Olaf ends with moves around the city

The Otjomuise Live Arts Festival (Olaf) concluded its fourth edition over the weekend, with a thrilling dance battle held at Sifu Arena at Katutura.

The highly anticipated finale saw the Rhythm in Motion dance group claim the top prize of N$10 000, sponsored by the National Arts Council of Namibia.

This year’s competition brought together diverse and talented dance groups from across Windhoek, and Rhythm in Motion wowed the judges and audience with their energetic and socially conscious performance.

In second place, Fresh Gang walked away with N$5 000, sponsored by the National Theatre of Namibia, while Be Free Campus dance group secured third place with N$3 000, sponsored by Olaf itself.

The dance battle was a fitting end to a festival that has become a key platform for emerging and established dancers to share their talent with the public.

A Festival That Moves the City

Olaf 2024 kicked off on Wednesday, 9 October, taking dance and live performances to various locations around Windhoek. Under the theme ‘MOVE! Edition’, the festival centred on movement as a form of artistic expression and a means to engage with the community.

One of the highlights of the festival was the variety of dance genres and concepts presented.

Look Right, Look Left, a multidisciplinary dance conceptualised by Angelika Schroeder, was performed by the College of the Arts Dance Ensemble. This piece was showcased at multiple locations, including the College of the Arts and the University of Namibia.

Another standout performance was ‘A Reintroduction to Movement/Comeback to Movement’, an Afro-contemporary dance conceptualised and performed by El Micah. The piece explored the fluidity of movement and reconnecting with one’s body, leaving audiences at Post Street Mall and other central locations in awe of its powerful expression.

A Platform for Artistic Growth

Since its inception, Olaf has sought to empower local artists and bring the arts to the heart of the Windhoek community. Co-produced by the National Theatre of Namibia and the Goethe-Institut Namibia, and supported by the National Arts Council of Namibia, the festival has consistently provided a platform for artists to showcase their work in accessible, public spaces.

This year, Olaf’s focus on dance allowed both emerging and established dancers to connect with audiences across the city, while highlighting the diversity of Namibian dance. By hosting performances at non-traditional venues, including streets, malls and campuses, the festival bridged the gap between artists and the wider community, reinforcing the belief that art is for everyone.

Festival co-director Nelago Shilongoh expressed her pride in how Olaf has grown over the years.

“It’s inspiring to see how the festival has become a space for local artists to share their stories. This year, we saw more young dancers taking the stage, and that’s what Olaf is about – empowering our local talent and engaging the community through art.”

Fifteen-year-old Be Free Campus dance member and deputy leader Denise Gamatham says the event has had a personal impact on her life and that of her community at Katutura.

“Dance has such a positive effect on my life. Having the chance to perform at Olaf makes me happy, because it’s an opportunity for young people like me to show what we can do. I loved every moment of it.”

Shilongo says Olaf remains committed to nurturing the creative sector, fostering local talent, and building a vibrant cultural landscape in Namibia.

“As the festival continues to grow, it is expected to offer even more opportunities for artists to share their stories and talents in the years to come,” she says.