Music promoter and manager Abraham Amushila, popularly known as ‘AB Pro’ in the industry, told VIBEZ! that voting gives one the right to participate in political and policy formation conversations, something Namibian creatives should take note of.
It was all systems go when the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) set up 4 297 registration points within 14 regions, 121 constituencies and 35 Namibian diplomatic missions abroad, a process that started on 3 June and is expected to conclude on 1 August 2024.
The ECN’s chief electoral and referenda officer, Petrus Shaama, has urged all eligible Namibians within the country and abroad to register within their constituencies, emphasising that the specified registration period will not be extended.
AB Pro, who is registered to vote in the upcoming Presidential and National Assembly elections slated for November, is confident in the country’s electoral process and the will of the people to change matters.
“There’s a specific Intellectual Property Bill that I would like to see come into fruition. It will empower creatives in areas like royalty collection from radio stations, and the ability to collect payments from digital platforms. It further advocates for a bigger quota for local content on local radio,” he said.
Member of Parliament Inna Hengari recently tabled a motion in parliament, calling for parliament to champion local content on radio, television and other platforms due to concerning usage patterns, economic implications, cultural impacts and missed job-creation opportunities.
“The current data reveals that a staggering 80% of music played on local radio stations originates from foreign sources, contributing to a homogenous and limited musical environment,” she stated.
Hengari said the prevalence of foreign content dilutes Namibia’s unique cultural identity, stifling the representation of local narratives in the media landscape. Furthermore, she underscored that the under-utilisation of local content denies Namibia opportunities for job-creation within the creative industry.
The lawmaker indicated that promoting more local content on Namibia’s radio and television platforms holds immense potential benefits for the creative industry and artists alike.
“By increasing the broadcast of local content, Namibia can create a more diverse and vibrant cultural landscape. Artists, particularly Namibian musicians, some of my personal favourites (Jackson Wahengo, Shishani, Big Ben Kandukira, Gazza, King TeeDee, Top Cheri, YoungT, D-Jay, Josie Kauandenge) and hundreds of content- creators stand to gain significantly from this initiative. Increased airtime for local music and programming not only provides exposure to local talent, but also boosts their chances of earning royalties and expanding their fan base,” declared Hengari.
Township disco duo One Blood - consisting of siblings Daphne and Victor Kaune - said creatives must take part in the voting process because of the impact their support could have in the country.
“With voting, you get to choose who should represent you, and I believe that if one doesn’t vote, then others get to choose for that particular individual. So, it is better to ink that candidate who you believe will be the best representative,” said Daphne.
She added that voting is a powerful process that shapes various societies, and creatives should be part of that process. That is the reason she made sure she is registered well in advance.
Rapper Sunday Shipushu, known as Sunny-Boy, concurred with Daphne that failure to vote results in others voting on one’s behalf. Hence, it is pivotal for all eligible voters to register now so that they can vote in the upcoming elections.
“Allowing someone to vote for you will result in the selection of people who may not have one’s best interest. So, it is important for one to cast their votes. In this very critical stage of our country right now with corruption, an economic crisis, unemployment and others, it is important to ensure that your input is considered,” said the Hikwa star.
Sunny-Boy indicated that those who do not take part in electoral processes don’t have the right to complain about the mishaps happening in the country, because opportunities are always granted for people to change circumstances through elections.
“I will make sure I am part of those who are going to exercise their constitutional rights and vote. I haven’t registered to vote yet because I am in the northern parts of the country, but I will make sure I register the moment I touch down,” he assured.
Meanwhile, Tulina Ndafyaalako, commonly known as Young T WokOngha, took to social media to state that he finds political parties and politicians selfish, and is happy he has never benefitted from them.
“As a prominent musician in this country, I am happy that I have never benefitted from Swapo or any political party through selfishness and corruption, like the rest,” stated the Fikulimwe hitmaker.
The creative added that whether AR, EFF, PDM, Swapo or IPC wins, it’s fine, “I have not experienced the benefits of liberty up to now, just like the rest of us who don’t have connections”.
-psiririka@nepc.com.na