This year’s The Last Band Standing competition has attracted many well-established artists, including award winning rock band Famaz Attak, R&B sensation Dixon, teen star Linda, as well as legendary singer Axue.
But is this fair? Shouldn’t it rather be a platform for emerging talent attempting to take a bite out of stardom?
Some have even gone on to say that the star-studded line-up may discourage new and inexperienced artists from taking part, as they believe that the playing field is not level.
National Theatre of Namibia’s (NTN) Desiree Mentoor, however, rejected this criticism by saying the aim of the competition is to promote live music in Namibia.
The competition, she said, was born after the organisers realised that live music is becoming extinct in the country
“The NTN does not limit entries to new artists, it is a platform to motivate all artists to do live music and it exposes artists to what it means to do live music,” she said.
She also explained that this year they offered workshops about performing live with a band to all artists, to ensure that there is also some training involved.
So far many big names have already been eliminated by the so-called underdogs.
Famaz Attak is at this stage the only popular band to advance to the second round.
NAMA winner Linda was dealt a double blow, after both her bands that she entered were eliminated in the course of two weeks.
Linda was followed out of the competition by Afrikaans rapper Wambu Seun. The biggest shocks, however, were probably the elimination of former runner-up Axue, as well as Dixon.
Axue, who is considered a legend on the local music scene with vast live experience, was outperformed by Gospel singer Yvonne and His Sanctuary Band.
Top Oviritje band Ongoro Nomundu was eliminated on the same night.
Dixon was sent packing by Esme and Band, who had the crowd on their feet with Brenda Fassie’s hit Promises.
The five bands that have advanced so far are Jaliza and Friends, Yvonne and His Sanctuary Band, Famaz Attak, Pule and Friends and Esme and Band. There are three more spots up for grabs, with the first round concluding next week Wednesday.
All Last Band Standing shows take place at the NTN Back Stage and tickets cost N$50, with the shows starting at 20:00. This year’s winner walks away with N$50 000, while the second-placed band receives N$30 000 and third-place finisher earns N$20 000.
WINDHOEK GORDON JOSEPH
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