NAMAs ban singer over ‘tribal’ remarks

Blossom, who was supposed to perform at the Bank Windhoek Fun Day event on 11 November, had her show cancelled following a post that sparked a social media outcry.

The musician shared a screenshot of the post with Music in Africa. The post, which is believed to be directed at Namibian President Hage Geingob, has since been deleted. It read: “Onkwankara eeta ondjala [A waster/squanderer has brought hunger]. Biggest mistake."

This, however, prompted the NAMAs to ban Blossom from the awards show for a year. The ban, according to the NAMAs, “is conditional in the event that Blossom extends a public apology, failure of which will leave no option but for the executive committee of the NAMAs to extend the ban by another year”.

But Blossom is not ready to apologise. “Let me be clear to those blinded by harambee [togetherness] and blackmailing me to stick to music,” another post reads. “Music is politics, I don’t get fed by Mr Hage. In fact, he owes me recognition for recognising him at the NAMAs. Not even being a first lady or N$2.5m [$174 000] would make me shut up on the issues facing our country under his presidency.”

NAMA executive chairperson Umbi Karuaihe-Upi said the decision was reached after consulting her fellow members. She said the ban was not influenced by the singer's criticism of the president.

“The NAMAs have decided to take action against Blossom," she told Namibian.com. "We wish to make it categorically clear that this stern action did not come as a result of Blossom criticising the presidency, but purely because of the use of the word 'kwangara', which we completely denounce and reject."

Karuaihe-Upi said the NAMAs is a platform designed to unite all Namibians through music. She added that her organisation had “also taken note of the use of the name Namibian Annual Music Awards in her [Blossom] social media comments which brought the name of the institution into disrepute. We have officially communicated this decision to Blossom via email today."

Music In Africa spoke to Blossom who claimed ignorance about why she was barred. “I’m not aware of the exact reason. I believe people made social and political conclusions without evidence. No one from the NAMAs approached me for clarification on my personal expressions on my social media platform,” she said.

She said her post was taken out of context. “People want to label the term ‘onkwankara’ as a negative word yet in my Oshiwambo tribe, the word talks about someone’s behaviour, but those who don’t speak my language are giving it another meaning.”

Blossom believes the ban is biased and is affecting her career. “Any unfair and wrongful damage to character, to a brand, a public figure, is unreasonable and causes long-term negative impact on the individual. Musicians should not be excluded from freedom of expression due to the fear that they have the power to enlighten and foster hidden truths in their societies.”

The ‘Komuthima Gwomeya’ hitmaker said her legal team was contesting the ban. “My lawyers are busy tackling the issue. This will ensure that private sectors or governments do not interfere with freedom of speech or use intimidation when they are truthfully criticised.

“Musicians ought to stand by their individual beliefs and inspire without prejudice or intimidation. I personally stand against any direct or indirect social injustices by anybody at any level,” she said.

Asked how she would want the government to help the arts industry in the country, she said: “Empower artists. We must always remember that arts shape our societies, thus it is the backbone of any society. If you ignore the impact and potential of artists, be ready to be addressed through their art.

"Governments should invest in arts because it is the voice of the voiceless and the medium of all socio-economic and political standing. Artists sacrifice a lot in building their countries. I have put Namibia on the global map through music. I will continue to do that with a passion.”