WALVIS BAY- They are school kids and jam on street corners, perform for corporate functions, at lodges and are jetting off to Switzerland soon.
They are the Namib Marimbas, Walvis Bay’s percussion group that has for years been delighting both locals and tourists with their sound of drumming and upbeat rhythm, which are a regular feature at the coast. Many might even know the Marimba’s who have been going for the past 18 years, with their foot tapping African rhythm and catchy beat, which was born in the harbour town, and getting acclaim overseas.
All band members comprise school learners from the Kuisebmund Secondary School, and are managed by the founder, Gretha Holst, who developed this project to uplift the living standards of these children. Saying that many of the youngsters are from underprivileged backgrounds, even orphaned in some cases, she has given them a chance to shine through music – which is precisely what they do. The group is made up of ten members, ranging from ages between 14 and 20 years, and when they start banging on their instruments, you can’t help yourself from tapping your feet, moving your hips and smiling widley.
The Namib Marimbas performers operate on a rotation basis, as once the learners reach Grade 12 they take in new members from the lower grades to start practising with the group, so they are prepared to stand in when needed. At present a group of ‘fledgling’ members are getting ready to step into the slots during the October performances, whilst the older kids are writing their year-end exams.
Gretha says she ploughs the money they earn back into their school fees, uniforms, trevelling expenses and other essentials, and they are currently in the recording studio to put down fresh tracks for the latest CD. To date she has released five Namib Marimba band CDs with her young band members, which are a huge hit with the tourists, and they will be embarking on a trip to Switzerland in May to perform there.
Gretha adds that some of the performances can last up to three hours long with no break, and they practise very hard. Their repertoire is unique, and that through this catchy African rhythm and distinctive sound of the different percussions, they have gained international recognition. The instruments they play are unique to Namibia really, and all have a distinct sound. They include everything from djemba’s, wooden hand crafted Marimba, shakers and sticks. Some songs include vocals, many written by the band members who all like to contribute toward their performance value, working together like a tight family unit.
The group gets together to practise every Sunday after church, and the pressure is on to be well rehearsed for the tour, as they will be performing for three weeks with their last performance scheduled in Frankfurt before heading back to Namibia. “We are very proud of what we have achieved, and this music project is something that uplifts these children who have come from difficult backgrounds, but through music they have taken a place in this world as true ambassadors of Namibia,” says Gretha.