Music group accuses Swapo of post-election neglect
'We made an entire Swapo album'
'We're being ridiculed in the streets, labelled a 'Swapo band and told to 'go eat from Swapo'.'
Coastal music group Overall Boys has accused the ruling Swapo Party of sidelining them after using their talents during last year’s election campaign - without any form of monetary recognition.
The group, known for its vocal support of Swapo, claims it was instrumental in energising voters through performances and campaign work across the country. However, they allege that their contributions have gone unrewarded since the party’s narrow election win.
“We received no compensation for our efforts, which included composing Swapo-themed songs and performing at rallies in difficult conditions,” the group said in a message now circulating on social media.
No formal contract
The Overall Boys further claim they were tasked with door-to-door mobilisation, performing in extreme weather, and guiding community members on voter registration and party membership—often without proper support.
“We were not provided with enough party attire, transport, accommodation or food. Only a few comrades assisted us where they could,” the statement reads.
Their perceived allegiance to the party has also drawn social backlash, they allege.
“We’re being ridiculed in the streets and labelled as a ‘Swapo band’. People used to support us, but now we’re told to ‘go eat from Swapo’,” the message continues.
Speaking to Namibian Sun, group frontman Simon Kevanhu confirmed the authenticity of the message. He said that although no formal contract was signed, they were verbally assured that their contributions would be recognised.
“We were promised informally by Walvis Bay Rural District Coordinator Patrick Bathromeus that our efforts wouldn’t go unnoticed. We were told, ‘Just push for now, we’ll take care of you’,” Kevanhu said.
He added that repeated attempts to contact Bathromeus after the campaign yielded no response.
“All we’re asking is for the party to acknowledge and assist us. We created a full album of Swapo songs, using our own funds to record, produce, and promote it. We gave our energy for the campaign,” he said.
Swapo album
Kevanhu also expressed disappointment over the party’s decision to pay international artists—such as South Africa’s Master KayG and Heavy K—to perform at the final rally in Windhoek, while local artists received no support.
“The rally that brought in Master KayG wasn’t well received by Namibian artists. We made an entire Swapo album, but the party hired outsiders and paid them handsomely while we got nothing,” he said.
In response, Swapo’s Walvis Bay District Coordinator Patrick Bathromeus said the group’s involvement was purely voluntary.
“Their participation was a pledge on their part, not a contractual obligation. Two of the members’ fathers were war veterans, and they chose to support the party their fathers fought for,” he said.
Bathromeus added that he had supported the group in the past, including assisting them in acquiring the overalls that inspired their name.
“I helped them get their uniforms. That’s how they came to be known as the Overall Boys,” he said, describing the current fallout as unfortunate.
The group, known for its vocal support of Swapo, claims it was instrumental in energising voters through performances and campaign work across the country. However, they allege that their contributions have gone unrewarded since the party’s narrow election win.
“We received no compensation for our efforts, which included composing Swapo-themed songs and performing at rallies in difficult conditions,” the group said in a message now circulating on social media.
No formal contract
The Overall Boys further claim they were tasked with door-to-door mobilisation, performing in extreme weather, and guiding community members on voter registration and party membership—often without proper support.
“We were not provided with enough party attire, transport, accommodation or food. Only a few comrades assisted us where they could,” the statement reads.
Their perceived allegiance to the party has also drawn social backlash, they allege.
“We’re being ridiculed in the streets and labelled as a ‘Swapo band’. People used to support us, but now we’re told to ‘go eat from Swapo’,” the message continues.
Speaking to Namibian Sun, group frontman Simon Kevanhu confirmed the authenticity of the message. He said that although no formal contract was signed, they were verbally assured that their contributions would be recognised.
“We were promised informally by Walvis Bay Rural District Coordinator Patrick Bathromeus that our efforts wouldn’t go unnoticed. We were told, ‘Just push for now, we’ll take care of you’,” Kevanhu said.
He added that repeated attempts to contact Bathromeus after the campaign yielded no response.
“All we’re asking is for the party to acknowledge and assist us. We created a full album of Swapo songs, using our own funds to record, produce, and promote it. We gave our energy for the campaign,” he said.
Swapo album
Kevanhu also expressed disappointment over the party’s decision to pay international artists—such as South Africa’s Master KayG and Heavy K—to perform at the final rally in Windhoek, while local artists received no support.
“The rally that brought in Master KayG wasn’t well received by Namibian artists. We made an entire Swapo album, but the party hired outsiders and paid them handsomely while we got nothing,” he said.
In response, Swapo’s Walvis Bay District Coordinator Patrick Bathromeus said the group’s involvement was purely voluntary.
“Their participation was a pledge on their part, not a contractual obligation. Two of the members’ fathers were war veterans, and they chose to support the party their fathers fought for,” he said.
Bathromeus added that he had supported the group in the past, including assisting them in acquiring the overalls that inspired their name.
“I helped them get their uniforms. That’s how they came to be known as the Overall Boys,” he said, describing the current fallout as unfortunate.
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