The Namibia Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) will return after a five-year hiatus, with the official launch scheduled for 5 August 2026, as organisers move to revive the country's premier music awards under a new national vision.
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC) Dino Ballotti met with the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) on Wednesday to align logistics ahead of the launch. The meeting also reaffirmed the national broadcaster's role as an official partner for the awards.
Government has allocated N$10 million for the return of the NAMAs, while organisers have invited corporate sponsors to come on board in support of the event.
Ballotti said the revival of the awards is aimed at restoring a platform that recognises and promotes Namibian musical talent, while repositioning the NAMAs as a national celebration of the country's creative industry.
"But we are going to have a return, and we want it to be sustainable. I think with that, that's the introduction. DJ, please forgive me if I'm getting worked up, but we're excited. And we want it to happen. There are many, many NAMIBians that will benefit from this financially. And it's something overdue."
NBC Director General Menesia Muinjo confirmed the broadcaster's partnership with the ministry, saying the national broadcaster is committed to showcasing and supporting local artists through the return of the awards.
"We develop our artists. This has been one of the big events on the national calendar. We cannot afford not to have it anymore. So the show is on, and we can do it in an efficient manner."
The ministry's Director of Arts, M'kariko Amagulu, who is leading the revival of the awards, said the reimagined NAMAs will celebrate Namibian sound.
"With us, our intention is to reimagine the NAMAs and also see how we can use that platform to promote Namibian sound and Namibian music and, at the same time, celebrate other talents that we do have."
NBC Chief Commercial Officer Nico Mwiya said the broadcaster is ready for the return of the NAMAs, having supported the awards since the Sanlam Music Awards era and through the period when MTC was the title sponsor, and is now partnering with the Ministry of Arts and Culture to revive the event.
" indicated that where partnership is concerned, 100% of our benefit is on the table. We just need to find ways in terms of how we absorb that cost from our end."
Organisers will accept music entries released between 2021 and 2026, with all submissions undergoing AI-assisted verification to ensure authenticity.
The winning artists will be walking away with prices ranging from N$30 000 to N$200 000.
Preparations are underway for the official launch on 5 August, marking the return of the NAMAs after five years.