It’s Ronaldo! Henties Bay’s Next Ma/Gaisa Star
Ronaldo Awaseb, a former waiter from Henties Bay, was crowned the fifth Next Ma/Gaisa Star in a Namibian singing competition. He outperformed other contestants to win a N$50,000 prize.
Why it matters
The story highlights local talent development and the role of community-based entertainment competitions in Namibia.
Ronaldo delivered a show-stopping, top-of-the-draw performance on Friday night at the NTN Backstage to be crowned the fifth Next Ma/Gaisa Star.
The Swakopmund-born singer, baptized Ronaldo Awaseb, left the four judges – including Kaisames Radio boss Desiree Christian – with no doubt.
The panel of judges consisted of Esme Songbird, who rates among the finest female singers in the country, Ome Backoz, a veteran musician who also performed three of his evergreen hits on the night and Clarence Eiseb, an experienced campaigner on the Namibian music scene.
On the night, Ronaldo’s high-calibre song and dance repertoire outshone an equally explosive set from his closest rival, Tia Katii, who finished second.
Tia also brought the highly enthusiastic audience to the edge of their seats with a five-star performance, which she concluded with an exquisite dance routine.
From day one, the 26-year-old Ronaldo showed he meant business. And it paid off.
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