Bank festival in full swing

THE second annual Bank Windhoek Arts Festival kicked off with a bang at various venues across the capital on Wednesday.

Windhoek Mayor Matheus Shikongo officially launched the event at the Ehafo Car Park, opposite the Kalahari Sands Hotel. Local acts – including Just Jack, tango dancers and Jackson Kaujeua – rocked the crowd in the park while the Slamming Tongues presented a show at the Warehouse Theatre.Art exhibitions also opened at various galleries.The festival offers a variety of art genres in various languages and forms to cater for a diverse audience.The Mighty Dreads, for one, present traditional shambo music while the older generation can look forward to langarm tunes by the Reho Rhythms.Bank Windhoek Managing Director Johan Swanepoel said the festival had grown since last year.”This year, there is an increased number of performing and exhibiting artists; an increased involvement of local artists; participation by artists representing four SADC countries; and a choir festival and workshop,” he said.Visiting artists include visual artists Kizitomaria Kasule (Uganda) and Stephen Garan’anga from Zimbabwe.South African songstress Yvonne Chaka Chaka and acclaimed musician Oliver Mtukudzi from Zimbabwe need no introduction.Swanepoel added that the organisers planned to develop the festival into the premier Southern African Arts Festival.He said his institution had decided to become involved as local artists “desperately” needed a platform to display their talent.”The development of the arts in Namibia is in dire need of financial support, Namibians have a passion for arts and more local events are required to meet the growing demand and need for entertainment.”John Airey, General Manager of one of the sponsors, Kalahari Sands Hotel and Casino said that the arts reflect the soul and character of a nation.”Throughout the ages, in a world that suffered, and is still suffering from the ravishes of war, international terrorism, disease and poverty, the arts remain a beacon of hope,” he said.Other highlights of the festival include SA contemporary artist Gloria Bosman singing Tina Turner; children’s theatre Jungle Book and The Little Prince; Namibian rock group Pyplyn, Strings ‘An Skins and the comedy show Dick And Di.The festival ends on September 12.Local acts – including Just Jack, tango dancers and Jackson Kaujeua – rocked the crowd in the park while the Slamming Tongues presented a show at the Warehouse Theatre.Art exhibitions also opened at various galleries.The festival offers a variety of art genres in various languages and forms to cater for a diverse audience.The Mighty Dreads, for one, present traditional shambo music while the older generation can look forward to langarm tunes by the Reho Rhythms.Bank Windhoek Managing Director Johan Swanepoel said the festival had grown since last year.”This year, there is an increased number of performing and exhibiting artists; an increased involvement of local artists; participation by artists representing four SADC countries; and a choir festival and workshop,” he said.Visiting artists include visual artists Kizitomaria Kasule (Uganda) and Stephen Garan’anga from Zimbabwe.South African songstress Yvonne Chaka Chaka and acclaimed musician Oliver Mtukudzi from Zimbabwe need no introduction.Swanepoel added that the organisers planned to develop the festival into the premier Southern African Arts Festival.He said his institution had decided to become involved as local artists “desperately” needed a platform to display their talent.”The development of the arts in Namibia is in dire need of financial support, Namibians have a passion for arts and more local events are required to meet the growing demand and need for entertainment.”John Airey, General Manager of one of the sponsors, Kalahari Sands Hotel and Casino said that the arts reflect the soul and character of a nation.”Throughout the ages, in a world that suffered, and is still suffering from the ravishes of war, international terrorism, disease and poverty, the arts remain a beacon of hope,” he said.Other highlights of the festival include SA contemporary artist Gloria Bosman singing Tina Turner; children’s theatre Jungle Book and The Little Prince; Namibian rock group Pyplyn, Strings ‘An Skins and the comedy show Dick And Di.The festival ends on September 12.