Haunted Harmonies: an ode to Halloween through Namibian poetry and music
Last Thursday, Francesco Restaurant in Windhoek transformed into an evocative stage for Haunted Harmonies, the third instalment of the Jiggy Jamboree, a cultural initiative dedicated to celebrating Namibian arts and empowering spoken word artists. Set against a breathtaking ombre Namibian sunset, the event presented a fusion of poetry and music, drawing in a captivated audience for a truly hauntingly beautiful experience.
The evening featured a line-up of eight poets and two musical acts, each contributing their unique artistry to the night’s theme. Esteemed local poets like Dope Bee, Keith Maleek, Feroakea, Thor, Felicity The Poet, Cooper, AHDoesIt, and Jemimah Ndebele brought words to life with emotionally charged performances. Adding a musical flair to the event were country vocalist Patricia Coetzee and emerging artist Meno, whose soulful melodies resonated throughout the restaurant, bringing listeners to quiet contemplation and spontaneous applause.
A sense of community and appreciation filled the air as attendees expressed their admiration for the seamless blend of spoken word and music. "This was my first Jiggy Jamboree event, and it exceeded my expectations," said Vincent Shivolo, an attendee.
Jiggy Jamboree founder Jemimah Ndebele shared the broader vision behind the enterprise:
"We want to make events that people will remember not just for their entertainment value but for the cultural significance and the voices we uplift. Haunted Harmonies reflects that ambition."
For many, the event was a reminder of the power of art in fostering reflection and connection. Another guest, Peter Ferreira echoed this sentiment, saying, “There was something about tonight – maybe the sunset, maybe the poetry – that felt almost otherworldly. I left feeling more connected to our culture and its potential.”
With three instalments now under its belt, the Jiggy Jamboree continues to grow as a platform for the local arts community. Haunted Harmonies exemplified the value of a space dedicated to celebrating Namibian voices and artistry, setting a new standard for cultural events in Windhoek. Namibian Sun was at the third edition and captured these moments.
The evening featured a line-up of eight poets and two musical acts, each contributing their unique artistry to the night’s theme. Esteemed local poets like Dope Bee, Keith Maleek, Feroakea, Thor, Felicity The Poet, Cooper, AHDoesIt, and Jemimah Ndebele brought words to life with emotionally charged performances. Adding a musical flair to the event were country vocalist Patricia Coetzee and emerging artist Meno, whose soulful melodies resonated throughout the restaurant, bringing listeners to quiet contemplation and spontaneous applause.
A sense of community and appreciation filled the air as attendees expressed their admiration for the seamless blend of spoken word and music. "This was my first Jiggy Jamboree event, and it exceeded my expectations," said Vincent Shivolo, an attendee.
Jiggy Jamboree founder Jemimah Ndebele shared the broader vision behind the enterprise:
"We want to make events that people will remember not just for their entertainment value but for the cultural significance and the voices we uplift. Haunted Harmonies reflects that ambition."
For many, the event was a reminder of the power of art in fostering reflection and connection. Another guest, Peter Ferreira echoed this sentiment, saying, “There was something about tonight – maybe the sunset, maybe the poetry – that felt almost otherworldly. I left feeling more connected to our culture and its potential.”
With three instalments now under its belt, the Jiggy Jamboree continues to grow as a platform for the local arts community. Haunted Harmonies exemplified the value of a space dedicated to celebrating Namibian voices and artistry, setting a new standard for cultural events in Windhoek. Namibian Sun was at the third edition and captured these moments.
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