Local is lekker!!!
Namibian audiences are picky about who they support. They all have their favourite musicians, actors, painters, designers and poets. The thing that makes me angry is, once they support their favourite person they do not support anyone else.
Instead, what I have noticed is that Namibian audiences are very critical, judgmental and do not approve of other artists besides their favourite ones. You will see them complain about how this act is so lame compared to their favourite person. Have you seen how many flock to stadiums when there are foreign artists performing in Namibia? Have you seen how many Namibian audiences have shamed and ridiculed their own Namibian personalities in preference for foreign artists? Some of these people even have the nerve to tell you “I don't listen to Namibian music, it's boring” but are the first ones to lip sync when South African or other artists drop their songs. They complain that our artists sing in languages that they do not understand or that their movies are not of good quality but when a foreign artist drops music singing in his or her native languages they know every word lyric-to-lyric and when the same foreign directors release movies, our Namibian audience are on the bandwagon promoting their content without a conscience.
It's such a shame! We have so many brilliant Namibian people and yet their events are empty, we have so many capable painters and yet their exhibitions are not attended. We have so many clever poets but they speak to walls and empty chairs. Where are the patriotic Namibians who should “Be Namibian and support Namibian”? Where are the audiences that flock to stadia and festivals when foreign artists come to Namibia? Be a bit more patriotic towards your own artists. You have no right to complain about Namibian artists if you do not attend a local show, buy a local CD or supported your local artists in any manner. We have too many artists who've proven that they are worthy of praise and support. Surely some of them have their flaws and some of them have to be excused… but at least, show some appreciation.
Our Namibian artists too can fill stadia… only if you support them. Our Namibian artists too can host world-class events if you just but support them. Our people can sing, dance and paint but all they need is our backing. So, go out there and support Namibian artists – all of them. Attend events, buy their products or materials and be there for them when they really need you.
There is a reason why foreign artists that we pamper with support are so popular and successful. It is because their own people care about the art they create and they help them out however they can. Maybe as Namibians, we can learn from other countries and support our own people.
Let's all stand by our creative artists and show them we care for the work they put out there. Real recognises real. Be Namibian, buy Namibian and support Namibians. Local is lekker!
June Shimuoshili
[email protected]
Instead, what I have noticed is that Namibian audiences are very critical, judgmental and do not approve of other artists besides their favourite ones. You will see them complain about how this act is so lame compared to their favourite person. Have you seen how many flock to stadiums when there are foreign artists performing in Namibia? Have you seen how many Namibian audiences have shamed and ridiculed their own Namibian personalities in preference for foreign artists? Some of these people even have the nerve to tell you “I don't listen to Namibian music, it's boring” but are the first ones to lip sync when South African or other artists drop their songs. They complain that our artists sing in languages that they do not understand or that their movies are not of good quality but when a foreign artist drops music singing in his or her native languages they know every word lyric-to-lyric and when the same foreign directors release movies, our Namibian audience are on the bandwagon promoting their content without a conscience.
It's such a shame! We have so many brilliant Namibian people and yet their events are empty, we have so many capable painters and yet their exhibitions are not attended. We have so many clever poets but they speak to walls and empty chairs. Where are the patriotic Namibians who should “Be Namibian and support Namibian”? Where are the audiences that flock to stadia and festivals when foreign artists come to Namibia? Be a bit more patriotic towards your own artists. You have no right to complain about Namibian artists if you do not attend a local show, buy a local CD or supported your local artists in any manner. We have too many artists who've proven that they are worthy of praise and support. Surely some of them have their flaws and some of them have to be excused… but at least, show some appreciation.
Our Namibian artists too can fill stadia… only if you support them. Our Namibian artists too can host world-class events if you just but support them. Our people can sing, dance and paint but all they need is our backing. So, go out there and support Namibian artists – all of them. Attend events, buy their products or materials and be there for them when they really need you.
There is a reason why foreign artists that we pamper with support are so popular and successful. It is because their own people care about the art they create and they help them out however they can. Maybe as Namibians, we can learn from other countries and support our own people.
Let's all stand by our creative artists and show them we care for the work they put out there. Real recognises real. Be Namibian, buy Namibian and support Namibians. Local is lekker!
June Shimuoshili
[email protected]
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