Bank Windhoek responds to mixed reactions over Brand Song competition

Since the launch of the Bank Windhoek Brand Song Remix competition, the initiative has sparked both praise and criticism within Namibia's entertainment industry. While many have applauded the bank's efforts to support the local music scene, others argue that the competition's prize money does not adequately reflect the value of the exposure Bank Windhoek is receiving.

The competition forms part of Bank Windhoek’s “Is it possible to love a bank?” brand campaign, introduced in 2024. This campaign, grounded in the bank’s "Journeying Together" philosophy, emphasizes fostering deeper relationships with customers and the broader Namibian community. As a longstanding supporter of Namibian arts and culture, Bank Windhoek aims to engage with the creative industry through initiatives like the Brand Song Remix competition.

The competition has seen over 100 submissions from Namibian artists, including both emerging and established musicians. While the volume of entries reflects the enthusiasm of the music community, concerns have been raised about fairness and compensation.

Addressing industry concerns

Responding to these concerns, Jacqueline Pack, Bank Windhoek’s Executive Officer of Marketing and Corporate Communication Services, acknowledged the debate but emphasized the competition’s inclusive nature.

“We anticipated a strong response from the Namibian music community, but the overwhelming enthusiasm has exceeded our expectations,” said Pack. “The level of talent and creativity showcased highlights the depth of artistry in Namibia, proving that local artists are ready to take on any challenge.”

Addressing concerns regarding the fairness of having emerging artists compete against established names, Pack stressed that the competition is public-driven, with winners determined solely through audience engagement.

“To ensure fairness, the competition is entirely public-driven, meaning the audience decides the winners through engagement and legitimate views,” she explained. “This removes any potential bias and allows artists of all levels to showcase their talent on an equal footing.”

She further noted that the bank collaborated with renowned Namibian music producer Ponti Dikuua, who created the original track ‘For the Sake of Love,’ as a foundation for artists to remix in their unique style.

Selection criteria and public voting

According to Pack, entries are evaluated based on quality, artistic interpretation, and musical composition. While artists are encouraged to display their originality and musicality, the ultimate decision lies with the public.

“Winners will be determined by the total number of legitimate views accumulated across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok,” she said, adding that any manipulation of engagement through artificial means would lead to disqualification.

Beyond the competitive aspect, Pack emphasized that the initiative is about celebrating Namibian creativity and strengthening ties with the artistic community.

“As a bank with a long-standing legacy of supporting the arts, we see this competition as part of our broader mission to empower Namibian artists and create meaningful opportunities for growth,” she said.

Looking ahead

Bank Windhoek confirmed that the competition winners will be announced on Wednesday, 30 April 2025. Further details regarding the announcement and any special showcase event will be shared with the public and media in due course.