Windhoek is set to host one of its most anticipated music events of the year, as the Whoos Nexxt Festival brings together some of Africa’s biggest names in music alongside a focus on industry development and collaboration.
The two-day festival will take place on 11 and 12 October at Windhoek High School’s B-field, featuring performances from Zakes Bantwini and Msaki, with a strong line-up of Namibian artists including Big Ben, Yeezir, Waters and The Ells.
Festival organiser Gina Jossop says the event aims to go beyond entertainment by combining live performances with knowledge-sharing opportunities for creatives.
“We want this to be more than a concert,” Jossop says. “It’s a space for artists to connect, for fans to celebrate and for the industry to grow. We’re changing the way music festivals are done in Namibia.”
A highlight of the festival will be the music business masterclass hosted by Bantwini on Sunday morning from 10h00 to 14h00.
The session will offer emerging artists and creatives insight into the business side of music, covering topics such as industry strategy, brand building and sustainability.
Bantwini, a Grammy Award-winning musician and entrepreneur, will close the festival with his headline performance.
Known for his fusion of deep house, Afro-tech and socially conscious themes, his set is expected to be one of the weekend’s major draws.
Jossop says the inclusion of local artists is central to the festival’s purpose.
“There’s so much home-grown talent that deserves a big stage,” she adds. “We’re giving that to them.”
The festival grounds will feature three main zones: general admission, VIP and the newly introduced Hunter’s Refreshes Lounge, a shaded, open-air area designed for relaxation and socialising.
Gates open at 13h00 daily, with performances running late into the night. Attendees can expect food stalls, bars and cooling areas to combat October’s heat.
Event organisers have prioritised security, accessibility and medical support to ensure a safe environment.
In keeping with the festival’s exclusive feel, organisers confirm that there will be no livestreaming of performances.
“We want people to experience this in person, to be present, not just online,” Jossop says.
Beyond the entertainment, the Whoos Nexxt Festival seeks to position itself as a catalyst for growth in Namibia’s creative economy.
“This is just the beginning,” Jossop adds.
“We want to create a movement that celebrates music, builds careers and puts Namibia on the map.”
The festival signals a new chapter for Namibia’s live music scene, one that values both creativity and capacity-building in equal measure.
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