Namibia's Elemotho gets OWMR nomination

The OWMR Awards is a product of One World Music Radio, a UK online station known for featuring electronic, Celtic, rock, piano and flute music.

“It’s a beautiful day, beautiful world. We’re delighted to announce that Elemotho’s album Beautiful World has been nominated for Best World Music/Global Fusion Album of the Year, by One World Music Radio Awards in the UK. Much love to everyone involved in this project,” a Facebook post by Elemotho’s management reads.

Speaking to Music In Africa, Elemotho expressed excitement about the nomination.

“It’s a big deal," he said. "For me nominations are in themselves a big deal because you are in a conversation with the people that nominated you.

“I am delighted about this UK nomination, it means the voice is spreading out there and it’s being acknowledged not only by people who know me but others, which is a good thing.”

Elemotho, who was recently in the US with saxophonist Suzy Eises, said the nomination meant that Namibian music as a whole was being recognised by the international music community.

“I would like to believe that they are appreciating the beautiful voices coming from Beautiful World. I worked really hard on this project and it means a lot for me as a composer, producer and singer. As for Namibia, I would like to believe that the nomination is putting Namibia on the world map," he said.

“I am glad Beautiful World has been played on radio stations all over the world. It’s important that people are putting it on the airwaves and affording me the opportunity to be heard out there.”

This is not the first time the ‘Remember’ singer has received recognition outside his country. In 201 he won the RFI/France 24 Discovery prize, which included 30 concerts in 24 African countries.

Best World/Global Fusion Album nominees:

• Banda Magda – Tigre
• AO Music – Asha
• Elemotho – Beautiful World
• Jarmo Rompannen – Nordic Mandolin
• Justin Gray & Synthesis – New Horizons
• Hanitra – Songs From Madagascar
• Natalie Jean – Haiti Mwen Renmenw
• Divanhana – Live In Mostar
• Flamenco Pacifico – Convivencia
• Guy Sweens – Karmic Journey