OSHAKATI – The eagerly-anticipated Oshakati Totem Expo is scheduled for 29 May to 6 June, bringing nine days of culture, entertainment, business and community celebration to northern Namibia.
At the heart of the expo is the meaning of ‘totem’, a cultural symbol of identity, heritage and belonging.
The event brings together different ethnic groups across Namibia, who showcase what their totems represent through traditional crafts, storytelling, drama, role plays and cultural performances.
Chief of the Uukwambi Traditional Authority Ndilimani Iipumbu said the idea of totem goes far beyond a name or symbol.
He said it is a living expression of culture that connects people across communities and keeps traditions meaningful in today’s world.
“Totems are deeply rooted in who we are as people. They carry identity and tradition, and events like this help us make sure those meanings are not lost but passed on to the younger generation,” he said.
The expo has since grown into one of the region’s biggest cultural gatherings, drawing visitors, exhibitors and performers from across the country.
Organising committee member Claudia Nandumbu said this year marks the 25th edition of the expo, a milestone that shows how far the event has come.
“This is something we do every year, but this one is special. It’s our 25th edition, and we are really proud of how it continues to grow and bring people together,” she said.
She added that this year’s theme focuses on unity through culture, encouraging different communities to come together and celebrate identity, heritage and shared development.
Oshakati Town Council spokesperson Martin Kapuka said the expo continues to play an important role in bringing people together while also boosting local development.
He noted that it has become a space where culture, business and everyday community life meet, creating opportunities for small businesses and residents during the event period.
Here are some of the key activities that visitors can look forward to at this year’s Totem Expo:
Ohungi
Ohungi is a cultural dialogue platform, where people gather to engage in deep discussions around heritage, identity and traditions.
It goes beyond entertainment, serving as a space for education, reflection and cultural pride.
This year’s discussions will focus on the difference between heritage and culture, while also exploring how traditions can be preserved and passed on to future generations.
Organisers say the conversations continue to grow with each edition of the expo.
Boxing Bonanza
The Boxing Bonanza is expected to bring energy and excitement as local boxers compete in front of large crowds, showcasing their skills and determination.
The event is designed to promote youth empowerment, discipline and sports development, while also giving upcoming athletes a platform to gain exposure and experience.
It also plays an important role in identifying talent and encouraging youth participation in sport, while connecting athletes to wider opportunities and support systems.
Entertainment
The entertainment programme will feature a wide range of live performances, DJs, dancers and cultural acts, designed to cater for different audiences throughout the expo.
This year’s lineup includes artists such as King TeeDee, Sunny Boy, Exit, Latoya Stella, Kaboy Kamakili, DJ Vuyo, Vasco, TopCheri, Chakalas, James Omlongo, Nally, Top Ten Star, Wild Dogs, Lazza, Kangweson and many more.
Organisers say the artists were selected through a careful process that considered talent, stage presence, professionalism and diversity, while ensuring a balance between established and emerging performers.
Owela competition
Owela is one of Namibia’s traditional indigenous games, often compared to chess due to it is level of strategy and thinking.
It is played using small seeds or stones on a carved board.
The competition at the expo celebrates intelligence, patience, focus and traditional knowledge, bringing together both experienced players and young learners.
Organisers said through Owela, they will preserve cultural heritage and ensure that traditional games continue to be passed on to younger generations as part of indigenous knowledge systems.
Beauty pageants
The Totem Expo will feature two main beauty pageant categories, each designed to celebrate culture, identity and personal development in different ways, which are miss Womalenga as well as Mr and Miss Totem.
The Miss Womalenga pageantry is a traditional cultural pageant for women aged 35 and above.
It focuses on heritage, identity and traditional dress, giving older women a platform to proudly showcase and preserve cultural values.
It remains one of the most culturally rooted highlights of the expo.
The Miss Totem and Mr Totem pageantry, on the other hand, focuses on younger participants aged 18 to 25.
These categories highlight confidence, discipline, self-expression and cultural pride, giving youth a platform to grow and represent their communities.
Together, the pageants reflect both tradition and modern expression, giving participants an opportunity to build confidence, showcase identity and celebrate culture in different forms.
One of the key figures supporting the Totem Expo is Oshakati Mayor Learnard Hango.
He said preparations are fully in place, and the town is ready to welcome visitors in large numbers.
“We are fully ready for the Totem Expo. Everything is in place, and we are just waiting for people to come in numbers, enjoy the event and support small businesses that will be operating during the festivities,” he remarked.
Hango assured the public that safety and security have been strengthened, with 24-hour security presence and police deployment on the ground to ensure a safe environment for all visitors.
He stressed that the expo is meant to bring together different tribes and communities, promoting unity, cultural exchange and togetherness throughout the event. – taimihaihammbo2000@gmail.com