The Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) will be held on 13 March 2027.
This was announced by the Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts, and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, and industry stakeholders during the unveiling of the new logo for NAMAs.
The new identity is described as vibrant, energetic and reflective of the confidence of a new generation.
It represents the bold and proud spirit of Namibian music and its impact on the nation.
Submissions are expected to open on the 10th of this month and close on 11 September 2026.
Nominees will be announced on 26 January 2027.
"We see it as a celebration of our diversity and our creativity, as well as our shared cultural identity, from the sounds of the north to the coast to the heart of our capital. And we see it as an engine for growing Namibia's creative economy by transforming talent into enterprise and passion into sustainable livelihoods. Of all, we see it as an investment in the next generation, giving every aspiring musician the confidence to believe that a successful career in music can begin right here at home, before we go regional and international," stated Dr Steenkamp.
The government invested N$10 million; however, Dr. Steenkamp emphasised the importance of enduring partnerships to ensure the awards' long-term success.
"And to corporate Namibia. I invite you to invest in an industry that creates employment, that will also stimulate economic growth, and that showcases Namibia's remarkable talent on this very continent and to the world. Namibia to the world. Yes. So government has taken this first important step, ladies and gentlemen, but the long-term success of these awards truly depends on enduring partnerships."
The music awards have been on hiatus for six years.
Chairman of the National Theatre of Namibia, Manna Matswetu, said, "As NTN, as we welcome the NAMAs back, we also recognise that Namibia's music industry has continued to grow and evolve. This moment, therefore, gives us an opportunity not simply to bring the awards back but to look ahead to what the NAMAs can become and the role they can continue to play in supporting and celebrating our artists and our music industry."
The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation will continue as the official broadcaster.