NAMA excitement as entries increase

This year’s NAMA entries have increased by 271  from last year’s entries, according to Tim Ekandjo, Executive Chairman of the NAMAs. “This year, the entries for the NAMA awards reached a total of 835 entries. This bears testimony to the confidence the artist have in the professionalism, transparency and fairness of the NAMAs,” said Ekandjo. A total of 246 artists entered themselves voluntarily in the different available categories, while a total number of 377 albums were entered.

“Exactly four years ago when we announced that all entries must now be on an album, we had a lot of resistance and skepticism that this rule will lower the number of participants, but the figure of 377 albums bears testimony that the music industry has been very busy and that the NAMAs have encouraged album releases,” he said. Ekandjo further stated that a total number of 103 single albums were entered competing for Best Single category while a total of 100 newcomers entered for this year’s awards. “These figures are encouraging, and reassures the entire NAMA organizing team to work even smarter to make this platform worthwhile for our artists.” The next step is for the steering committee comprising industry experts and representatives from different record labels who volunteered, to start with the vetting process to check whether all 835 entries comply with the rules and regulations of the NAMAs.Ekandjo said, “if the entry does not comply with any of the rules it is the prerogative of the Steering Committee to disqualify the entry, which means it will not even reach the judges.” He said the seven public voting categories are still open for public voting. They have received a total of 3507 SMS votes so far with the Song of the Year category getting the most votes. This is followed by the Entertainment Journalist of the Year, then the Most Disciplined Artist, Most Popular Artist, Entertainment DJ of the Year, Best Live Performance, and Best Musical Event. He reminded music lovers that the public can still vote until March. The NAMAs will take place on 1 and 2 May 2015. The town and venue that will host the awards will be announced in the next two weeks.