The Namibia Annual Music Awards are making a comeback after a four-year break. 

Organisers have begun stakeholder engagements to reimagine the awards, calling on musicians, promoters and industry players to help shape its future.

The consultations aim to review the structure, purpose and impact of the NAMAs. 

Organisers say the renewed focus will be on celebrating Namibian music and the artists behind it.

Director of Arts in the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Sports, Youth, Arts and Culture, M'Kariko Amagulu, said the awards must reflect Namibia's diverse musical traditions – from traditional sounds to modern genres – and recognise the creativity and effort involved in producing music.

"Our goal is to ensure that the awards place the artists, the music and the creative process at the centre of the celebration."

Musicians attending the sessions highlighted emerging challenges facing the industry.

Yvonne Hangara raised concerns about the growing use of artificial intelligence in music production.

"With AI, someone can drop a song title, and a system generates the music automatically. How do we judge that against someone who spends weeks in a studio with a band?"

Promoter Robert Shipanga stressed the importance of industry ownership of the awards.

"We want the industry itself to host this event, so it can survive even without government or corporate funding."

Musician Pinehas Shikulo, popularly known as Zulu Boy, noted the international growth of Namibian music and the need to ensure proper recognition for artists.

"The industry is picking up internationally, and this process can help make sure the right people get the recognition they deserve."

Feedback from artists, producers, managers and promoters will guide the reimagining of the NAMAs. 

Discussions include award categories, submission processes, adjudication, transparency, and strategies to address challenges such as AI-generated music.

Organisers say the process is ongoing, to host a revamped, industry-led awards ceremony that celebrates the creativity, culture and talent of Namibian music.