Namibia’s Elemotho wins UK award

OWMR is a UK online station that features world, electronic, Celtic, rock, piano and flute music. This isn't Elemotho’s first win of an international award. In 2013 he won the RFI/France 24 Discovery prize, which included a 30-concert tour in 24 African countries.

“I don't make music for accolades, but it’s a good thing because my music gets recognised,” Elemotho told Music In Africa. “So I'm very excited, grateful and humbled. Much love to my management and the musicians involved in my project.

“I am honoured and excited because this is a big deal. Above all, it’s for the untold stories and the love for melodies, rhythms and rhymes. It doesn’t hurt when you get applauded. Thanks to everyone for listening and showing love. The voice is nothing without the ears.”

The musician describes Beautiful World as a "mastery of acoustics that speaks to a global audience and stresses on the vibe of positivity in an afflicted world".

The album features tracks such as ‘Black Man’, ‘Ga Lo Itse’ and ‘We Don't Know’. It competed against Tigre (Banda Magda, US), Asha (AO Music, US/South Africa), Nordic Mandolin (Jarmo Rompannen, Finland), New Horizons (Justin Gray & Synthesis, US), Songs From Madagascar (Hanitra, Madagascar), Live In Mostar (Divanhana, Bosnia and Herzegovina), Convivencia (Flamenco Pacifico, US), Karmic Journey (Guy Sweens, Netherlands) and Haiti Mwen Renmenw (Natalie Jean, Haiti).

Convivencia and Haiti Mwen Renmenw were awarded second and third place respectively.

“I would like to believe that a win for African music pushes our culture and continent in a positive direction," Elemotho said. "I'm happy because music in Namibia is being honoured by an organisation in the UK.”

Asked what is next for the award-winning musician, Elemotho said: “There are local concerts. I just had three performances in a row last week and the music never stops.”

Order Beautiful World here.