The NamJive dance competition is back after a short hiatus when the pandemic reared its ugly head. 

Since its inception in 2017, the competition has brought talented dancers together and allowed them to compete outside the country.

The competition’s co-founder Ricardo Xolani Kameeta said the dance culture has grown in the country in the last couple of years because of initiatives like NamJive. 

“We know the only thing that has been bringing the youth together is dance culture – but this time, NamJive is giving a chance to upcoming dancers to showcase their talent. Our dance culture has grown in the past two to four years; NamJive will also be inviting different towns to battle it out this time around,” he said.

The face-to-face dance battles were cancelled when the coronavirus prohibited public gatherings, forcing the organisers to concentrate on online competitions. 

“Now, we are bringing it live and direct at the centre of Katutra at the community hall. We will also be having a Zambian dancer by the name of Justmvrco as a guest,” said Kameeta.

He explained that this year, the prizes will not be monetary, but winners will get to walk away with shoes. This, he said, is because the focal point of this year’s competition is to showcase the talent of young upcoming dancers.

“Winners can look forward to benefitting from competitions like this because we get a lot of activations and place them as back dancers for the country’s top artists for shows – not forgetting music videos,” he said.

 Kameeta said they have so far managed to work with South African artists, such as Mi Casa, and one of their dancers was invited to perform in SA for three months. 

“Our top dancer Die Laste Hond did very well; he won the MTV dancing challenge when he was there. he got the chance to perform and work with Mr KG Chillibite Entertainment, Makhadzi and some new South African artists. We are pushing slowly but surely; we will put our country on the map because we have a good network with South African dancers,” he said.

This year’s competition is proudly sponsored by Coca-Cola, 067 Lounge and EES Music. Live DJs are expected to also grace the stage with strict security.

- slunyangwe@nepc.com.na