In celebrating Namibia’s 35th independence anniversary and the swearing-in of the country’s first female president, the Namibian National Symphony Orchestra Concert is set to make a return. 

The concert, which was last held in 2022, is slated for 19 and 22 March at the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN). 

The musical showcase will be conducted by Eslon Hindundu, a Namibian composer and conductor. Hindundu, who is known for his international engagements, including the composition of Namibia’s first opera, will also lead the Vox Vitae Singers, a renowned choir group.

Businesswoman Hilda Basson-Namundjebo, who is the brains behind the concert, said this is to celebrate Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership, advancements and the importance of gender equality across Africa. 

The evening will feature touching moments of remembrance for Namibia’s former leaders, starting with a heartfelt musical dedication to the late Hage Geingob, the nation’s former president, which will include a classical interpretation of his favourite hymn IHom!ga gu. 

Additionally, a special homage will be made to late Founding President Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, recognising his pivotal role in the liberation struggle and nation-building through a classical performance of Sema oulipeni?, a piece which embodies the essence of Namibia’s independence.

“For the longest time since independence, we’ve annually had the Independence Centrally-Orchestral Concert to celebrate independence. And I think it just brought a different flavour and, you know, it was really focused on inclusion, diverse communities, to celebrate around the theme of independence. So this year, we decided to bring it back,” she said. 

The concert will showcase a complete orchestral performance with 47 musicians on stage, guaranteeing an extraordinary exhibition of musical artistry. 

Additionally, the event will highlight a collection of unique Namibian compositions, emphasising the talents of local composers and artists. A particularly memorable highlight of the evening will be a powerful interpretation of “Winds of Change” by the late Jackson Kaujeua, a song which symbolises Namibia’s transition from colonialism to independence.

“We really hope that it will be not only comfort for us as a people, but also a place for us to celebrate something similar to independence,” she enthused. 

-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na