Unesco in Namibia hosts International Jazz Day with stellar local line-up

Sounds of jazz filled the National Theatre of Namibia on Tuesday, 30 April, as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) in Namibia hosted a vibrant concert in celebration of International Jazz Day.

This significant cultural event featured an impressive line-up of local jazz artists including Erna Chimu, Suzy Eises, Sharon van Rooi and Ou Slow, each bringing their unique flavour to the stage.

The concert - which was free to the public - drew a large crowd, eager to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of jazz music. However, it was the interlude featuring Namibia’s traditional Nama music that captured everyone's attention and became a standout moment of the evening. The performance by Aboxan Musik |Ob ?Âns tsî ?Khasigu - an ensemble dedicated to the preservation of Nama cultural heritage - was particularly poignant.

Aboxan Musik |Ob ?Âns tsî ?Khasigu was recognised by Unesco during the 15th session of its Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in December 2020. The ensemble performed with traditional musical instruments like the khab (musical bow), !guitsib (traditional guitar) and vlies (harmonica). Its music, which encompasses the ancestral sound knowledge and skills of the Nama people, was met with enthusiastic applause and a standing ovation. The performance not only entertained but served as an educational bridge, teaching the audience about the deep-rooted musical traditions of the Nama people.

This enriching cultural exchange highlighted the importance of jazz - not only as a genre of music, but as a vehicle for unity, dialogue and enhanced cooperation among people. The event's success was evident in the rapt attention and engagement of an audience that spanned generations, all drawn together by the universal language of music. Namibian Sun captured these moments.