literature

The literary and music scene is equally marked by the fact that the development of these art forms was subject to great restrictions during the decades of colonial and mandate rule. To this day, one cannot speak of an independent Namibian literature, but this is not least due to the fact that Namibia, as a multi-ethnic state, is not a homogeneous nation. The Namibian who writes in German is best known in Europe. Giselher W. HofmannHis most important novel, “The Firstborn”, is about the tense encounter between the most diverse cultures in Namibia. The novel “Nadula”, in which the writer Ndamininghenda Haileka about the role of women in the Namibian liberation struggle. For this impressive contemporary testimony, which she wrote in her mother tongue Kwanyama, the language of the Ovambo, she received the Literature Prize of the South African University of Western Cape in 1990.

Music

The situation is not much different in music. There are only a few artists who are known beyond the country's borders. Yet music has always been deeply rooted in all areas of African life. No celebration was complete without dance and music, and music was also part of everyday work, at least for women.

In contrast to other African peoples such as the Zulu in South Africa, the music of the tribes living in Namibia has changed significantly, particularly due to the influence of Christianity. In the national liberation struggle, the traditional songs and dances of the Ovambo took on a new function. Partly provided with current content, they were used to motivate the masses to fight together against the white oppressors. One example of this is the SWAPO cultural group, Ndilimani Cultural Troupe.

It is impossible to imagine the Namibian music scene without Jackson KaujeauThe protest singer had to live in exile until 1989. Like no other, he combines the Kwela beat, popular in southern Africa, with traditional flute music and the songs of the Herero and Nama. A cassette or CD with his songs is a perfect souvenir of a trip through Namibia.

Classical music is also very popular. The State Conservatory of Music has been located in Windhoek since 1971. The National Symphony Orchestra. The Swakopmund Youth Orchestra completes the classical music scene. Both orchestras are not only committed to the classical music heritage, but also interpret music from African tribes and thus contribute to the preservation of African traditions.