stage name is Blossom, has challenged a decision taken by the NAMAs executive committee to ban her for 12 months for allegedly making tribal utterances on social media.
The comments, which were made last month, were reportedly directed at President Hage Geingob.
In a letter of demand through her lawyers, Blossom claimed there was nothing derogatory about her statement nor was it directed to the head of state.
She also challenged the decision to ban her from the NAMAs, saying she was never subjected to a hearing before such a decision was made by the organisers.
Blossom was also asked to issue a public apology or risk getting an extended year ban.
“Our client was never afforded an opportunity to be heard by the NAMAs executive committee regarding her version of the events that unfolded. The fact that you have sought to condemn our client without hearing is a clear indication of a preconceived and predetermined position against our client in participation in the NAMAs,” said the statement.
She claims the omukwankara word used in her Facebook post was in no way reference to the current head of state.
“There was and remains absolutely no proof that the statement was directed at His Excellency or at any tribe of persons but for unsubstantiated inferences and speculations made by your office which does not fall within the ambit of our client's responsibility.”
The artist has threatened to drag the NAMAs organisers to court if her demand is not met with an unconditional retraction within seven days.
JUNE SHIMUOSHILI
The comments, which were made last month, were reportedly directed at President Hage Geingob.
In a letter of demand through her lawyers, Blossom claimed there was nothing derogatory about her statement nor was it directed to the head of state.
She also challenged the decision to ban her from the NAMAs, saying she was never subjected to a hearing before such a decision was made by the organisers.
Blossom was also asked to issue a public apology or risk getting an extended year ban.
“Our client was never afforded an opportunity to be heard by the NAMAs executive committee regarding her version of the events that unfolded. The fact that you have sought to condemn our client without hearing is a clear indication of a preconceived and predetermined position against our client in participation in the NAMAs,” said the statement.
She claims the omukwankara word used in her Facebook post was in no way reference to the current head of state.
“There was and remains absolutely no proof that the statement was directed at His Excellency or at any tribe of persons but for unsubstantiated inferences and speculations made by your office which does not fall within the ambit of our client's responsibility.”
The artist has threatened to drag the NAMAs organisers to court if her demand is not met with an unconditional retraction within seven days.
JUNE SHIMUOSHILI
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