World Music Day draws closer

On Saturday, 22 June, Namibia will be celebrating World Music Day 2013. Windhoek residents can look forward to an exciting line-up of live music performances only, while Swakopmund, Oshakati and Keetmanshoop have a mixed programme of live and backing track performances.
All concerts start at 10am, entertaining the public until around 5pm, with only Windhoek’s event going into the early evening until 8pm. The Franco Namibia Cultural Centre advises visitors to come early during the day to enjoy the free show, since there will be no ‘main acts’ at the end of the programme; rather, the line-up is a mix of upcoming and established artists of all genres spread over the full concert duration of 10 hours. Tonetic, Penilane, Erna Chimu, Famaz Attack, Lize Ehlers, Essence and the Heritage Band, Percival Rinquest and Shemyetu are just some of the better known established bands performing, but the Windhoek programme also features a few surprise acts of upcoming groups and individuals.
The organisers said they have received over 160 registrations in total. While in the regions most artists that registered managed to receive a performance slot, Windhoek had to do auditions to select the best groups from close to 70 aspiring candidates.
Windhoek’s concert will take place in the Palmtree Park next to the train station in Bahnhof Street. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs and are welcome to bring picnic and cooler boxes, although drinks and braai will be sold on site.
Oshakati’s concert is taking place at the Piccadilly Centre next to the Open Market. In Swakopmund World Music Day will be celebrated at the Vineta Sports Field, and in Keetmanshoop at the Multi-purpose Youth Resource Centre.