The year of the rookie

The past weekend all roads led to the coastal town of Walvis Bay where the Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) where held for the first time at the Nara Namib Industrial and Logistics Estate Building. Namibian music fans flocked to the cosy town where history was made at the awards show.

The two-day event started on a high note on Friday at the industrial award show with a transforming performance by the Namibian Desert Queen, who showed that being twice in size indeed is nice.

The event was opened by El Shaddai and Joe, who were great masters of ceremonies and engaged with the audience.

The first nominee to be awarded for the night was newcomer Maranatha, who walked away with the best gospel award for her song 'In Your Presence'. The songstress also won the award for the best live performance.

Another noteworthy award, that for the most disciplined artist of the year, was given to Adora. The most socially responsible artist was Liz Ehlers, who had just arrived in Walvis Bay and went on stage in her travel clothes to accept her award.

The lifetime achievement award was given to the legendary Elemotho.

The main event took place on Saturday and was hosted Namibia's best MC, Mappz, accompanied by South Africa's Bonang Matheba. They were later joined by Uejaa, who was partying away on a NAMA boat with some nominees.

Electrifying collaboration performances by Rebbeca Malope and Marantha, Gazza featuring Emtee and Saudi, and the Reunion Act by Raphael and Pele had the crowd on their feet with their hands in the air.

The main awardees of the NAMA were Gazza and Monique English, who walked away with the titles male and female artist of the year.

“This is all from hard work and dedication. To some, music is a vbusiness but it's a passion for me. Don't play with my passion,” said Gazza.

English thanked her family and friends for the support they have given her throughout her musical journey. The artists walked away with prize money of N$100 000.



Here is the list of all the 2017 winners and their categories.

Best Gospel: Maranatha – 'In Your Presence'

Best Reggae: Florence – 'African Child' ft Ras Sheehama

Best Kizomba: Bradley Anthony – 'Amor' ft Joe-Kay

Most Socially Responsible: Liz Ehlers

Most Disciplined Artist of the Year: Adora

Best Afrikaans: Bradley Anthony – 'Ruk Hom'

Best Shambo: Satlam & M-Jay – 'Odula' ft D-Kandjafa

Best Song with a Message: N.I.A – 'Change' ft Monique English

Radio DJ of the Year: Lukas Nambala

Entertainment Journalist of the Year: June Shimuoshili

Best Musical Event of the year: Doctataiment – Windhoek Spring Fiesta All White Edition

Lifetime Achievement award: Elemotho

Best Oviritje: Diop – 'Guitar Boy'

Best Damara Punch: T-Bozz & Staika – '//Nau !a ta g era sadu tsasiba'

Best Soukous/Kwasa: Oteya – 'Village Boy'

Best Traditional: Christmas – 'linima iiwanawa kiikala pamwe' ft Kamati

Best Kwaito: Young T – 'Fesha' ft Voster and Wizblack

Best Rap/Hip-Hop: Jericho – 'If Only'

Best R&B: Michael Pulse – 'When I need Her'

Best Afro Pop (inclusive of Township Disco): Doris – 'Boom'

Best House: Doris – 'Jawbreaker'

Best collaboration: Gazza – 'Abangani Bako' ft Emtee & Saudi

Best Group Duo: House Guru Gang – 'Father Bless Us'

NAMA Special Recognition Award: Gazza

Best Music Video: Oteya

Pan African Artist of the Year: Casper Nyovest

Best Newcomer of the Year: Jaleel - Eversinseve

Song of the Year: Young T - Fikulimwe

Best Female Artist of the Year: Monique English – Since 1994

Best Male Artist of the Year: Gazza

Best Album of the Year: Gazza – 'Pumumu'

JUNE SHIMUOSHILI