Keeping it real The Namibian art and entertainment industry has been recording significant wins - from music, film, fashion to visual arts, which gives me hope for a better future.I believe Namibia is home to some of the most creative people in the world, but for the longest time, art and entertainment enthusiasts in the Land of the Brave consumed entertainment from the international scene. Which – of course - they are entitled to; however, it is important for supporters to find a balance so that local art is given the same support and attention as well.
A big part of why our industry has remained in its infancy for decades is because of the lack of sufficient support from fans, government and the private sector. Fans prioritise international artists and the government doesn’t do enough to fund the arts, and as a result, the entire sector suffers.
Despite all this, I still urge artists and creatives from different spheres to continue creating quality content. Support is important, but focusing on the lack thereof can also stifle growth. I believe focusing on the lack of support or your desire for more support is really a disservice to those who really see you. My advice is for those in the art and entertainment arena is to take your frustration out by going even harder in your craft. As long as you stay true to your craft, people will respect it regardless.
With online platforms being a very big part of distributing content, artists should not just look at establishing strong fan bases in their native towns or regions. The era of having to blow up in your hometown is over.
In recent years, Namibian musicians, actors and fashion designers have brought home international awards, a testament to how excellent Namibian creatives are. With all this excellence, there is still room for improvement as there are areas where we are still lacking. Musicians, for instance, have to endeavour to have their music on all streaming platforms for better access. Fashion designers have to make their clothes more affordable to the masses, and create a wider array of sizing options to suit every body type.
If you are going to make or sell apparel and then prioritise influential people, stop asking everyone to buy from you. That’s just my two cents.
In this edition, we sat down with Gazza on his latest release, ‘Road To Messiah’. You can also look forward to a celebratory piece on the newly MultiChoice Talent Factory graduates. This and more in this edition. Enjoy!
michael@namibiansun.com