By staff writer
After weeks of silence, the organizers of the Kora All-Africa Music Awards have finally confirmed that the event, which was supposed to be held less than two weeks from now, has been postponed.
Namibian Sun earlier reported on a number of controversies surrounding the awards, including news that the Namibia Tourism Board had used millions of taxpayer dollars to buy advertisements from the organisers.
In a statement yesterday, Koketso Phala of the Kora All-Africa Music Awards secretariat said that in early February, the supplier of the ‘Supa Dome’ where the show was supposed to be held, alerted them to the necessity of securing customs clearance for the dome and the equipment to cross the border from South Africa into Namibia.
“We immediately commenced with efforts to secure this clearance with the relevant authorities to enable the crossover. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we have to date not received the clearance to enable our supplier to move the structure and equipment into Namibia in time for a March 20 event date. As we speak, we are still pursuing this crucial waiver,†she said.
“As such, we have had to take the difficult decision to postpone the Kora All-Africa Music Awards,†she continued.
Phala said that as disappointed as the organisers were by this development, they remained committed to delivering the event as promised to the Namibian people.
“We are confident in the Koras’ power to be a transformative agent in African artists’ lives, and are single-minded in our efforts to ensure that the event takes place as a fitting tribute to African artists,†she wrote.
“We would like to take this opportunity to express our regrets to all those impacted by the postponement, and assure them that no one is more disappointed by this development than we are – we also reiterate our commitment to delivering a memorable Awards event,†she continued.
Phala said upon finalization of these outstanding issues, a new date would be announced.
Sad news for our Ugandan artistes Bebe Cool,Juliana Kanyomozi,Eddy Kenzo,Iryn Ntale,Mathias Walukagga who were nominated in various categories and have been tirelessly mobilizing fans from day one to vote for them as they were getting ready to represent their country at the oldest and much anticipated music Awards around the African continent. This is the 3 time the Awards have been called off.
SOURCE: Namibia Sun
