4 August 2006

Rocking the Namibian nation

Sanlam NBC Music Awards

The Sanlam NBC Music Awards, which has, over the past four years, grown into the most prestigious and popular musical event on the Namibian arts, music and social calendar, will officially be launched in Windhoek on 22 August 2006.

The Awards provide the opportunity and platform for the industry to rise to the challenge of striving for entertainment excellence and in so doing, set ever improving standards for artists and the related industry. The Sanlam NBC Music Awards honours performers for their musical originality, creative presentation and artistic brilliance.

The statistics reflect that these Awards are all the rage. During 2005, 170 established and up and coming musicians entered the competition. This year entries are expected to top this number. Categories in which artists can compete have increased from 11 in 2003 to 43 in 2006. The final prize giving ceremony is broadcast on National television, and figures show that 2005's viewing audience has more than doubled since the event first hit the airwaves of Namibia. Even more viewers are expected to check out the 2006's Awards. Prizes have also increased and last year included a trip to France for the overall winner.

The publicity generated from this project is incredible. Not a day passes without one or more of the local radio stations, newspapers or the National television station making mention of this fabulous experience.

This year's event will, for the first time, include a Nominees Show before the final ceremony, an Outside Radio Broadcast with nominees (giving them a chance to meet their fans and sign autographs) and possibly a visit to the President (State House). Last year the nominees paid a courtesy visit to the Prime Minister, and the Prime Minister was extremely excited to meet them.

This year the Awards Ceremony will take place on 1 December at the Safari Court, Windhoek.