Upping our game

Founder of Y-not record label, Fernando Carlos says that in order for event organisers to retain an audience for their future events, they should be creative and portray a sense of professionalism at all times.In an interview with tjil, Carlos says that people should do away with the perception that people only show up to an event when a well-established artist is in the line-up or an international act is flown in.He says that it all lies in the production, adding that if an event is well-marketed and if everything was on point, one is very likely to retain that audience for a future event.“People like nice things - that's a fact. This is why I say if the production is on point and there was creativity involved, the chances of succeeding the next time are very high. It does not matter if it's a local artist or an international act performing, people will go to a show if it's wellmarketed,” Carlos said.However, Carlos adds that at the moment, the entertainment industry is rectifying the wrongs incurred in the past, especially by the then event organisers.He pointed out that issues of artists performing on small stages, poor quality sound systems and people not feeling safe at events. These things, he says, are becoming a thing of the past.“In the past you would hear that people fought at a show where even guns were involved, however, nowadays, it is unlikely to hear of such things happening and this is because the event organisers learnt from past mistakes and try now, by all means, to avoid such incidents,” Carlos said.Carlos says the wrongs done in the past are the reason why there is a low turnout at events at the moment.He argues that in Namibian towns have approximately over 80 000 inhabitants but to have an audience of about 500 remains a challenge.“If you look at a town like Otjiwarongo with about 70 000 inhabitants, luring a crowd of 1 000 should not be a difficult task, however, that is the reality we are faced with and we should work hard to address it,” Carlos said.Meanwhile Y-Not is one of the record labels in Otjiwarongo which is doing extremely well as they are known for the famous annual show known as the Bush Party.Carlos said that the Bush Party attracts an audience of about 2 500 people, however, he explained that it is not an easy feat as the cost involved of inviting international acts and well-established local artists is very high, as well as securing a proper sound system.This forces the label to rely on sponsorships from companies which have over the years supported them very well.When asked why the Bush Party is always regarded as a success, Carlos said that apart from the international acts on the line-up, the main focus is on the production where they make sure the audience is thrilled.He said the safety of the audience is also one of the top priorities.“When it comes to the Bush Party, hard work is key and we always try to provide a better show than that of the previous year. We make sure the security is tight, sound is on point and that our artists are treated with the utmost respect,” Carlos said.He said that Y-not is currently busy preparing for the Let's Unite Music Concert scheduled to take place at the Otjiwarongo Mokati Stadium on 30 March.Various Namibian DJs and artists will be performing. Tickets are available at Computicket.KENYA KAMBOWE

Upping our game

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-01

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Upping our game

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-01

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