Filling stations in Namibia to sell local music

The development is designed to make it easier for locals to access Namibian music without any hassles and to prop up physical sales in the country.

“Engen Petroleum Limited and Antonio’s Art are proud to announce that they will be selling Namibian music at 57 outlets countrywide,” a post on the Antonio's Art Facebook page reads.

Antonio's Art and Deal Done Recordz owner Dragan Djokic said he had signed a consignment deal with the South African company.

"We were offered very limited space so we are only selling top selling CDs,” he told The Namibian. “We'll be doing it on consignment, so every month we supply a batch and by the end of the month when it sells out, we get paid and send another consignment."

Musicians who will have their CDs available at Engen stations include The Dogg, Elemotho, Big Ben, Gazza, Sally Boss Madam, PDK, Tate Buti, Young T, Shitana, Jomolizo and Kuku Nkandanga, among others.

Djokic said the selection of music was based on market availability. "We follow market trends to see which of the CDs are actually in demand and those are the ones that we stock,” he said. “The problem is that some musicians are not consistent with producing CDs and that's why you'll see that some popular musicians are not on our list."

The deal was welcomed by Namibian artists who see it as a positive move towards the growth of the local music industry.

“It’s a great move for the artist because Engen is available in almost every part of Namibia,” kwaito artist The Dogg told Music In Africa. “It makes music accessible to people so that they can buy rather than resort to piracy. The move will reduce piracy.”

R&B artist Ann Singer also spoke to Music In Africa about the development. “I believe it's a great move and beneficial for artists both financially and promotionally,” she said. “Local music will be taken closer to the people because we only have one place in Windhoek that sells 100% local music, which is Antonio's Art. People in other parts of the country don't have much access to our music. I'm definitely for this move and I'm excited about it.”

Singer Elemotho said: “In this era of decreasing CD sales, it’s nice to see physical copies of albums available in any commercial outlet.”

Fresh from her US trip with Elemotho, saxophonist Suzy Eises said the development was useful because “CDs will be more accessible to the customers”.