Katutura ma /gaisa festival promises fireworks

Marvtown. Photo: Contributed

All roads will lead to the Sam Nujoma Stadium at Katutura this weekend, where some of the biggest names of the ma/gaisa genre are lined up for a thrilling festival.

Described by the organisers as “a first-of-its-kind”, the event, officially known as the Ma /Gaisa Live Music and Cultural Festival 2024, will offer entertainment for the young and old over three days, starting on Friday and ending on Sunday.

“This is a thoroughly planned festival and it is happening right at the doorstep of our people. The venue is primarily known for hosting football matches but we are going to turn it into a mini showground with an assortment of entertainment,” says organiser Mervin Classen.

“There will be a kiddies park, electronic sport games and a best traditional performance competition for primary schools, while the adults can look forward to the live music.”

Classen, known by his stage name Marvtown, is a singer cum dancer who came into prominence after winning the Next Ma /Gaisa Star singing competition in its debut season in 2022.

Apart from the music and kiddies games, the event also offers football games from stars of yesteryear (over 40 to be precise) while there will be an eating competition, food stalls, corporate stalls, a potjie competition and a fun run through the streets of Katutura.

The legends of African Stars, Black Africa, Orlando Pirates and Tigers will battle it out on the football pitch on Saturday.

“The festival stems from the recently held Ma /Gaisa Family Fun Day, during which community members, artists and sports people engaged in activities that inspired the desire to hold a regular music and sport event that brings communities together,” says Classen.

“During that fun day, a crowd of approximately 3 000 people gathered to enjoy sport, culture and celebrate ma /gaisa music. This festival aims to create a platform to promote ma /gaisa music under the expression ‘we cannot grow the ma /gaisa genre if we play it inhouse’”.

The event will consist of two live music shows that will be staged on Friday and Saturday.

The Friday show will see hip hop star Jericho and ma /gaisa stars like Oc Bulan, Kaptein Tswazi, Dixon and the increasingly popular T-Bozz & Staika hit the stage.

The Saturday event, headlined by Jaliza, will see the return of !Oubasen aka Ou Donkey and Marvtown, while the red hot duet of Raphael and Pelle and Ou Stakes will offer the crowd top class entertainment.

The festivities will conclude with a Sunday Something White by Webster Snewe.

“Come one and come all and celebrate a festival by the people of Katutura.”

Tickets are available at Computicket for N$60 and N$80 at the entrance. Children will pay N$30.

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