1. Only artists who are 18 years old or older may enter the NAMAs.
2. Artists and creators must submit their entries using their legal names. Where applicable, their stage name, brand name or performing name must also be provided in the designated section of the online or physical application form.
3. Applicants may only submit entries in categories for which the work is eligible. A separate application form must be completed for each submission.
Examples:
a. An artist entering Best Single and Best Music Video for the same song completes two separate applications.
b. An artist entering one album into Best Jazz/Blues Album and Best Instrumental Award also completes two separate applications.
c. Each application receives its own reference number, supporting documents, and adjudication record.
d. An artist, creator, group, or authorised submitter may submit a maximum of two (2) entries per entry-based award category only, provided that each entry independently meets the eligibility requirements of the NAMAs.
4. Only commercially released music is eligible for entry into the NAMAs. Music submitted without proof of commercial release will not be accepted. All entries must have been officially released to the public during the Eligibility Period. Entrants must provide proof of commercial release as part of their submission. Acceptable proof includes digital streaming or download links, distributor records or any other evidence accepted by the Adjudication Committee. Music submitted without satisfactory proof of commercial release shall be deemed ineligible.
5. Entries are open to:
6. Immigration eligibility and status verification shall be subject to the Immigration Control Act and all applicable Namibian immigration laws and regulations.
7. Namibian citizens and eligible residents living or working outside the country may submit entries, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.
8. Entry to the NAMAs is free of charge. No submission or entry fee will be charged to artists and creators.
9. Artists and creators are required to provide proof of citizenship or residency, as applicable.
10. Artists and creators must also submit certificates of music ownership, proof of age and any other documentation required to verify their eligibility.
11. All submitted materials must be accompanied by the relevant copyright certification issued by an authorised entity or recognised copyright management organisation.
12. All submitted materials must have been commercially released during the Eligibility Period and must be accompanied by proof of commercial release. Any material that has not been commercially released during the Eligibility Period will be disqualified. Proof must be provided.
13. Any entry submitted with false, misleading or incomplete information will be disqualified.
14. The NAMAs recognise and celebrate human creativity. Accordingly, works that are wholly or substantially generated by artificial intelligence (AI) are not eligible for submission and shall be disqualified. The NAMAs reserves the right to apply appropriate detection, verification, or assessment methods to determine whether a submitted work satisfies the human authorship requirements of this Policy. The decision of the Adjudication Committee shall be final.
15. Artists must disclose the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the creation of submitted works. The NAMAs reserve the right to determine whether the use of AI renders an entry ineligible. Failure to disclose the use of AI may result in disqualification.
16. All submitted works must comply with applicable intellectual property (IP) laws, rights ownership requirements, and licensing obligations. Artists and creators shall be responsible for ensuring that they hold, or have obtained, all necessary rights, permissions, licences, and approvals for any collaborative, third-party, or incorporated content included in their submission.
17. The following supporting documents must be submitted for each entry and each application, where applicable:
18. Any entry found to contain unauthorised use of another person's work, copyright infringement or misrepresentation of ownership will be disqualified.
19. Artists may submit multiple entries per category. However, the Adjudication Committee reserves the right to limit the number of nominations per artist in any single category.
20. Authorised submitters, artists and creators are required to remain available and contactable during the official Vetting Period, scheduled for 21-30 September 2026, 08H00-18H00, to respond to any verification requests or provide additional information if required by the Vetting Committee.
21. Once an artist has submitted an entry to the NAMAs, withdrawal of that entry will not be permitted. All applicants must confirm and accept this condition by signing the entry form, whether submitted digitally or in physical format.
22. Additional eligibility provisions are detailed in the document below in section 3.7 and 4.
