Welcome Spring, Our Dear Friend

Spring has sprung in the southern half of the world, and although the weather still seems to be taking its sweet time to transition to the scorching heat we all know and love, Namibia and party lovers across the country are already gearing up to head into the last few months of the year the only way they know how: plopping themselves in a sunny spot with a camping chair, cool box and not a care in the world.

And event organisers are no different. September is usually the time of the year when you see a significant increase in posters, invites, ticket sales and entry tags.

The day parties are starting earlier, the skirts are getting shorter, the cocktails are becoming more potent.

For this year, we don’t want to leave you in the dark, wondering how to navigate this whirlwind of a time that comes once a year and effectively marks the countdown to Namibia’s festive season madness.

Kasi Vibe Festival founder and organiser Salmi Shiguedha, who knows a thing or two about keeping things new and exciting, is hopeful.

“We are hoping for warmer weather, with all this global warming. The warmer weather will definitely be helpful with all the activities planned to happen,” she says, also making reference to the fact that this year she chose not to put a show on in winter.

She says hosting the massive event during the colder months doesn’t make sense because it is primarily an outdoor function.

At the next edition, slated for 5 to 8 October, she says people can expect nothing but the good times they have enjoyed before.

“The next Kasi Vibe we are bringing the experience back! The team is hard at work right now and we will give the nation an experience. People should be prepared to end the year off with an exciting edition.”

For media entrepreneur and public relations specialist Ilke Platt, aside from the annual Kasi Vibe Festival, she says there are a plethora of activities for event- goers to look forward to as the year draws to a close. She has a word of advice for those working behind the scenes.

“For organisers, especially those that have run events for three or five consecutive years, I encourage them to add something new to the table. Add something that makes someone say, ‘I’ve been at every single event and every year it’s more memorable than the previous event’,” she says.

From family-centred agricultural shows in Windhoek and at Keetmanshoop, to outdoor events at Droombos and strawberry picking just outside the capital, Platt says there won’t be a dull moment this year.

“Something new, something different, something that can embrace spring, where you can just pick your strawberries, have a picnic, look at the upside down house, so more outdoor activities and activities that involve the whole family,” she says, while highlighting the importance of responsible partying and making use of one of the cab services when necessary.
“We always stress this when we invite people to events where we promote alcoholic drinks. We encourage those that want to have a good time not to risk having the time of your life at the cost of your life.”

Platt says she is also anticipating spring fashion. Her advice for anyone looking to stand out this season is to pay attention to event themes and dress codes and to align with the general aesthetic, as it “brings a whole different atmosphere”.
She predicts that the classic all-white outfit is still a popular choice.

Leena Shipwata shares these sentiments. As a model, presenter and media personality, style is never far from her mind, moreso now with the increase in gatherings.

“I’m looking forward to having more day parties and to going to more day events because I’m seeing it’s becoming a trend now and people are actually liking it. I’m looking forward to drinking cocktails and wearing colourful clothing because that’s what spring is about,” she says.

This spring, which she has already been seen stylishly stepping into in bright pastels, Shipwata’s essentials are simple.
She says she will be gravitating towards pinks and oranges, clothes made from lighter fabrics like linen and cotton, brighter eye shadow as part of her make-up routine, lighter and more floral fragrances, braided hairstyles over wigs and shorts, skirts, tank tops and elegant slides.

“Also I love the red lip colour,” she says.

And the proof is in the pudding, as the MTC Windhoek Fashion Week mainstay is renowned for her sense of style, her eye for fashion and her ability to stun.

So, now you know how best to tackle this new season, but to where will you wear your new outfit?

Well, The Goethe-Institut in Windhoek still has its regular Night Under The Stars live music showcase, there are the night markets at the Franco Namibian Cultural Centre, Goodfellas’ love performances by artists like The Ell’s and Vaughn Ahrens, the Market at The Village, and of course spots like The Catch, Etcetera, DownTown, Temperature Lounge, Stratos at Avani, The Weinberg Restaurant and others all provide spectacular outdoor vibes with lovely Windhoek views.

– Anne Hambuda is a writer, poet and commentator.
Follow her online or email
her annehambuda@gmail.com for more.