It’s that time of year again! The /Ae //Gams Festival starts today

THE City of Windhoek will once again host the popular /Ae //Gams Festival, starting today and running until Sunday the 19th.

The Festival will take place at various venues throughout the capital city – the City Centre Parking Area, the Katutura Community Art Centre, UN Plaza, National Theatre of Namibia and the Warehouse Theatre. All the shows will be free of charge.For years, the City of Windhoek has served as a prime promoter of Namibian art and culture.The annual Arts Festival, with the Mayor, Mathew Shikongo ,as the patron, is a platform to advance Namibian artists, musicians and poets and to stimulate Namibian art and culture.The theme for this year’s /Ae//Gams Festival is ‘Ombazu jetu, outonga uetu’ meaning “Our culture, our pride”.President Sam Nujoma will officially open the Festival at 11h00 today at the City Centre Parking Area opposite the Kalahari Sands Hotel.The official opening ceremony will be preceded by a parade along Independence Avenue.Choirs, bands and several Windhoek celebrities will participate in the parade scheduled to start at 08h30.Namibian bands lined up to feature at the Festival include Phura, Stella, Ama Africa, Pappa Francois, the Experienced Band and many more.Ndilimani Cultural Troupe, Kalahari Cultural Group, Kushibahala Traditional Dance groups, Sunshine Cultural Group, Springs and Skins from South Africa, Hope Musical Production (Dancers from Windhoek, Namibia & Vantaa, Finland), will showcase cultural performances.Sibali Kgobetsi, supported by Axali Doeseb, will showcase true poetry in action.Choirs billed to perform include those from the Unam, Polytechnic, Bet-El Miserere Nobis, Sexegesimae and the Soli Deo Gloria Khomas Regional Choir.African delicacies, prepared by the popular Otjikaendu Den, and various traditional foods will be on display throughout the festival.Another highlight will be the awards for the Proud to be Namibian campaign.This includes an award for the best traditional dressed male and female.BACKGROUNDThe /Ae //Gams festival was officially inaugurated by the Mayor, Councillor Matheus Shikongo, on September 7 2001./Ae//Gams is the indigenous name for Windhoek, which means “hot Springs”.The main aim is to bring together all Namibian people and to serve as a vehicle to enhance the Namibian identity through cultural expression.The festival is open to all residents of the City of Windhoek including, visitors, tourists and indeed Namibians from all walks of life.In short, the objectives are;* to promote participation by all Namibian cultures. * to educate locals to preserve and respect their cultures at all times. * to create and promote a platform for local and international artists to interact and share experiences. * to promote economic development of the local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). * to promote local artists and showcase local talent.All the shows will be free of charge.For years, the City of Windhoek has served as a prime promoter of Namibian art and culture.The annual Arts Festival, with the Mayor, Mathew Shikongo ,as the patron, is a platform to advance Namibian artists, musicians and poets and to stimulate Namibian art and culture.The theme for this year’s /Ae//Gams Festival is ‘Ombazu jetu, outonga uetu’ meaning “Our culture, our pride”.President Sam Nujoma will officially open the Festival at 11h00 today at the City Centre Parking Area opposite the Kalahari Sands Hotel.The official opening ceremony will be preceded by a parade along Independence Avenue.Choirs, bands and several Windhoek celebrities will participate in the parade scheduled to start at 08h30.Namibian bands lined up to feature at the Festival include Phura, Stella, Ama Africa, Pappa Francois, the Experienced Band and many more.Ndilimani Cultural Troupe, Kalahari Cultural Group, Kushibahala Traditional Dance groups, Sunshine Cultural Group, Springs and Skins from South Africa, Hope Musical Production (Dancers from Windhoek, Namibia & Vantaa, Finland), will showcase cultural performances.Sibali Kgobetsi, supported by Axali Doeseb, will showcase true poetry in action.Choirs billed to perform include those from the Unam, Polytechnic, Bet-El Miserere Nobis, Sexegesimae and the Soli Deo Gloria Khomas Regional Choir.African delicacies, prepared by the popular Otjikaendu Den, and various traditional foods will be on display throughout the festival.Another highlight will be the awards for the Proud to be Namibian campaign.This includes an award for the best traditional dressed male and female.BACKGROUNDThe /Ae //Gams festival was officially inaugurated by the Mayor, Councillor Matheus Shikongo, on September 7 2001./Ae//Gams is the indigenous name for Windhoek, which means “hot Springs”.The main aim is to bring together all Namibian people and to serve as a vehicle to enhance the Namibian identity through cultural expression.The festival is open to all residents of the City of Windhoek including, visitors, tourists and indeed Namibians from all walks of life.In short, the objectives are;* to promote participation by all Namibian cultures. * to educate locals to preserve and respect their cultures at all times. * to create and promote a platform for local and international artists to interact and share experiences. * to promote economic development of the local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). * to promote local artists and showcase local talent.