Namibian Sun

Ompumbwe yomeya monooliAanooli ye na oongunga dhaNamWater dhi li poomiliyona 300 Uupyakadhi wa holoka mokanala komeya hoka haka topola omeya okuza moAngola owa etitha ompumbwe yomeya monooli yaNamibia, ndjoka ya taalela nale omukundu omolwa oshikukuta oshowo oongunga dhomeya dhi li pombanda.

ILENI NANDJATO

Muule wiiwike iyali ya piti, iitopolwa yopokati konooli yoshilongo oya kala ya taalela uupyakadhi womeya taga pata omolwa iilonga yokupangela mokanala kaCalueque-Oshakati.

Shoka otashi holoka pethimbo ewinayi mpoka iimuna miitopolwa ine yomonooli tayi gwedhwa komukundu ngoka, pethimbo sho taku longwa nuudhigu okugandja omeya komidhingoloko ndhoka dhi na omwaalu gwaantu oyendji oshowo iimuna.

Omunambelewa omupopiliko gwehangano lyaNamWater, Johannes Shigwedha okwa popi kutya ehangano olyat himinikwa opo li pate oopomba dhomeya mondama yaCalueque moAngola na otali kutha ngashiingeyi omeya okuza mOndama yaLushandja opo li vule okutula omeya moompungulilo dhawo, mOutapi, Ogongo oshowo Oshakati.

Ondama yaLushandja inayi gwana okugandja omeya kaakwashigwana yomoshitopolwa shaMusati, Ohangwena, Oshana oshowo Oshikoto.

Shigwedha okwa popi kutya okanala okateka popepi nongamba dhaAngola.

Okwa popi kutya onkalo ndjoka kayi shi ngaashi ndjoka hayi kala po shito yewapaleko lyokanala, konima yoshikako shomuloka aluhe, ihe omolwa okanala hoka ka teka popepi nOlushandja okuza kOmahenene. Oshitopolwa shoka sha teka oshuunene woometa 500, na oye na okupata oopomba dhomeya moAngola, opo ya vule okupangela.

“Otu na okupata oopomba moCalueque. Otwa pata woo omeya ngoka gaadhika nale geli mokanala pOlushandja na ngashiingeyi otatu pombo omeya okuza mOlushandja opo tu gandje koompungulilo dhomeya mOutapi, Ogongo oshowo Oshakati, ihe omeya ngoka inaga gwana.”

Shigwedha okwa popi kutya nonando ekuma lyokanala ndyoka lyateka po olya tungwa po, oli na okutegelelwa li kukute, omanga epombo lyomeya inali tameka ishewe.

“Omeya ngoka haga pombwa okuza mOlushandja okuya mOshakati ohaga kutha uule womasiku gaali opo gathike mOshakati. Ohaga yi moompungulilo moka haga wapalekwa omanga inaga shuna ishewe moompungulilo. Shoka osho tashi etitha omeya taga pata,” Shigwedha a popi.

Aakwashigwana yamwe oya popi kutya ohaya penduka omausiku opo ya vule okumona omeya. Pomahala ngaashi Oshakati omeya otaga ende ngaa kashona, naashoka osha e ta aantu niimuna ya kale kaye na omeya uule wiiwike ya thika pu iyali. Shigwedha okwa popi kutya NamWater ota topolele omeya uupangelogona oshowo iipangelo.

Sho NamWater ta pombo omeya okuza mOlushandja, kamu na we omeya ga gwana okugandja kaaniikunino mboka ye na iikunino yawo pOlushandja.

Ondama yaLushandja yuule woshinano shookilometa 17 oshowo uunene wookilometa mbali ohayi pungula omeya ga nuninwa okulongithwa paulumomhumbwe.

Ehangano ndyoka lyokuyandjakaneka omeya moshilongo natango olya tseyitha kutya iitopolwa Oshana, Oshikoto, Ohangwena oshowo Omusati oyi na oondjo dhehangano ndyoka dhoshimaliwa sha thika poomiliyona 300. Ngele oondjo ndhoka inadhi futwa nena otashi vulika omeya gaka te tweko.

Shoka osha tseyithwa pethimbo lyomutumba ngoka gwa ningwa noNamibia National Farmers Union oshowo Oshana Regional Council mOshakati mEtiyali.

Mathew Shitaatala gwoshikondo shOshana rural water supply okwa popi kutya aanamikunda moshitopolwa shaShana oye na oongunga dhaNamWater dha thika poomiliyona 48.

Aakwashigwana mboka ye na oongunga dhi li pombanda ongaashi Okashandja-Olwege ( oomiliyona 6), Omaalala-Ombutu (oomiliyona 5), Oshakati-Omapale (oomiliyona 3.4) oshowo Oniizimba (oomiliyona 1.6).

Spread of bird flu slows down

An outbreak of bird flu, which has killed more than 500 African penguins and spread to at least three islands near Lüderitz, seems to be slowing down but has led to a worrying drop in population numbers.

Ministry of agriculture spokesperson Margaret Kalo has confirmed that new penguin deaths have slowed down “to almost zero”.

Nevertheless, it has “caused a very significant drop in the already critical population.”

The outbreak of H5N8 avian influenza was first detected on Halifax Island in December last year.

The latest mortality figures showed 395 deaths on Halifax Island, 45 on Ichaboe Island and 19 on Mercury Island.

Scientists monitoring the situation say no sick or dead birds have been observed in the past week.

Most of the deaths were among adult birds and a large portion is believed to have been valuable breeding birds, five years or older.

These figures do not include the bird carcasses that were washed off the beaches and may have gone unnoticed.

The impact of the disease on the penguin population has been devastating, scientists say.

There has been a dramatic decline in the breeding colonies this year, compared to the previous two years.

Halifax Island is one of the few African penguin sites where numbers had been increasing, compared to worrying declines elsewhere.

Before the outbreak, the island was home to about 7 000 adult penguins, including roughly 1 400 breeding pairs.

Kalo says bird flu is caused by the type A (H5N8) strain of the influenza virus and is spread by migratory birds.

There is no vaccine or treatment for bird flu. The response to an outbreak is limited to burning carcasses to halt the spread of the highly infectious disease.

JANA-MARI SMITH

Kanime turns to the courtsFights City's delay tactics The City Police chief has filed an urgent court application, arguing his prolonged suspension has become “unconstitutional”.

More than a year since he was suspended, and three months after the head of state ordered his immediate reinstatement, suspended City Police Chief Abraham Kanime has turned to the High Court on an urgent basis to compel the City of Windhoek to allow him to return to work.

Kanime's lawyers on Monday filed an urgent application at the Windhoek High Court arguing that his suspension has become “unnecessary, unfair, unlawful, invalid and of no force and effect”.

In his affidavit, Kanime further argues that his prolonged suspension has become “unconstitutional”.

He argues that City CEO Robert Kahimise and the City council have unduly delayed the disciplinary hearing, which would finalise his case, because the charges “have no merit whatsoever and I am determined to prove my innocence at the hearing”.

Kanime's legal action is a bid to have the court issue an order forcing Kahimise and the council to set aside his suspension and to reinstate him.

So far, there are no indications Kanime wants any charges against him dropped. He previously told Namibian Sun he is prepared to prove his innocence, but the delay in setting a date for the disciplinary hearing has thwarted his efforts to do so.

He said: “The process should reach its intended conclusion so that the allegations can be confirmed or be proven unfounded. To say the charges should be withdrawn, that is unacceptable.”

He said simply withdrawing or quashing the charges would set a worrying precedent in dealing with misconduct or corruption in future.

Unfair delays

In his affidavit, Kanime asks the court to allow the case to proceed on an urgent basis not only because a normal court process would defeat the purpose of ending a more than a yearlong suspension, but noting that in his view the City council and CEO “have no serious intention to continue with the disciplinary hearing”.

The affidavit underlines that his initial suspension was set to end until the finalisation of an investigation against him, but has dragged on for months after that investigation was completed.

Furthermore, Kanime informs the court that multiple pleas by his legal team for the City to set dates for a disciplinary hearing have been met with silence.

“At least since around the beginning of March 2019 to date, the respondents have, through their legal practitioner, completely refused to fix dates for the hearing and to finalise the matter, or even to uplift my suspension.”

Ignoring orders

Meanwhile, Kanime notes that not only his attempts to finalise the case have been met with silence, but advice by the City's legal team has also been ignored in addition to requests for a council meeting to finalise a decision on the way forward for him.

He further highlights that numerous of the dozens of charges against him have been dropped since last year and that he is confident the remaining charges will be quashed if a hearing were to proceed.

By Thursday noon, no notices of an intention to defend the court action had been filed by the City of Windhoek.

Kanime's legal team, headed by Sisa Namandje, meanwhile has requested that the matter be set down for 10 May, next Friday.

JANA-MARI SMITH

Ya Ndakolo justifies huge defence budget

The defence ministry plays an essential role in Namibia's socio-economic development agenda and the negative attitude towards its high budget allocation is therefore disappointing, defence minister Penda Ya Ndakolo has said.

The ministry habitually receives one of the biggest portions of the national budget annually. In the 2017/18 and 2018/19 financial years it received about N$6 billion, while for 2019/20, it was allocated N$5.8 billion.

Motivating the budget allocation this week, Ya Ndakolo said a portion of society sees the ministry as optional, but government officials understand its necessity.

“Namibia needs a defence force because it plays very important roles in the socio-economic development agenda of our country by defending the peace and stability we enjoy today, which allows our people to focus their efforts on development activities,” Ya Ndakolo said.

He went on to explain the roles of the ministry and Namibian Defence Force, saying they are constitutional institutions.

“The NDF continues to play a major role in anti-poaching operations aimed at protecting Namibia's wildlife, especially elephants and rhinos and supports other law enforcement agencies in the maintenance of law and order,” Ya Ndakolo motivated.

During the previous financial years when the economy was doing well, the ministry focused its financial resources on basic defence infrastructure and acquired equipment as well as capabilities.

With the current fiscal challenges, however, he said they are focusing more on protection and the maintenance of the existing properties and equipment along with catering for the welfare and wellbeing of NDF members.

The ministry last year procured the farm Oropoko for N$45 million which Ya Ndakolo justified by saying they do not have sufficient infrastructure to house the national force as most of the infrastructure was built from prefabricated materials and had become dilapidated.

Furthermore, the ministry will continue to maintain the cost-cutting measures adopted last year to enable them to “navigate the current financial storm”.

“This includes granting of compulsory leave of some categories of NDF members, postponement of recruitment and the conducting of major military exercises, as well as looking at other internal measures to realise savings that will allow the provision of basic services to continue,” Ya Ndakolo said.

Last year, the ministry put soldiers on paid leave due to its inability to feed and house them.

NAMPA

Miss Okahandja Tourism & Trade Expo to be crowned tonight Kashipu Investment will tonight host the annual Miss Okahandja Tourism and Trade Expo at Okahandja Park sport field.

Sponsored by the municipality of Okahandja and the Okahandja Tourism and Trade Expo, the pageant is part of the annual Okahandja Tourism and Trade expo which is currently on and ends tomorrow.

The pageant is aimed at recognising charismatic and talented young women at the town. The platform also seeks to boost the modelling careers of the participants. Kashipu Investment's Sando Ithana mentioned that the pageant also help build self-esteem for participants. “The pageant also seeks to promote cleanliness in the town of Okahandja. The finalists will raise awareness about a clean community and work together with the community to clean up Okahandja.” said Ithana.

“Through Miss Okahandja Tourism & Trade Expo, young people are given the platform to get involved in community projects at the town,” added Ithana.

The event will be complemented by performances by artists based in Okahandja and is open to all age groups.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

Bubbling overMeet Deal Done Record's newest signee Bella This year has quite been a year of new discoveries; one of these is singer Bella.

tjil had the pleasure of conversing with rookie Bella and during that conversation questions were not only answered… Bella was in fact unleashed.

She was discovered by Deal Done Records and released her first official single titled Reality last year. Being a new artist Bella shuns from boxing herself into one music genre. “What I have been doing so far is experimenting with different sounds.

“I am fairly new so I feel like I have the freedom to try out new sounds and with the guidance of people like Antonio I am sure I will find my feet,” she said.

She takes ideas from different genres and hopes to come up with a sound that anyone can enjoy listening to.

Bella told tjil that being affiliated to one of the biggest music stables in the country means so much to hear, more so as an upcoming artist. She added that she is privileged and grateful that her music made an impression on one of the biggest labels in the country. “This is still new for me so I really want to see where it will take me. It will be amazing to be recognised not only on national level, but internationally.

“One of my end goals is for my music to be celebrated globally. I want to take it far. I will not stop until I perform at some of the biggest international music stages,” added Bella.

She mentioned Lioness, Sally Boss Madam and Adora as some of the artists who inspire her.

“These women demonstrate that females have the power to achieve what they put their minds to. That is the kind of message I want to send out there through my music as well; that women can do anything.

“They are also so confident and I love that about them. Their presence on stage and the manner they engage their crowds when on stage is impressive,” said Bella.

Deal Done Records' founder Antonio told tjil that he knows special talent when he sees it. Antonio added that what is impressive about Bella's music capabilities is that she is able to perform live. “Not many artists can perform live especially in the early stages of their careers. As a label we have big plans for Bella and we are confident Namibians are going to love her sound,” said Antonio.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

Local music empiresInside the world of music moguls Record labels are instrumental in the development of artists; tjil took some time out to speak to a few Namibian records labels to inquire what they have been up to and what they've got brewing.

Yaziza Entertainment

Started in 2008, it was initially called Green House Entertainment and was founded by Hikwa Pioneer Sunny Boy. Sunny Boy shared that there are a few artists the label is considering signing. “I cannot officially mention those names so at the moment the label only houses me, but in the past, we had artists like Chipolopolo and Kamasutra who have since left the label due to work commitments in different towns, but they are still family,” said Sunny Boy. The label's motto is discovering new talent, nurturing and grooming them into successful artists. “We believe in artists who are talented, passionate, creative, and open minded.

“After my album drops we plan on going on tour, dropping music videos, pushing our clothing range Hikwa and we also plan on venturing into film. This year we will probably shoot a short film,” said Sunny boy.

Gazza Music Production (GMP)

Speaking to tjil, GMP founder Gazza said that the label was officially registered in 2001. Over the years GMP has released albums for artists including Street Kidz, D-Jay, Roger, Naka Blacksheep and Gazza himself. “GMP is probably only independent music stable in Namibia that has released self-funded albums. We have released over 20 albums since we started,” said Gazza. Gazza mentioned that the label is currently going through a restructuring process and will soon be run by a board of directors.

The artists currently signed to GMP include Jeiyo, DJ Shoza, Teqla and Sam-Lee Jones. “This year GMP will release DJ Shoza and Teqla's albums, so look out for those,” said Gazza.

Blvc Boxx Entertainment

Fairly new in the business, Blvc Boxx has managed to achieve so much and has signed some of the currently most trending artists. Blvc Boxx Entertainment's roster include Tesh, King Elegant, Top Cheri, Princelou Faragama, Athawise and Slime. The label's public relations practitioner Anne Hambuda told tjil that their artists are very talented, so the music spreads very easily. “I also think the fact that we are a large crew that moves around together and is always ready for a good time helps us. A lot of people see us and wonder what we are always so excited about because it's always lit wherever we are. And lastly, we as management are a good combination of people who have been pushing the culture in the industry for a while in different ways,” said Hambuda.

The label is throwing a big music concert tomorrow at Zoo Park called BoxxThrive. “BoxxThrive won't die. We will have more. We are celebrating our third birthday with a huge party in August. We are dropping King Elegant's album. We are dropping new and cool merchandise.

“As a label we will also keep learning and growing. Our goal for this year is to continue to conquer the music industry and capture the hearts of all lovers of art,” added Hambuda.

Deal Done Records

Known as the label that produces award-winning artists, Deal Done Records was established in 2007 by Dragan Djokic popularly known as Antonio. The first artist signed to the label was Fishman. “Before launching Deal Done Records I was just doing merchandise for artists and my affiliates advised me to take it to another level by managing artists, and the rest is history,” said Antonio. So far the label has hosted 16 artists. At the moment Deal Done Records signees include Misho, D-Jay, D-Kandjafa and Bella. Revealing his secret for launching successful music careers, Antonio said: “Music is team work. I always have a good team from production to marketing. Whenever I decide to sign artists they first go for evaluation with my trusted producers Araffath Muhuure and Glo, when they approve then I can invest in the artist.”

Other highly notable music labels shifting the music culture in Namibia include; Mshasho, Boss Madam Productions, Ogopa Butterfly, Rockaz, Omalaeti, and more.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

Crafting his comeuppance Adding something new and different If you are obsessed about discovering new Namibian talent, you could not possibly have gotten through the year 2018 without hearing about Gino Luv.

The born-again R&B singer, rapper and songwriter really made some noise with the music and fresh feeling he radiates. This talented lad has managed to swiftly grab music fans’ attention to witness his evident growth with his strings of singles and mixtapes. tjil had a chat with the guy to get closer insight on how he functions musically and what sort of domination he is going for. This is his story.

Gino Luv, real name Gino Marco Pierre-LuingiSeraun was born in Windhoek and raised at the coastal town of Swakopmund. He was bitten by the music bug in 2009 when he was 15. He shared that at the time he was signed to his first official record label called I’m A Star Records, based at Swakopmund. He reminisced sitting in the mathematics class talking about the sad departure of the late Roger and Eclipse with his friends. “One of my friends saw that I wrote lyrics at the back of my book. He asked if I was serious with this music thing and at the time I wasn’t really but I said I was.

“He introduced me to a friend of his, Solomon Santoz, who I played a beat for and he made me a part of the label instantly. That is how I ended up at I’m A Star Records,” shared Gino Luv. However sometime last year the label disbanded and even though the ship sank, Gino Luv’s dream stayed afloat. He describes his sound and music style as the triple-R effect. “Raw, real and relatable.”

He recently shared his second mixtape, Love, Thorns and a Crown since he become born again in 2013. His first mixtape was called The Journey of Resistance. He mentioned that Love, Thorns and a Crown is story of a believer trying to find his way through this new life as he faces family issues and the urge to gain financial freedom.

He explained that the love part in the title of his second mixtape talks to young female believers. “In the end I realised that although I go through so much I can only find rest, peace and joy in the hands of Jesus that is where the crown part comes to play. It is a very beautiful project even if I have to say so myself,” he said confidently.

On how the project was received, Gino Luv said that his fan base was really impressed by the quality and content of the music, which are two of the elements he puts so much effort into when creating music. “That was a great moment for me; for those two aspects of the mixtape to stand out to them,” he said.

He announced that he is in the final stages of completing another body of work, which he said will be shared on all music outlets online. “It will be available on Donlu Africa, ITunes, Sound Cloud, Deezeretc; just keep an eye on all my social media pages for the link,” he announced.

When asked where his constant flow of inspiration comes from, the singer shared that he is inspired by his daily experiences. He believes that the only way he can connect with his audience is through everyday situations, and show them that through Christ, and by His power we can make it through the storm, whatever we go through together.

“Ultimately my goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,” he said.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

Monique provides an updateTapping into a different kind of musical inspiration We doubt that there is anyone who has not heard the name Monique English; what she has been up to? tjil found out for you.

After having made some major moves throughout her career, tjil found it important to get some words from the singer herself for ourselves, our devoted readers and the culture.

Monique English has been an amazing singer for some time now, winning awards and numerous music competitions. With time her sound has evolved. She maintains that her sound can only get better. She revealed that she has not been in studio for about a year. “I am struggling immensely getting back to writing and composing overall. But I am positive that inspiration will come soon and I can get back into studio and release new and better music,” said English.

She mentioned that even though she is known for being a singer, she finds it challenging to try and explain her sound.

“To be honest, I think my voice is not the typical type of voice you’ll get. I am sometimes soft and sometimes I belt. I can go into my falsetto and flow out of it quite easily, and that’s what makes my sound so different.”

If you follow her on Instagram you will know that Monique English is big on doing music covers and she is pretty good at it. Asked where her love for remaking songs stems from and what she enjoys the most about it, the singer said: Doing covers is how it all started for me. My first cover was on Good Ones Go by Drake. I up-loaded it onto Facebook, and I was blown away by the response from all my followers. It may be hard to believe, but I prefer singing covers rather than my own songs.”

She mentioned that when she gets to put out exactly what she wants, regarding production on her music, maybe then will she get the urge to perform it more than covers. “Another thing about covers is, it enables you to practice your vocal abilities. There are thousands of different artists with different vocal techniques and abilities out there, from which we as artists can learn from. But at the same time we have to try and make it our own and have our own sound,” she shared.

She mentioned Rihanna as one of her biggest musical influences but with R&B growing again, she listens and draws inspiration from H.E.R, Ella Mai, Sabrina Claudito, Kehlani and Syvn Streeter among others.

Probably a clichéd question, but tjil was certain people would like to know what has been Monique English’s highlight of her music career thus far. She mentioned performing at the Namibia Annual Music Awards in two consecutive years as one of her highlights thus far. “Also winning the Female Artist of the Year in 2017; it is every Namibian artist’s dream to perform on the biggest music stage in the county and win one of the biggest accolades as well,” said English on her accomplishments.

Having achieved so much, we are sure it has not been easy. Spelling out some of the challenges she has encountered on her journey, English said: “It’s definitely all the criticism. After winning the awards in 2017 and 2018, I had a lot of backlash from the public and media.

“It was heart-drenching to say the least, but I dealt with it. I ignored them and did not respond and I also got a lot of support and encouragement from the people who do support me. I know how hard I’ve worked for this and that there’s a lot I still have to do,” she said.

Her musical plans for the rest of the year entails working on her new album. “I recently set up my own studio at home just to make the production of the new album a bit easier,” she said.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

Doing it for NamibiaRecognising those who keep fighting for us abroad Rowan Summers shares his experiences of being on the Bad Boys 3 movie set.

The illusion has always been that the battle takes place in the land of the brave but that is not always true. Some artistic battles happen elsewhere and those battles cannot be overlooked or be recognised as less important. Such is the example of model Rowan Summers who has been flying the Namibian flag high. He was recently on set of Bad Boys 3 and it is impossible for tjil not to give a damn or not feel proud about it. tjil caught up with him and this is what he had to share.

tjil (t): You recently took to Instagram expressing your excitement for having the opportunity to work on Bad Boys 3, what was your role in this production?

Rowan Summers (RS): I was Will Smith's double. I had to do exactly what he did in order for production to adjust the lights and position the cameras perfectly so that when Will and Martin arrive on set, everything is close to perfect to shoot.

t: How did the opportunity to be a part of Bad Boys 3 come about?

RS: Since my arrival in Mexico City, I have been working as an extra to gain experience in the acting industry and after months of hard work, an agency with the name of Toledo called me to see if I was available for the call back of this job. I went to the call back and booked the job.

t: Describe working and being on set with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence?

RS: It was somewhat unbelievable, incredible, nerve-wracking, inspirational, astonishing and fulfilling. The moment they arrived on set, I was graced with the feeling of victory that nothing is impossible if you set your heart and mind to it. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence were super chilled as well, very humble and friendly with everyone. It was a life-changing experience.

t: What does this opportunity means to you and your career?

RS: It means a lot to me and my career because my philosophy is that you are only as good as your last job, so this now means that my next job have to be something greater than this and I am up for the challenge, because you actually do attract what you want to become.

t: What is next for Rowan Summers?

RS: That is a question that does not have a definite answer but I keep on surprising myself with the opportunities I am receiving so all I can say is 'Watch this space as there is more to come'.

MICHEL KAYUNDE

More to be done What’s good my people; we are back with another banging edition of tjil. We have prepared exciting music features and entertainment news for you, like we always do. But before we get to that, I would like to voice my disappointment with the lack of music review shows on Namibian radio stations, popular blogs and podcasts.

I understand that music is consumed instantly these days and it might be hard to keep up with the latest music releases as artists seem to be on a music-sharing vibe. However, the music scene still needs critical voices on platforms like radio, blogs and podcasts, reviewing the music that is being put out there. Correct me if I am wrong, but so far I only know of one music review show on radio, that is hosted by Shona Ngava on Nust FM. The Oxford Companion to Music defines music criticism as “the intellectual activity of formulating judgements on the value and degree of excellence of individual works of music, or whole groups or genres”. The music scene in Namibia needs more music criticism, not just for the sake of it but to grow the industry. Music reviews help artists better their artistry and enlighten music fans on some of the elements they should pay attention to when listening to music.

I call on industry peers and music fans to exploit this avenue. Writing music reviews or having radio shows that tackles music reviews gives you a chance to become an influencer in this regard. People are going to start looking to you to find out who is trending musically and what kind of Namibian songs they should add to their playlists.

People who operate in the media space and ultimately introduce the masses to new musical developments always have a huge amount of influence. That is the great thing about being a media practitioner, especially in the entertainment circles. You are also a social curator. We need more music reviews because only music critics can articulate words to translate it into consciousness, and eventually our instinctive response to a song. Only they can connect dots and close the deal on arts’ attempt to heal the mind. Critics can provide information and assess value. They can provide context to the music we are fed by our artists.

On the other hand, I blame music fans to a certain extent for not offering adequate support to initiatives that attempt to grow the culture through reviews. Namibian music fans need to engage and be interactive more when it comes to this area. I urge music fans to tune into radio as well as comment, share and like blogs that offer music reviews. By doing that, people who review music will be more encouraged to keep on reviewing music because they know there is support out there and that people engage in these kinds of conversations.

Lastly, you can blog or podcast about anything in Namibian entertainment scene; music business, interesting social influencers and more. Just be sure to be honest and discuss matters in a positive light even when you are critiquing.

In this edition you can look forward to finding out what your favourite singers including Ann Singer, Gino Luv and Monique English have been up to. Enjoy this edition!

michael@namibiansun.com

NFC shares its 2019 plans Ensuring Namibian stories are told through film Exciting things are in store this year for the Namibian silver screen.

Namibia Film Commission (NFC) held an information sharing session earlier this week to spell out its activity plans for 2019/20 financial year.

The session was a continuation of what the NFC board had undertaken since its appointment in November 2017 as a roadmap towards supporting and growing the film industry in Namibia.

Outlining the commission’s accomplishments of the just-ended financial year, NFC board member Marinda Stein said: “During 2018/19 financial year the commission rolled out film local content development projects to the tune of N$2.3 million, which accounted to 72% of the total allocated budget.

“This has created employment for 69 Namibians and trained 12 aspiring filmmakers,” added Stein.

Stein shared that further support was accorded in the form of payment of trainees attached to local films, website development support, festival attendance, training of the selected filmmakers from NFC’s annual call-outs through workshops, as well as equipment and transport assistance.

On the 2019/20 financial year, Stein revealed that the commission received N$3.6 million for the film and video fund for this financial year. “You all will be glad to be informed that the bulk of this budget once again is geared towards the development of the film industry with an allocation of 82%, with operations receiving 10%, marketing 6%, and board expenses a mere 2%,” shared Stein.

In order to enhance the local screen culture, NFC will do screenings of local films nationwide in collaboration with the information ministry’s regional offices. “It will further engage funding partners to assist it in acquiring solar-powered cinema sets for donating to rural communities in order to bring local stories to rural communities,” said Stein.

Touching on film industry formalisation, Stein announced that the NFC board started a process of formalising the industry in order to improve the quality of content, allow for networking and collaboration, and build capacity in the industry. “As a first step, it brought together all local facilitators of foreign productions in the country and after much debate and benchmarking, an agreement was reached to register all local facilitators, based on clear criteria.”

Moreover, through the National Planning Commission, the NFC intends to engage development partners Japan, Turkey, United Nations, European Union, China and Germany. Namibia and Germany share a rich political history, and have already existing bi-lateral agreements in various sectors. “Last year 22 productions carried out in Namibia (or 15%) came from Germany and in the last five years about 89 German productions came to Namibia,” said Stein.

Summing up her presentation, Stein affirmed that the NFC board recommits itself to do their utmost best to grow and develop the film industry despite all the many challenges that exist, including the economic climate. “However, with the resources available to our disposal and the passion to turn this industry into a striving one we will together forge ahead,” she said.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

Kay-Z Bearens bags PR deal

Memory Talent Management Agency recently announced that they have signed up and coming hip-hop artist Kay-Z Bearens to a public relations and talent management deal.

Kambinda Zambwe Bearens known as Kay-Z Bearens hails from the Zambezi Region. He released his first single in 2015 titled The Struggle Is Real. The single addressed his personal struggles of not affording university fees.

His first EP project with six songs was released last year and received positive reviews from the media. He shot a music video for one of his singles on the EP titled 79 which features Blvc Boxx signee Princelou Faragama. Memory Talent Management Agency shared that Kay-Z Bearens’s EP is available on iTunes and will be on Donlu Africa very soon.

On being signed to Memory Talent Management Agency, the rapper said: “I am so excited about this partnership as it is my first-ever contract. I have been working with my manager and it has been hard to break into the music industry as we are both still new to it.

“It excites me knowing that I will be working with the best and also as an upcoming artist, these opportunities are not readily available. I thank Memory Talent Management for understanding my vision and for deciding to work with me,” said Kay-Z Bearens.

Memory Talent Management Agency is excited to help and work with up-and-coming artists to help them grow and also to master their talent for maximum exposure. “We need to play our role in the industry because at the end of the day we are all one and we need to be active role players.”

STAFF REPORTER

Booked and busyNew music in the pipeline Ann Singer is no stranger to the music scene. The award-winning singer has been in studio and this year she's making a comeback!

Ann Singer recently took to social media to announce that she is working on new music. In a conversation with tjil, she shared both her plans and what has been keeping her busy. Asked how she has been as it has been a while since we heard from her, Singer said: “It's actually funny how many people never ask this question? Nonetheless I have been good, booked and busy and still very much breathing.”

On the creative direction she is taking on the music she is working on, the songster said that she has decided to stay true to who she is. “I have to admit that the music has a message and it touches on so many issues. Definitely singing my truth and greatly trying to transition my music from digital to live, especially in terms of production,” she said.

She revealed that her album is done, there are just a few glitches to be fixed and promised to drop a lead single before the album is released. She is super excited and nervous at the same time. She admitted that she does not have a specific release date but said it is definitely soon. “I am currently waiting for confirmation but I do have a couple of performances lined up for outside the country. I have one confirmed for September in South Africa and I will reveal all the details when the time comes,” she added.

Speaking on how far she is projecting her future musically, Singer told tjil that she is at a point in her life where she does not allow external factors to influence her. She knows that she cannot rush something that she will spend the rest of her life doing, which is music. She has come to comprehend that she is running her own race.

“We all have different goals, visions and of course, destinies. I have come to discover my purpose. I know what I want and what I have to do to get it. I have also come to understand that it is not about being noticed but about being remembered and I honestly want to be remembered,” she said.

She has been busy working on her vocals, perfecting her guitar skills, performing and just living in the moment. She said she knows what she is capable of and no one can take that away from her; she pictures herself going international one day. “Last year I performed in Europe and that for me was confirmation as to how far music can take me depending on how far I am willing to stretch and push myself. That for me was also confirmation of how great my talent is and that I have the potential to make it out there.

“I am patient and in the process while I am waiting for what I really want, I am working. I believe that I am exactly where I need to be, doing exactly what I should, at my own pace and with no pressure from nobody,” she stated.

Her contract with South Africa's Mabala Noise Entertainment ended last year. Narrating what she learned from that tenure, Singer mentioned that mentally it was a life-changing experience for her. She noted that she had to remind herself every day that it was real. Her music career had just started and she felt that she was pushed into the deep end. She admitted that the pressure to do her best was extreme yet she had to sit at the table with the big guns and most times it was very overwhelming. “It made me feel global you know, part of the bigger picture. One of the most significant things for me was always remembering what my parents had said to me about staying true to myself because I needed to not lose myself.”

“I remember when I performed at the Durban July in 2017, sharing a stage with the likes of Kelly Khumalo, Amanda Black, Musa and the late Robbie Malinga, man can you believe how small I felt? But I gave that performance my best; I gave it my all and never looked back.”

One of the biggest lessons was - hard work. She learned that even if you are signed to a major label you still need to put in the work, people can only do so much for you because you are the true master of your own destiny. “I am forever grateful for the opportunity that Mabala Noise Entertainment has given me, I believe I have shown the Namibian child that it is possible and what the power of music and hard work can do,” said Singer.

Her formula to constantly pushing herself in such an energy draining industry is being passionate. Living in a society where people believe music is a hobby, Ann Singer would like to prove them wrong and that keeps her going.

“I also have so much to prove to myself, I made myself a promise a few years ago that I want to live a life I am proud of and a life that I chose, not one chosen for me, and I see myself doing music for the rest of my life and knowing that, keeps me going,” she shared.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

Rehoboth residents stage march

Disgruntled residents of the Block E informal settlement in Rehoboth yesterday staged a peaceful demonstration to the Rehoboth town council to hand over a petition, alleging poor governance by the council.

The group, escorted by the police, started their march from the #Oan-||Ob Community Hall, singing 'We will not vote; No water - no vote'.

Upon arrival at the town council, the residents were greeted by locked gates manned by the police. They demanded to see ministerial representative, Nathalia |Goagoses and acting CEO Johannes Ipinge, who were both out of town.

The council's head of technical services Ernst de Waal, who was acting in the absence of Ipinge, came out to receive the petition, but the petitioners refused to hand it over, saying they want to see |Goagoses.

The community members thereafter decided to re-strategise and organise another demonstration in due course to air their concerns specifically to the two leaders.

A community member who led the group, Dorothea Gases told Nampa that residents wanted to express their dissatisfaction with the ongoing state of affairs in the governance and the general lack of delivery of proper services in the town, especially in Block E.

She added that residents have been without water for the last two weeks after the Rehoboth town council disconnected the water supply of most houses in Block E due to high water bills.

“We have old people who need water to take their medicine and make food for themselves.

How does the town council think these people will survive? Water is a basic need and if they fail to reconnect our water, we will not vote,” she said.

Other grievances include the absence of a fire station, lack of proper sanitation, the frequent running of sewerage water, inconsistent removal of household rubbish and the lack of communal taps for community members.

NAMPA

Power to the pressAll eyes on information bill Experts are of the view that the Access to Information Bill is critical for full media freedom and that we should not rest on our laurels.

As democracies around the globe mark World Press Freedom Day today, Namibian media analysts say that passing the Access to Information (ATI) Bill could dramatically boost the citizens' ability to hold their leaders accountable.

Namibia recently reclaimed the number-one spot in Africa on the 2019 World Press Freedom Index after sliding to the second spot in 2018.

Yet, although the country regained its top position in Africa and now ranks 23rd out of 180 countries, four years ago it was ranked 17th in the world.

This decline has been described as worrisome and many argue that tabling the ATI Bill could help strengthen the country's media freedom standing. It would also help citizens and reporters to hold leaders accountable and demand improved transparency.

A statement issued by the Editors' Forum of Namibia (EFN) recently said that without the ATI law in place, the “pluralistic media in this country cannot investigate and critically report on issues that are harming the well-being of our society”.

Press freedom advocate Frederico Links says hopes are high that after many years of empty promises, the ATI bill, which has been gathering dust since 2016, will be passed this year.

This optimism follows President Hage Geingob's declaration recently that the bill will be tabled in parliament this year.

“It was the first time the president said it. In the past it was information ministers making such statements, but now it's the head of state. So, now his word is on the line, and we will certainly hold him to it,” Links said.

He added that despite political assurances, “transparency is still severely lacking across the board, and we still have a long way to go in terms of accountability. Very little has changed under Harambee”.

Jane Mungabwa of the Namibia Media Trust's (NMT) Free Expression Advocacy project said the lack of ATI legislation has helped create an imbalance between access to information and protection of information.

“There needs to be ATI legislation that clarifies what information needs to be protected under the banner of national security,” she said.

She said in her view, hopes have dwindled since 2016 of the bill being passed, and taking into account it is an election year, and parliament will be dissolved before the elections, the bill could again fail to pass. “But if it is enacted, that will be a national victory,” she stressed.

All together

Links warned that without all citizens proactively pushing for the right tools to be put in place, such as an ATI law, to hold leaders accountable to their stated promises of accountability and transparency, it is unlikely these issues will improve.

“The situation will only really change if people, the public, demand more transparency and accountability.

But that isn't happening, so the politicians continue to control and manipulate the narratives of transparency and accountability.”

The NMT's Mungabwa agreed that access to information should concern all Namibians.

“It is a fundamental human right that empowers citizens to access all their rights and hold accountable those who infringe on those rights.

Information is power, and all Namibians should stand behind the cause of having an ATI law, for their own benefit.”

She said the lack of an ATI law makes it difficult for citizens to hold each other and decision makers accountable.

“This, I believe, practically renders most Namibians powerless to bring about change when their best interests are not being served by those in power.”

JANA-MARI SMITH

Kawana mum on Ondonga impasse

Attorney-general Albert Kawana has remained tight-lipped on developments in Ondonga, where two members of the royal family were separately crowned as successors to the late Omukwaniilwa Immanuel Kauluma Elifas.

Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo and Konis Kalenga were immediately installed by two factions following Elifas's funeral about three weeks ago.

Each faction, consisting of senior traditional councillors and members of the royal family, held separate events to announce their new king.

The standoff has also resulted in two rival traditional authorities.

The faction backing Kalenga is operating at the old Ondonga Traditional Authority head offices, with Onalusheshete senior headman Eino Shondili Amutenya as chairperson and Nepando Amupanda as secretary.

The other faction, which consists mainly of senior traditional leaders and who have served for many years under the late king, are operating at Onethindi. Former Oshikoto governor Vilho Kamanya is the acting chairperson, while Joseph Asino is the secretary. Urban and rural development minister Peya Mushelenga confirmed receiving applications for official recognition of both Kalenga and Nangolo.

He said his ministry could not get involved at this stage, citing legal problems.

“I have received applications for the designation of both Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo and Konis Eino Kalenga for the position of Omukwaniilwa for Ondonga Traditional Authority. The matter has been referred to the attorney-general because as you know, in terms of the Traditional Authority Act of 2000, the designation is made by the Traditional Authority Council,” said Mushelenga.

“There is a case regarding the dismissal of the members of the traditional council. Which means the matter is still sub judice, as the court needs to make a pronouncement. It is for that reason that the applications are being referred to the attorney-general for a legal opinion.”

Despite undertaking to respond to Namibian Sun's query early this week, Kawana's phone later remained unanswered.

ILENI NANDJATO

Poverty budget does more with less220 000 beneficiaries of state grants The bulk of the poverty ministry's N$3.6 billion budget is going towards social grants.

The number of Namibians receiving social grants from the poverty ministry has increased by 3.2% to nearly 220 000 over the last financial year.

In his ministry's budget motivation speech recently, poverty eradication and social welfare minister Zephania Kameeta said of the more than N$3.6 billion the ministry has budgeted for the 2019/20 financial year, N$3.4 billion is allocated to the payment and administration of social grants to old people and those with disabilities.

The ministry has recorded an increase in the number of social grant recipients from 211 447 in 2017/18 to 218 586 during the 2018/19 year, he added.

He said the ministry was able to maintain a reasonable coverage of 97% of pensioners and 70% of disability grant beneficiaries during the year under review.

The N$3.4 billion earmarked for social grants represents 97% of the ministry's budget allocation.

This leaves only 3% for operational costs.

“The government is therefore cognisant of the great contribution of social assistance to poverty eradication,” Kameeta said.

He said the ministry aimed to do more with fewer resources and to focus on the effective implementation of programmes to lift people out of extreme poverty.

Hunger

Under the poverty eradication programme, which includes food provision to some of Namibia's poorest citizens in urban and peri-urban areas, the ministry allocated N$60 million for the provision of food parcels.

Kameeta said N$75.8 million was allocated for activities under the ministry's poverty eradication programme, including coordination and implementation.

The food programme has been rolled out to the Khomas, Hardap, //Karas, Ohangwena, Kavango West and Kunene regions, and the ministry plans to cover the remaining seven regions during the 2019/20 financial year.

Kameeta said during the 2018/19 financial year, the ministry utilised N$62.6 million for the food programme, of which N$4.9 million was paid from the State Contingency Fund.

“The shortfall the ministry experienced under this programme was due to budget cuts, from N$70 million in the 2017/18 financial year to N$62 during the year under review.”

He underlined that due to budget constraints, and the call to do more with less, the ministry has streamlined eligibility criteria for food bank beneficiaries to only include those in dire need of food.

Kameeta said a ministerial donation fund, launched in 2015, stood at N$4.5 million during the 2018/19 financial year. Donations in kind amounted to more than N$1.2 million.

Funds from the donation account were used to help with several projects aimed at poor and vulnerable Namibians, including water infrastructure and community garden projects, as well as the provision of shelter.

Basic income grant

Kameeta said under the ministry's strategy formulation and monitoring programme, the terms of reference for a basic income grant framework have been drafted to help strengthen and expand the country's social protection systems.

He said the terms of reference aimed to guide the feasibility study on the possibility “of introducing a grant system to ensure much more inclusive social protection system for the country”.

Also under the programme, the ministry developed and presented a blueprint monitoring and evaluation template during the 2018/19 financial year, in order to ensure the implementation of the blueprint on wealth distribution and poverty eradication.

Another project included a study of old-age homes and residential childcare facilities to identify gaps and the need for provision for suitable shelter to the poor and vulnerable, he said.

The ministry has allocated N$6.7 million for the activities under this programme.

JANA-MARI SMITH

A marriage of convenience

The National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW) has time after time defended its tripartite alliance with Swapo, even though the government of the day is often accused of ignoring the plight of the working class. The NUNW-Swapo alliance comes a long way and is linked to the ruling party’s formative years when contract workers formed the then Ovamboland People’s Congress (OPC), the forerunner of OPO and Swapo. In later years, this association appeared to have been reduced to a marriage of convenience. In recent years, the ruling party politicians have been accused of using unionists in their fight for the Swapo soul. On the other hand, ambitious trade unionists are also ostensibly using their positions as a springboard for political office one day. A number of unionists who were radical in the heyday have seemingly turned a blind eye to the many challenges faced by the workers and dare not question the leadership when it comes to injustices meted out to working class. This long alliance between NUNW and Swapo is now going through its toughest test, judging by the deepening disunity amongst affiliate unions. The last Swapo congress, which elected Hage Geingob as the ruling party president, was not only rocked by Team Swapo and Team Harambee divisions, but unionists equally squared off. The bottom line here is that the union bosses are no longer focused on rebuilding unity and cohesion. Swapo leaders on the other hand are also not helping the cause through a renewal and re-invigoration of the fight for social solidarity and cohesion. It is thus safe to say that Swapo leaders and their Gucci-wearing union counterparts are far removed from the daily challenges facing Namibians, including the working class. They are all weakened and characterised by internal divisions instead of advancing the interests of workers. It is now really a case of “when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers most” as the old African proverb states.

Swapo registers its candidateIndependent candidate also confirmed Two candidates have registered for the 15 June by-election in the Ondangwa Urban Constituency.

Swapo yesterday registered its candidate for the Ondangwa Urban constituency by-election, while a youthful independent candidate also confirmed her candidature.

Former Ondangwa mayor Leonard Negonga will be the ruling party's candidate, Oshana Swapo coordinator Samuel Nelongo confirmed yesterday.

“The Swapo Party today registered Negonga as our preferred candidate. We are now preparing for the election campaign starting with the rally which will take place on 11 May at the SOS in Ondangwa near the Omashaka location and that is where we will unveil our candidate officially to the electorate,” said Nelongo.

Negonga, who currently serves on the Ondangwa town council, is expected to come up against 27-year-old Angelina Immanuel, who registered as an independent candidate yesterday.

The Electoral Commission of Namibia's (ECB) returning officer, Rauna Nkandi, told Namibian Sun yesterday it was too early to tell how many candidates would take part, as registration would continue until 6 May.

“It is still too early for me to tell how many candidates have registered in case some may change their minds. Interested political parties or independent candidates still have until Monday at 11:00 to register,” said Nkandi. The elections are meant to fill the vacant position left by former councillor Elia Irimari, who was appointed as Oshana regional governor on 18 March this year.

The by-election is scheduled for 15 June. Namibian Sun understands the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) and Congress of Democrats (CoD) are also expected register their candidates before next week's deadline.

ILENI NANDJATO