WINDHOEK– The Sibelius academy of Finland together with the University of Namibia (Unam) has launched a Finnish-made Namibian traditional music instrument Otjihumba.
The collaboration between Unam and Sibelius Academy aimed at reviving the Namibian traditional music as well as modernising traditional musical instruments. A seminar here attended by lecturers from the Sibelius Academy, Unam, the College of the Arts and the Ministry of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture discussed Namibian music, instruments as well as the education of traditional music. A Finnish-Namibian folk music ensemble followed this seminar offering the audience a unique opportunity to witness, for the first time in Namibia, a public performance with this Finnish-made traditional Namibian instrument.
Otjihumba has been built by Juhana Nyrhinen, a member of the Sibelius Academy delegation. Otjihumba master, Joseph Tjinana from the Kunene region appraised the instrument at the event where Namibian traditional instruments were exhibited. The Otjihumba represented the endangered yet priceless tradition of the Ovahimba and Ovazemba. Sibelius Academy is the highest level musical education institution in Finland. The Academy is responsible for developing the Finnish music culture and fostering a music tradition.