Stefanus Nashama
Member of Parliament, Inna Hengari has proposed a motion for Namibia to boost local media and music content.
Speaking in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Hengari expressed that the underutilization of local content deprives Namibia of opportunities for job creation within the creative industry.
“The current data reveals that a staggering 80 percent of the music played on local radio stations originates from foreign sources, contributing to a homogenous and limited musical environment.
This reliance on foreign content not only leads to a significant outflow of royalties, thereby economically marginalising Namibian artists but also hampers the growth and sustainability of our vibrant creative industry,” she stressed.
Henagri further said that the prevalence of foreign content dilutes Namibia’s unique cultural identity, stifling the representation of local narratives in our media landscape.
According to her, promoting more local content on Namibia’s radio and television platforms holds significant potential benefits for the creative industry and artists.
She emphasised that by increasing the broadcast of local content, Namibia can create a more diverse and vibrant cultural landscape.
“Artists, particularly Namibian musicians, some of my personal favourites (Jackson Wahengo, Shishani, Big Ben Kandukira, Gazza, King TeeDee, Top Cheri, Young T, D-Jay, Josie Kauandenge, etc.), and hundreds of content creators stand to gain significantly from this initiative,” she said.
Hengari believes that increasing airtime for local music and programming not only exposes local talent but also boosts their chances of earning royalties and expanding their fan base.
This supports economic empowerment within the creative sector by keeping revenue generated from broadcasts in the country rather than flowing out to foreign entities, she added.
Hengari highlighted that local content fosters cultural enrichment by promoting Namibian stories, traditions, and values through the media.
“By showcasing diverse local narratives, Namibia can preserve and celebrate its unique cultural identity, enriching the overall cultural fabric of society. This not only enhances national pride but also strengthens social cohesion by allowing Namibians to see themselves reflected positively in the media that they consume,” she emphasised.
Hengari wants the house to discuss the motion and refer it to a relevant parliamentary standing committee.
