Adolf Kaure

The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts, and Culture (MEIYSAC) has sponsored N$400 000 to support the Namibian choir, Collective Singers, for their trip to Canada. 

Collective Singers will be part of a singing tour in Canada this month, representing the country alongside choirs from around the world. 

Speaking at the choir’s recent debut concert in Windhoek, the MEIYSAC deputy minister, Dino Ballotti, said that the financial support, which also included providing transport assistance to Pretoria to facilitate the choir’s visa application process, reflects the government’s belief in investing in talent and opening doors for Namibia’s artists to thrive internationally. 

“We are particularly proud of the Collective Singers for their dedication to promoting local composers and ensuring that Namibian music is heard on global stages,” said Ballotti. 

“Your upcoming journey to Canada is a true display of servanthood and a representation of our national identity.” 

The deputy minister reminded the choristers that as they prepare to represent Namibia internationally, they should be mindful that they carry the hopes and pride of a nation. 

“May your voices resonate far and wide, and may your journey inspire many more young artists to dream boldly,” he added. 

At the maiden concert, in front of a packed Windhoek High School Hall, Collective Singers delivered an outstanding performance with their rich repertoire, which contains songs like ‘Roep my’, ‘Jesaya 41’, ‘Muhona’, ‘Ui !nazasib’ and ‘Amen’. 

The choir left the audience with a memorable experience through their blend of gospel, contemporary and traditional music, accompanied by cultural dances and mesmerising choreography. 

Ballotti further underscored how Collective Singers, through choral music, preserve culture and heritage. 

“It is through song that we preserve our languages, that we share our histories and through song that we express the collective spirit of our people. 

In many ways, choirs such as the Collective Singers are ambassadors of our culture, carrying with them the heartbeat of Namibia. I tried but could not pick up any one culture that was missing,” said the deputy minister. 

The Collective Singers’ maiden concert featured South Africa’s Zolani Youth Choir. Their presence was felt throughout the hall as they delivered energetic performances that wowed both young and old. 

The concert was capped off by the two choirs sharing the stage with a beautiful rendition of “Nkosi Sikelela”. 

Under the eighth administration, the creative arts industry remains the government’s fifth priority. The value given to the creative industry is tied to the link between cultural expression and youth empowerment and economic opportunity. 

The Collective Singers choir was established in 2014 by conductor Ponti Dikua. 

He expressed his gratitude to Vice President Lucia Witbooi and Deputy Minister Ballotti for availing themselves to watch the concert. 

“Thank you very much, Your Excellency Lucia Witbooi, for taking the time in your busy schedule to come attend the concert and for sending us on our way to Canada. Thank you, Honourable Dino Ballotti, for your speech. We took every word that you gave and will take it with us. We hope it will not be the last time we see you at our concert,” said Dikua. 

He also thanked everyone who attended the concert and who had pledged their support to the choir. 

The choir will tour Canada from 11 to 25 April, entertaining audiences in Edmonton, Calgary, Nelson, Kelowna, Courtney, Powell River and Vancouver. 

-akaure@nepc.com.na