Namibian artists have called for reforms in policy to allow them to make a living from the music. 
The 2011 Namibia Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) Best Afrikaansaward winner, Lownan Nangombe better known as Wambüseun said that there is no proper structure to help artists sustain themselves on a full-time basis. 
According Wambüseun, for art and music to no longer be considered a ‘side hustle’, NASCAM’s royalties and copyrights system needs to improve. 
“NASCAM needs to really tighten up when it comes to collecting and distributing royalties, especially now with everything going digital. Artists deserve to get paid every time their work is used,” he said. 
The “Lang Wag” hitmaker further said that musicians need more support from the government.
“Like other industries, the creative sector should also benefit from grants or subsidies. Art is not just a cultural thing — it’s also an economic driver if we take it seriously,” he said.
Additionally, he said that brand support from the private sector through sponsorships, brand partnerships and music events. 
Furthermore, he elaborated on training, resources and platforms that the artists need to enhance their growth. 
“Many artists have the talent, but they lack the tools or the business knowledge to really scale up. We need more mentorship programs, studio access, and workshops on how to make money from music.”
“Artists need more exposure beyond borders. Whether it’s through touring, streaming platforms, or festivals — we need systems that help export Namibian talent.” 
“Music is not just a passion — it’s a career. But right now, we’re not treating it like one at policy or industry level. If we fix that, more artists can go full-time without burning out,” said Wambüseun.
Namibia’s late president, H.E. Dr Hage Geingob was remembered for encouraging young graduates to create employment for others.
This is however, a daunting task with Namibia’s unemployment soaring at rate at 36.9%, with youth unemployment rate at 44%, especially with music perceived by many as a mere hobby.
Another artist, Indenikuye Ndjukuma Shuudeni, known in the music fraternity as Msunday said that music is an essential part of society that is needed by the majority in the creative space. 
“Almost 90 percent of the people in the creative industry depend on the music artist. We don’t make money from this, so of policies that are not in lace. NASCAM has been proposing these things for many years, but they are very slow in putting these policies in place.” 
“It could be that they also don’t understand because the creative industry is a business that takes time for people to understand. It even took time for people that have been the industry for a long time to fully understand this business,” he said. 
The 2019 NAMAs Best Soukous/Kwasa nominee said that devices like cellphones and laptops decrease their album sales as songs are transferred through them. 
“When an artist releases an album, back then when you release an album, you could sell up to 30 000 copies in just one month.” 
“But now, when you release an album, once you sell that album to five people, it will just take less than a day and your album will be countrywide (leaked) because people are transferring it using WhatsApp groups and other platforms.”