“WE are the amalgamation of colour, tribe and texture. A creed perched from the same blood that speaks. In our streets, life can be slippery, but there is a unity we must meet if we are to succeed.”
These are some of the lines of Sharon Mutjavikua Edward, a poet who expressed herself on Friday during the poetry evening at the City of Windhoek parking area.
She was part of 10 poets, including four pupils from Windhoek High School, who recited their poems in a build-up to the much-anticipated
Windhoek /Ae //Gams Arts and Cultural Festival taking place this coming weekend. Edward told VIBEZ! the /Ae//Gams Art and Cultural Festival has been edifying so far. “The City of Windhoek is uniting all tribes and people from different walks of life under one umbrella to share their souls, talents and craft with each other. This is very special, and something that should be a regular activity to create the unity in diversity that society needs,” she said.
Edward was pleased that poets are visible now more than ever to show their craft and passion by organising shows and events, and urged the public to support them where they can.
She said poetry has a way of igniting the mind’s ability to travel into realms and tapestry of different worlds that represent their existence as the human race.
She added: “Namibian poets have more than just word prowess and play to share. They have passion, positivity that we bring, advocating the inclusivity of all creeds towards a better tomorrow. They want unity in their diversity, and they want everyone to see past the superficial and look into the language of the soul, which is really poetry.” According to her, people are yet to understand the role of poetry in nation-building to truly appreciate it.
“Poetry tells stories, and what is a society without those who can tell stories of our past, our victories, challenges and where we want to be? Poetry uses images, metaphors, allegories, rhythm and passion to tell these journeys,” she noted.
Another poet, Lukas Namupala, told VIBEZ! his experience has been good. They spent a lot of time rehearsing poems, practising the structure, and getting it together.
“I have been doing this for a while, and I have been writing poetry for most of my life. However, reciting has been on and off; I wasn’t really consistent. I’m grateful for the /Ae//Gams Festival,” he said.
Namupala noted that the status of poetry in Namibia is a little overlooked, as there are a lot of people practicing poetry but yet they are overlooked and lack a platform to be recognised.
“I see poetry growing in the next five years. There’s this sub-culture we call creatives in the country. I think the more we get platforms to express ourselves, the more poets will come out and share their works,” he said.
Namupala added that as a poet, he is always writing; he always has pieces ready, just in case an opportunity comes up, and he will always go and share his thoughts.
Meanwhile, the official programme of the /Ae//Gams Arts and Cultural Festival on Friday and Saturday at the same venue will see a host of performances by, among others, Unam students, St. Paul's College pupils, NamJive, Ovaherero Cultural Youth Group, a Bollywood dance courtesy of the Indian High Commission, and comedy by Shipanga - Die Wamboe met die Panga.