Two Oviritje artists, Diop and Rax, recently took culture and Cassinga Day commemoration to the Namibians living in Canada.
The two- day Cassinga Day commemoration took place in Edmonton in Canada, and was organised by Namcan Osha Consultant Ltd. According to Diop it was the best experience they ever had and “it was my first time in Canada and I really enjoyed performing there”. He says the performance was different because he had to do things he don’t do when performing here. “It was a different performing experience, not the same as performing at home, because here more people know my performance and I have a dancer and a keyboardist. In Canada it was just me. I have to prove myself to the audience and let them know and understand me, unlike here where people know and understand me. In Canada I have to dance, because my dancers were not there with me and I really enjoyed that,” explains Diop.
He adds that the two week trip has opened the doors for them as they got a chance to perform in different places and to different audiences. “It is good for the market of Namibian local artists. People there really miss culture, both Namibians and Canadians, they really looked up to artists who go there and perform something cultural to them,” says Diop.
It was not only a two man show as some Namibian Artists that are living in Canada such as Skelly Muuondjo, Kapuka Meroro and Atita Kaenandjamo joined Diop and Rax in observing the Cassinga Day in Canada. Rax and Diop both had prepared songs for the Cassinga Day and performed together.
On their return home on May 21, the two artists were treated to a heroes welcome when Oviritje artists hosted a welcoming home bash for them in the Diop in Katutura Community Hall.
Mutjina Hoveka, Diop Manager and the organiser of the show hailed the show as promoting unity among artists by welcoming Diop and Rax back home.. “They were performing in Canada for a week and now they are coming back home, so we have to welcome them in style,” said Hoveka. The likes of Wild Dogs ya Hakane, Morukondjo Concert Group, Vehungira, Karapo, Sacke Kavezepoa, Kakoto and Waely, Innocent Mujazu and Fora die Bok, are expected to join Diop and Rax in entertained the Oviritje fans.