Omulunga Radio lauded for recognising local gospel musicians

The inaugural Omulunga Gospel Awards recognised the contributions of nine local gospel musicians in categories including best collaboration, best choir and best gospel song of the year, among others.

Omulunga Radio and its partners paid a total of N$90 000 to the winners, with each winner walking away with N$10 000 and a trophy.

Speaking at the event held in Windhoek over the weekend, Omulunga Radio station manager Simon Mundadala said the initiative aims to celebrate local talent while appreciating and recognising the efforts of those in the gospel music industry.

“This is about more than just the music, it’s about the spirit of togetherness and the deep connection we all share through our love for gospel music,” Mundadala said.

The competition garnered significant public engagement, with votes tallying 9 000.

“We want to create a platform to appreciate the efforts of our local gospel musicians,” Mundadala said.

He noted that they aim to expand the event and possibly host it annually in future.

“Next year, we want to make it bigger and better, but we need the nation’s support. We are calling on more sponsors to come on board to help appreciate and recognise local talent,” Mundadala said.

Winner of the best gospel song of the year award Forcecome Kamangili could not contain his excitement when his song, ‘Ngee Tandi Dhilaadhila’, saw him winning the award.

“We have been in the industry for a long time and nobody has recognised our work, but we are grateful to the Omulunga Radio team for this opportunity,” he said.

Martin Uukunde, popularly known for his track, ‘Sodom naGomorah’, which was a hit about 10 years ago, scooped the best male artist of the year award with one of his recent offering ‘Jesus Atokola Omalyenge’, which directly translates to ‘Jesus Breaks Chains’.

“Gospel music in Namibia is not recognised, but Omulunga Radio always makes sure to recognise us,” Uukunde said.

The ‘Omalaka’ hitmakers – Franklin and Dee’A, featuring Ally Tobias – scooped the best collaboration award.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported our music and voted, your support has not been in vain. We took home the award for best collaboration with your favourite song, ‘Omalaka’,” Leopold Vatilifa of Franklin and Dee’A said.