The Namibia Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) are Namibia's premier platform for recognising excellence in the country's music industry.
Founded in 2011 by MTC Namibia and the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation, the awards grew into one of Namibia's most recognised cultural events, spanning dozens of categories and reaching audiences nationwide through live events, television, radio and digital media.
Following a five-year hiatus, the NAMAs return in 2026 as a Government of the Republic of Namibia initiative. The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture leads the project through its Directorate of Arts, working in partnership with the National Theatre of Namibia. A Steering Committee and independent Vetting, Adjudication and Auditing Committees oversee the programme, so every entry is assessed fairly and every result stands up to scrutiny.
Our vision is a sustainable national platform that recognises artistic achievement, strengthens confidence in Namibia's music industry and showcases Namibian talent locally, regionally and internationally.
Recognise and celebrate outstanding achievement in Namibian music
Promote artistic excellence and innovation
Preserve and celebrate Namibia's cultural and musical heritage
Strengthen the visibility of Namibian artists, at home and abroad
Support the growth of a sustainable creative economy
Encourage professionalism and compliance across the music industry
Strengthen collaboration between government, industry and strategic partners
Position Namibia as a leading creative and cultural destination
Namibia's music awards story began long before the NAMAs. The Music Makers' Competition first recognised local talent in 1984, followed by the Sanlam-NBC Music Awards from 2003 to 2010. In 2011, MTC Namibia and the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation founded the Namibia Annual Music Awards, giving the country its own world-class awards platform.
The awards launched with 25 categories and 588 entries and grew steadily over the following years, reaching 38 categories and over 800 entries by 2015. The ceremony moved between Windhoek, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, introduced live national broadcast in 2016 and built a reputation for its hybrid judging system, pairing Namibian judges with international panellists from the UK, the USA, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana and Jamaica.
The awards reached a milestone tenth edition in 2020, held virtually because of the pandemic, before a funding gap led to a five-year hiatus. In 2026, the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture revived the NAMAs with a N$10 million investment, opening a new, government-led chapter for the 11th edition.
For over a decade the NAMAs have done more than hand out trophies. Winners have received cash prizes and host towns have seen a boost in tourism, hospitality and local trade. The awards have launched careers, given genres such as Oviritjie, Shambo and Ma //Gaisa a national stage and encouraged higher production standards across the industry. The 2026 revival aims to build on this legacy with a year-round programme of mentorship, training and industry support, so the benefits of the NAMAs reach artists long after the awards ceremony.
