The “Sounds of Nam” initiative, launched with the noble intention of shining a spotlight on Namibian musical talent, is now facing serious allegations over unpaid contributors and potential misuse of its funds. Despite an impressive backing of over 1.1 million Namibian dollars from the Sound Connect Fund (SCF), several musicians and service providers involved with the project have not received compensation for their work since November, casting doubt on the project’s management and financial integrity.
Ndemufayo Kaxuxwena, who took over the project’s leadership, offered detailed insights into the initiative’s goals and current predicaments. “The Sounds of Nam was conceived to celebrate and promote the diverse musical talent found within Namibia. It has provided opportunities for a total of 90 artists and service providers, enriching the cultural landscape of Namibia,” Kaxuxwena stated, highlighting the project’s significance in the broader Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Addressing the payment delays, Kaxuxwena acknowledged the issue, expressing regret for the inconvenience caused. “Yes, some artists have not been paid yet, and that’s unfortunate. We sincerely apologize to them and everyone affected by the delayed funds,” he admitted. He said that the delay was attributed to the strict monitoring and evaluation processes mandated by the SCF, a challenge Kaxuxwena insists is being addressed with urgency.
“This is a donor-funded project and our funders are very serious about capacitating the institutions that they fund. The remaining funds are payable to Free Your Mind subject to proper M&E reports being submitted, reviewed, and approved. We have learned that it’s a very serious process that requires experienced attention hence the transformation from one project manager to another. We can assure the service providers and artists that their funds will be paid accordingly. Ultimately Free Your Mind is an arts institution and we are here for the long run. It is important to have the artists and service providers paid,” he said
Amid concerns, allegations of financial mismanagement have also surfaced, questioning the stewardship of the project’s substantial funds. Kaxuxwena firmly denied these allegations, inviting scrutiny of their financial reports and emphasizing the project’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Eddie Hatitye, a member of the SCF team and Executive Director of the Music In Africa website, weighed in on the funding process and the challenges it entails. “The funding guidelines of the SCF are publicly available on our website. There are no ill intentions on the part of the organization in question,” Hatitye stated, defending the SCF’s and the project’s intentions. He also highlighted the common practice of requiring grantees to advance a portion of the funds, acknowledging the difficulties it poses for many organizations. “I am aware that the organization in question has been working on solutions… they are very close to unlocking the resources they need to complete their project,” Hatitye added optimistically.
Despite these assurances, the affected artists and service providers’ frustrations grow, as they await the compensation promised for their contributions to Sounds of Nam. The delay has not only put financial strain on those involved but has also sparked a broader conversation about the challenges of managing donor-funded projects and ensuring fair treatment for creatives.
As Sounds of Nam grapples with these financial and operational challenges, the project’s leadership vows to learn from this experience and implement best practices moving forward. “Life is hard and business is hard. One thing I can confirm is that this is something that will never happen again. I can tell you that the Sounds Connects Fund has helped Free Your Mind manage its resources better. Be it Human, financial, or assets. We have truly learned a lot from the project and look forward to implementing the best practices,” said Kaxuxwena.
The project’s ability to resolve these issues and restore trust among its contributors will be crucial in determining its future impact on Namibia’s cultural scene and its role in promoting Namibian talent within the SADC region.
