Let's talk 'politainment'
Politics and music have gone hand in hand for years in Namibia.
Whether it was songs by the Ndilimani Cultural Troupe, the election songs that Gazza and King Tee Dee worked on together or artists choosing to endorse political candidates, so-called 'politainment' is here to stay.
Musicians have often used their platforms to help encourage a better Namibia. This year is no different as more artists are preaching the importance of voting and how people need to speak up about what's right for all communities, at various political rallies. As the 2019 elections approach, artists are being seen at many political rallies, which is a good thing, because it demonstrates the power and influence they have outside of making music.
There have been complaints from musicians about how political parties make use of the same faces every election year, and understandably so. My take on this is political parties align themselves to artists with the kind of influence they are seeking. Not to take anything away from any artist, but I also believe it is about how relevant you are during the election season that plays a role in being selected by a political party for their campaign.
Artists should also be proactive if they want to get gigs at political rallies. You do not need to wait to be approached by a political party; just record a song endorsing your party or candidate of choice, and I'm sure the party in question will reach out to you.
Finally, to be genuine, artists who are involved or are planning to get involved in the political arena should start considering doing so without always endorsing or denouncing a specific candidate, but rather opt to encourage non-partisan youth to vote. I say this because there is a big group of young people who have given up on wanting to vote and I am certain they might listen, provided they are encouraged by their favourite musicians.
[email protected]; @MichaelMKAY on Twitter
Whether it was songs by the Ndilimani Cultural Troupe, the election songs that Gazza and King Tee Dee worked on together or artists choosing to endorse political candidates, so-called 'politainment' is here to stay.
Musicians have often used their platforms to help encourage a better Namibia. This year is no different as more artists are preaching the importance of voting and how people need to speak up about what's right for all communities, at various political rallies. As the 2019 elections approach, artists are being seen at many political rallies, which is a good thing, because it demonstrates the power and influence they have outside of making music.
There have been complaints from musicians about how political parties make use of the same faces every election year, and understandably so. My take on this is political parties align themselves to artists with the kind of influence they are seeking. Not to take anything away from any artist, but I also believe it is about how relevant you are during the election season that plays a role in being selected by a political party for their campaign.
Artists should also be proactive if they want to get gigs at political rallies. You do not need to wait to be approached by a political party; just record a song endorsing your party or candidate of choice, and I'm sure the party in question will reach out to you.
Finally, to be genuine, artists who are involved or are planning to get involved in the political arena should start considering doing so without always endorsing or denouncing a specific candidate, but rather opt to encourage non-partisan youth to vote. I say this because there is a big group of young people who have given up on wanting to vote and I am certain they might listen, provided they are encouraged by their favourite musicians.
[email protected]; @MichaelMKAY on Twitter
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