Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The Otjomuise Live Arts Festival (OLAF) brought Windhoek to life as it showcased the city’s emerging dance talent, with young performers dominating the spotlight.
The festival, which kicked off on 9 October and concluded on 12 October, celebrated its fourth edition under the theme “MOVE!” and featured performances at key locations across the city, including Zoo Park, Sifu Arena in Katutura and the College of the Arts.
The festival’s dance battle finale saw Rhythm in Motion secure the top prize of N$10 000, demonstrating the growing platform OLAF provides for young talent.
One of the festival’s key goals, according to festival co-director Nelago Shilongoh, is to ensure that the arts remain accessible to the public.
“We want to bridge the gap between artists and the community,” said Shilongoh. “Our mission has always been to empower local talent and bring performances to everyday spaces. It’s inspiring to see how dance can engage audiences in places like malls and streets.”
She also praised the young participants.
“We’ve seen more young dancers stepping forward this year, and it’s inspiring to see how the festival is empowering them to tell their stories through movement.”
Shilongoh said OLAF’s ongoing role in fostering Namibia’s creative sector, stating that they are committed to building opportunities for local artists to thrive, and this year’s festival was a testament to that.
