By Kaundjire Humbu
Fresh from being crowned Best Gospel Song of the Year at the Ongoma Music Awards, Windhoek-based ACM Choir is setting its sights on bigger collaborations, performances and opportunities as it seeks to expand its footprint in Namibia’s creative industry.
The choir won the prestigious award with its hit song Jesu Eziriro Randje, which translates to “Jesus is My Answer”, at the awards held on 29 August 2026.
According to ACM Choir leader Kavee Vezemburuka, the song was deliberately submitted for the category because of its popularity and strong connection to the group’s journey.
The choir believed the song stood a good chance of resonating with the public, while its message also reflected the group’s faith and musical journey.
“We submitted this song because it is one of our biggest hit songs, so we knew it would perform great and be well received by the public,” Vezemburuka said.
The award adds to ACM Choir’s growing musical profile, with the group having released four albums since 2017.
Its albums include Jesu Eziriro Randje (2017), Metanga Ndjambi (2019), RIMANEE Nai! (2023) and Jesus is Coming (2025).
The choir specialises in modernised choral and gospel music, with its work available on major streaming platforms and through physical copies sold at its headquarters in Jakob Marengo, Katutura.
The award-winning song has also gained significant online traction, recording more than 900 000 views on YouTube under the group’s official artist name, ACM CHOIR Namibia.
More than music
Operating under the entertainment branch of Ark-Nation Christian Ministries, commonly known as All Christian Ministries (ACM), the choir was established as part of a broader youth devopment initiative.
The church was founded in Windhoek in 2014 by Apostle Mama Sandra and seven other founders, who currently serve on the church board. The choir and entertainment group were created to provide young people with a platform to develop and showcase their talents while keeping them away from negative influences on the treets. The initiative goes beyond music, with members receiving skills development, life guidance and support aimed at preparing them for meaningful participation in society.
The choir currently has seven singers, two piano players and 10 dancers, while more than 15 young people are undergoing training through its development team.
The development team is intended to prepare emerging performers to eventually join the main group. The church also points to more than 30 graduates who have emerged from its programmes, with ACM providing support to some members through assistance with educational expenses, stationery, rent and other needs.
Among those associated with the programme are Mukuru Omundu Kambazembi, Charles Kazohua and Ripura Tjakuva, who graduated with a master’s degree.
Self-funded but giving back
Despite its growing profile, ACM Choir continues to operate without formal sponsorship and largely funds its activities through paid performances. Vezemburuka said securing sponsorship remains difficult because the group operates under a church that is a
non-profit organisation. However, the financial limitations have not stopped the group from contributing to its surrounding communities. The choir is actively involved in the church’s charity initiatives, including donation drives and community campaigns.
One of its notable initiatives was the distribution of food parcels worth N$10 000 to elderly residents of Otjomuise Extension 8. The choir believes increased exposure and income could allow it to expand its charitable contributions to communities.
New collaborations ahead
Looking towards the remainder of 2026, ACM Choir plans to venture further into collaborations, with several musical projects reportedly already in development. While the group is keeping the identities of potential collaborators under wraps for administrative reasons, the choir leader said the projects would represent a new direction for ACM.
The entertainment arm of the group is also preparing for an international appearance in South Africa at the end of September, where its dancers will represent Namibia at the Global Dance Supreme Competition.
This follows the group’s success at the competition’s Windhoek edition in August, where it won the Overall Best Championship Crew award as well as the senior category. With music, dance and live performance forming part of its identity, ACM believes its versatility could give it an advantage in Namibia’s competitive creative industry. “We have singers, dancers and piano players who offer creativity, energy and entertainment all in one,” Vezemburuka maintained, adding that the performers can either be booked separately or as a complete unit.
As the group prepares for what it describes as a busy end to 2026, ACM Choir says the Ongoma victory has strengthened its belief that it is ready for a larger stage.
For its supporters, the message is simple: more performances, new music and collaborations are on the way.
