Windhoek streets transformed into wondrous dance stage
Dancers set the city alight
The Otjomuise Live Arts Festival (OLAF) brought the streets of Windhoek to life with a spectacular array of performances across the city over a period of four days.
The Otjomuise Live Arts Festival (OLAF) concluded on Saturday with a spectacular showcase of dance talent across the city of Windhoek. The festival, now in its fourth edition, brought the MOVE! Edition to life, taking dance to unexpected locations around the city, from Zoo Park to Katutura’s Sifu Arena, engaging the community through vibrant performances.
Throughout the four-day festival, OLAF took dance into Windhoek’s streets and public spaces, with performances happening at Post Street Mall, the College of the Arts and even the University of Namibia.
The festival has become a cornerstone of Windhoek’s cultural calendar, offering local artists a platform to share their stories and connect with diverse audiences.
“OLAF is more than just a festival; it’s a space where communities gather and experience the power of live art,” said Nelago Shilongoh, OLAF co-director.
“We aim to empower local artists and provide them with opportunities to shine on stage while fostering a deeper connection between the people and the arts.”
Battle of the dance
One of the festival’s highlights was the much-anticipated dance battle, which saw five groups compete for top honours at the Sifu Arena in Katutura. Rhythm in Motion emerged as the champions of the night, taking home N$10 000, generously sponsored by the National Arts Council of Namibia. The second-place prize of N$5 000, sponsored by the National Theatre of Namibia, went to Fresh Gang, while Be Free Campus Dance Group secured third place with N$3 000, sponsored by OLAF.
Zacharia 'Xallamo' Gariseb, a dancer with Rhythm in Motion, shared how the festival has been an essential platform for creatives like him. “OLAF is doing a great job. Opportunities like these can change our lives as creatives."
He added: “Dance can have a profound impact, and you never know how it can make people feel. The festival has allowed us to reflect on our lives and share our stories through movement.”
Magic performances
OLAF 2024 was not only about competition.
The festival also featured performances from a variety of genres and artists, including 'Look Right, Look Left', a multidisciplinary dance piece performed by the COTA Dance Ensemble and conceptualised by Angelika Schroeder, as well as 'A Reintroduction to Movement' by El Micah, which explored Afro-contemporary dance. Another standout performance, 'Rhythm Reborn', showcased contemporary Oviritje dance, performed by Kazupo Ndjoze and Ueitjitavi Katjatenja.
The festival’s diverse programme ensured that audiences could enjoy a wide range of dance styles while fostering a sense of community through the arts. Shilongoh noted: “The variety of dance styles performed during OLAF reflects the richness of our culture and the immense talent we have here in Namibia. We hope to continue growing and expanding these opportunities for artists and audiences alike.”
Throughout the four-day festival, OLAF took dance into Windhoek’s streets and public spaces, with performances happening at Post Street Mall, the College of the Arts and even the University of Namibia.
The festival has become a cornerstone of Windhoek’s cultural calendar, offering local artists a platform to share their stories and connect with diverse audiences.
“OLAF is more than just a festival; it’s a space where communities gather and experience the power of live art,” said Nelago Shilongoh, OLAF co-director.
“We aim to empower local artists and provide them with opportunities to shine on stage while fostering a deeper connection between the people and the arts.”
Battle of the dance
One of the festival’s highlights was the much-anticipated dance battle, which saw five groups compete for top honours at the Sifu Arena in Katutura. Rhythm in Motion emerged as the champions of the night, taking home N$10 000, generously sponsored by the National Arts Council of Namibia. The second-place prize of N$5 000, sponsored by the National Theatre of Namibia, went to Fresh Gang, while Be Free Campus Dance Group secured third place with N$3 000, sponsored by OLAF.
Zacharia 'Xallamo' Gariseb, a dancer with Rhythm in Motion, shared how the festival has been an essential platform for creatives like him. “OLAF is doing a great job. Opportunities like these can change our lives as creatives."
He added: “Dance can have a profound impact, and you never know how it can make people feel. The festival has allowed us to reflect on our lives and share our stories through movement.”
Magic performances
OLAF 2024 was not only about competition.
The festival also featured performances from a variety of genres and artists, including 'Look Right, Look Left', a multidisciplinary dance piece performed by the COTA Dance Ensemble and conceptualised by Angelika Schroeder, as well as 'A Reintroduction to Movement' by El Micah, which explored Afro-contemporary dance. Another standout performance, 'Rhythm Reborn', showcased contemporary Oviritje dance, performed by Kazupo Ndjoze and Ueitjitavi Katjatenja.
The festival’s diverse programme ensured that audiences could enjoy a wide range of dance styles while fostering a sense of community through the arts. Shilongoh noted: “The variety of dance styles performed during OLAF reflects the richness of our culture and the immense talent we have here in Namibia. We hope to continue growing and expanding these opportunities for artists and audiences alike.”
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