City’s cultural heartbeat set to thump with /Ae//Gams festival

The City of Windhoek is set to host the 17th edition of the /Ae//Gams Arts and Cultural festival this coming weekend.

Thrilled about the upcoming annual event, City of Windhoek spokesperson Harold Akwenye promises an energetic line-up of activities, including live music performances by renowned local artists, as well as traditional and contemporary dance showcases.

“There will be theatre and poetry performances, including a cultural parade, craft exhibitions, fashion displays, and a wide range of traditional cuisine,” he says.

This year, the two-day festival will be celebrated under the standing motto ‘Diverse Cultures, One Vision’, while this year’s theme is ‘The Charm Goes Beyond What You See’.

Akwenye says the theme is a celebration of uniqueness, friendliness, humbleness, and the city’s ancient history.

“The /Ae//Gams Festival has been warmly received by the public and the creative community alike. It has grown steadily over the years in both attendance and participation, serving as a dynamic platform for cultural exchange,” he says.

‘/Ae //Gams’ is the Khoekhoe word for Windhoek, which means ‘hot springs’.

The festival, organised by the City of Windhoek, gathers traditional groups, artists and entrepreneurs to display their traditional dances, fashion, local and international cuisine, and other products.

“The /Ae//Gams Festival provides a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their talents, network, and access new audiences.

“The event stimulates economic activity through the sale of arts, crafts, and food, while also creating temporary employment opportunities,” Akwenye says.

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