Last weekend, Zoo Park was bustling with activities as the organisers of the fourth edition of the Otjomuise Live Arts Festival 2024 (OLAF), known as the MOVE! Edition, hosted community members to support local artists and celebrate their stories through dance.
Zacharia “Xallamo” Gariseb (27), expressed that growing up in a musical family immersed him in creativity from a young age.
“My uncles were dancers, so it is something that’s always been in my blood, and it can change people—you don’t know how it can make someone feel, OLAF is doing a great job. More opportunities like this can change our lives as creatives,” said the Windhoek-born and raised dancer.
Zacharia elaborated on the significance of his performance during the inaugural day of OLAF at Zoo Park, providing insights into his involvement in the event.
“The message of ‘The Days of Our Lives’ is about the challenges we face. It is something that makes you reflect,” he said.
The young dancer is from a dance group called Rhythm in Motion which scooped first prize, getting a total of N$10 000 during the dance battle that took place at Immanuel Shifidi Secondary School.
Another group, The Fresh Gang, won N$5 000, while #BeFree Campus Dance Group took home N$3 000.
“Dancing helps us relax. It is a fun way to move our bodies before or during study breaks. I am grateful to OLAF for taking dance to everyone as a free event. It’s a great way for young people to stay busy and active,” said Tiffany Nuwuses.
Nuwuses (15) is the leader of the #BeFree Campus Dance group.
The energetic young dancer has been dancing since she was a child, and after joining #BeFree Campus as an after-school student, she formed a dance group with her classmates.
The co-director of the festival, Nelago Shilongoh, stated that since 2021, The National Theatre of Namibia (NTN) and the Goethe-Institut (GI) have developed a collaborative partnership focused on fostering artistic and professional development within Namibia’s creative and cultural sectors.
“These collaborative efforts have resulted in groundbreaking installations and theatrical productions, significantly enriching the cultural landscape of Windhoek. Initiatives like the Otjomuise Live Arts Festival have emerged as vital platforms for the local arts community, providing both emerging and established artists with opportunities to showcase original works to more accessible local audiences,” she said.
Nashilongoh noted that this year, the institutions take pride in their significant contributions to the dance sector by generating opportunities, particularly for emerging artists who have previously faced challenges in accessing institutional support.
“As they look to the future, both institutions are eager to further promote development through new projects that will expand opportunities for emerging artists, enhance community engagement, and inspire innovative expressions of creativity. Together, they are dedicated to nurturing a vibrant creative sector that propels the cultural landscape of Namibia forward,” she indicated.
-psiririka@nepc.com.na