Namibia’s performing artists return triumphant

BEAMING with the joy of success, a Namibian team consisting of 14 performing artists arrived back in the country to a heroes welcome having received 29 medals, 12 trophies and two scholarships for their performances at the World Championships of the Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Los Angeles, USA.

The championships took place from 5 to 14 July. Seven members of the team, including actors, dancers, singers, variety artists and models, reached the semi-finals and three Namibian artists went through to the finals.

One of the winners Percival Rinquest was especially impressive, winning gold medals for the R&B/jazz/soul, contemporary, open and original works categories. He also scooped the champion of the world division award for all the categories he took part in.

Describing the tough road that faced him before the championships, Rinquest said: “My experience throughout the whole event was pretty stressful. Personally I would say it’s getting the funds together that was the main issue. Practice was tough as well, seeing that I had to work that in somewhere between my career, my personal life and my full-time job”.

Another winner, Aaron Symonds-Mayes, said that his experience at WCOPA taught him so much. “The experience gave me a much broader stage experience and a new perspective on the arts industry. Bootcamp informed artists what is expected in the industry, techniques and standards and how to project your voice on stage and how to articulate yourself,” he said.

“The trip to LA made me appreciate what we have in Namibia; we competed internationally and did so well. We are so fortunate to have been given this opportunity,” said Symonds-Mayes who is determined to continue his studies at a drama academy after completing school.

WCOPA is regarded as the Olympics for performing artists and the 2018 event is the 22nd championship.

The full list of Namibian winners is as follows: Aaron Symonds Mayes won two silver and a bronze medal; Andre Schriven won one bronze medal and a scholarship worth US$15 000; Anri Brynard won one bronze medal; Charly Taylor jointly with Sonja Keil won three gold medals and three overall category winner trophies and World Group Champions award; Ismael Howoseb won two bronze medals; Jessica Strydom won two silver medals and was an overall trophy winner; Lara-Nika Praetorius won one gold medal and was an overall trophy winner; Le Clue Job won two gold medals and one silver medal; Marelee Fereira won one gold, one silver and two bronze medals and the overall trophy; Rinquest won four gold medals and four overall category trophies and a scholarship worth US$5 000; Sascha Olivier Sampson won one gold, one bronze medal and an overall category trophy.

“We can be extremely proud of our Namibian team who have showcased Namibia’s talents abroad in front of a very international stage,” said Lomine Brynard, Team Namibia’s manager.

Seventy-one countries have signed up for participation in the 2019 World Champs. To learn more about the Namibian championships, contact lomine@brynard.info or visit wcopa.com.