9 May 2008
Windhoek — THOUGH in essence primarily contributing to the already established and over-saturated Namibian music industry, the Cell One Road to Fame is now fast nearing its conclusion.
Although a first time effort, this competitive concept with some inherent weaknesses in the execution thereof, is definitely to be welcomed.
On the surface the event quality wise not, yet, in the league of three other existing similar music competitions, but with the right approach and willingness on the part of the organisers to learn the ropes, it has the potential to become an important competition, especially among the youth.
It definitely brought some new and undiscovered Namibian singing talent to the fore since its launch last year, an achievement on its own.
In addition this competition is bringing new blood to the music industry already teeming with many worthy musicians.
As the nucleus of its talent seeking efforts, the show was looking for a 'new singing voice', indicating to me that many of the existing musicians have grown stale, uninventive and less innovative?
Granted, the Namibian music industry like any other entertainment sector in the country constantly needs new talent in all genres to make it competitive nationally and internationally.
Unlike the film industry in which it is always the same faces in the technical divisions preventing new talent to surface. In my view something drastic needs to be done to resolve this selfishness. Many young people study film, but seldom get proper opportunities from companies, even those pushing out such learned filmmakers to accommodate 'old hands'.
I particularly like the format of the competition in which talent was scouted in all the regions giving everyone among the youth probably a fair chance to exhibit and develop their inherent and latent talent. This gesture should be appreciated because it educationally connects with existing youth promoting creative efforts such as the Youth Theatre Development Programme of the National Theatre of Namibia, focussing on out-of school youth, and the Assitej-Namibia Youth Theatre Programme, concentrating on teaching the Namibian youth basic skills in acting, directing and playwriting.
As an added advantage this process will ensure and prevent many of the existing singers not to perpetually dominate the music industry and keep on doing so until they drop. In my book the new talent needs to fill in the gaps that may occur to ensure continuation of the music industry.
Even existing musicians have seen the logic in this argument. Hence the fact that a number of them have purportedly been actively involved in the Cell One Road to Fame competition. This contribution from musicians such as G3 is to be applauded.
What baffles right-minded and progressive artists like myself is the sad fact that the National Broadcaster is not in any way involved in this plausible educational venture that has at its core the business of promoting music and singing. Has it to do with funding or is it pure creative ignorance and or silliness on the part of the NBC once again missing a golden opportunity?
In my humble opinion this competition, the NTN Youth Theatre Development Programme and the Assitej-Namibia Youth Theatre Programme offer a unique opportunity to the Ministry of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture, to get involved. This particular ministry under new ministerial control should tangibly get involved as a partner in these private sector and civil society initiated cultural and intellectual stimulating efforts among the youth.
After all, it is the moral obligation of the Namibian Government to support such efforts by its citizens.
Sing and act your hearts out, until next time.
Be the first to Write a Comment!
Copyright © 2008 New Era. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
