The build-up to one of Southern Africa’s most talked-about new music events has officially kicked off, and already, the Ongoma Music Awards are making the kind of noise that this region has been waiting a long time to hear. In a market where Namibia has historically lacked a home-grown, credible music awards platform, the arrival of Ongoma feels less like an event and more like a correction a long-overdue acknowledgement that the country’s creative industry deserves its own stage.

For years, Namibian artists have had to look elsewhere for formal recognition. While neighbouring South Africa boasts the South African Music Awards, and Nigeria’s Headies have grown into a continental institution, Namibia has largely operated without an equivalent  a gap that has quietly stunted the visibility of some genuinely world-class talent. It is against that backdrop that the Ongoma Music Awards carry so much weight, even at this early stage.

In a move clearly designed to build suspense ahead of the full reveal, organisers have dropped nominees for just one category out of a total of twelve. That category African Favourite Artist of the Year is already generating serious conversation, and rightly so. The lineup includes Exit Rockaz, Dama Monique, DJ Vuyo, Kastyle NdongaBoy, and Yeezir representing Namibia, while Zambia brings Chile 84, Leovan, and Shady Starface to the table, with Angola’s Katindi also featured. What is immediately striking is the cross-border intent. This is not a local show with continental branding pasted over it the diversity of the nominees list suggests that Ongoma means business.

Notably, one name has risen above the noise almost instantly: Zambia’s Chile 84. The Afro-fusion artist has spent the better part of the last few years doing the quiet, consistent work that eventually demands attention, and his hit track “Alira Wina” has become something of a Southern African anthem the kind of song that travels on word of mouth because it earns it. His nomination here is significant not just for what it means to him personally, but for what it signals about the awards’ philosophy. Ongoma is not simply rewarding those who have already arrived; it is shining a light on the voices actively shaping what African music is becoming.

Meanwhile, the full nominees announcement is set to take place on 30 April 2026 at Ekamuti Guesthouse in Ondangwa, during the official launch of the awards. The event carries real institutional weight Hon. Hofni Iipinge, Governor of the Oshana Region, will serve as guest speaker, and the room is expected to bring together government figures, media houses, sponsors, musicians, producers, and cultural leaders under one roof. That kind of cross-sector attendance matters. It says that this is not simply a music industry gathering, but a statement about where Namibia’s creative economy is headed.

“Revealing this category first reflects our vision of connecting Namibia to the rest of Africa. Artists like Chile 84 represent the new wave of African excellence, and we are proud to celebrate such talent on our platform. The full announcement on the 30th of April will be even bigger.” – Ms Salimi Gelhard, Public Relations Officer, Ongoma Music Awards

What makes that statement land is the context behind it. In a country that has gone this long without a dedicated music awards culture, the act of connecting Namibia to the rest of Africa through a formal recognition platform is genuinely significant. Furthermore, the inclusion of Zambian and Angolan artists in the very first category announced sends a clear message that recognition here will not be limited by borders.

With eleven categories still under wraps and the launch just days away, the anticipation is only growing. For fans across Zambia and Namibia alike, 30 April is a date worth circling. Zed360 will be there for every name as it drops.

Event Details

Date: 30 April 2026

Venue: Ekamuti Guesthouse, Ondangwa, Namibia

What: Official Launch & Full Nominees Announcement  Ongoma Music Awards

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