Heather Erdmann

REHOBOTH – With the spirit to promote Rehoboth as the hub of jazz music, organisers hosted the International Jazz Day 2026 celebration.

It is a collaboration between the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC), the Hardap Regional Council and Rehoboth Town Council (RTC).

International Jazz Day is celebrated annually on April 30th, a date officially proclaimed by Unesco during its General Conference in November 2011.

The event in Rehoboth brought together artists, officials, and residents at St. Joseph’s Sports Field, highlighting jazz as a tool for unity, cultural expression, and community development.

The celebration featured performances by local artists, namely, Rehoboth Jazz Collective, Louwtjie Moller, International All Stars, Uncle, Friends Band, and Bongani Soul. The lineup ran across multiple sets throughout the evening, supported by a DJ interlude that carried the programme into the late-night session. Rehoboth Mayor Jackie ‡Khariseb said the event went beyond entertainment, describing jazz as a universal language that promotes harmony and social cohesion.

“Events like these breathe life into our public spaces, support local talent, encourage tourism, and bring our community together,” he said.

He added that the town council remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen the social and cultural fabric of the community.

Director of Arts in the ministry of education M’Kariko Amagulu, said International Jazz Day serves as a global reminder of the power of music to transcend borders and generations.

She said the ministry continues to promote and support the arts, including music, as part of its mandate, adding that efforts are being made to bring such events closer to communities across Namibia.

“The event is also about recognising and celebrating our local artists and musicians who continue to enrich our communities,” she said.

Amagulu noted that the creative sector remains an important part of Namibia’s cultural identity and is increasingly contributing to economic and youth development.

She also thanked organisers, partners, and the Rehoboth Town Council for their collaboration in hosting the event and encouraged continued support for local talent and the creative industries.

Residents responded with strong engagement throughout the event, with many singing, dancing and interacting with performers as the night progressed.

The celebration formed part of the global International Jazz Day commemorations, recognising jazz as a unifying art form and a platform for cultural exchange.

Meanwhile, the Rehoboth Town Council (RTC) announced plans to continue promoting arts and culture through upcoming events, including a cultural and jazz evening scheduled for 1 August 2026.

This will form part of the Rehoboth Youth Expo and Festival, set to take place from 26 July to 2 August, aimed at supporting youth development and creative expression in the town.

-herdmann@nepc.com

Photo: Heather Erdmann