Blended Voices competition showcases Namibian choral talent
The inaugural Blended Voices Choral Competition, hosted by the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN) on Saturday, 26 April, ended on a high note as the Khomas Diverse Choir walked away with the top prize of N$50 000 and the coveted floating trophy.
The competition saw six choirs from across the country perform contemporary Namibian music alongside a prescribed piece, demonstrating both technical skill and artistic creativity.
Rodger Nautoro, from the judging panel, praised the choirs for pushing boundaries and reimagining popular songs in a choral setting.
“The level of innovation we witnessed was truly remarkable. It shows that Namibian choral music is evolving, embracing modern sounds while staying rooted in tradition,” he said. Nautoro added that while some choirs had more experience, the overall quality was promising for the future of the genre.
Second place and N$30 000 went to the /Ae//Gams Vocal Ensemble, while Namib Camerata earned third place after a spirited performance.
Platform to shine
NTN spokesperson Desiree Mentor said the competition exceeded expectations, both in audience turnout and artistic standard.
“We are incredibly proud to have seen such passion and professionalism on one stage. This competition is more than just a prize; it’s about creating a platform where Namibian choirs can shine,” she said. Mentor noted that planning is already underway for the next edition of Blended Voices in 2026, with hopes to expand the competition even further.
Choirs were challenged to perform renditions of songs such as Netira by Kalux and Numba Numba by Big Ben, showcasing their ability to adapt contemporary music for choral performance.
The National Theatre of Namibia extended its gratitude to NBC, the National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN), and Namfisa for their support in making the sold-out event a success.
The competition saw six choirs from across the country perform contemporary Namibian music alongside a prescribed piece, demonstrating both technical skill and artistic creativity.
Rodger Nautoro, from the judging panel, praised the choirs for pushing boundaries and reimagining popular songs in a choral setting.
“The level of innovation we witnessed was truly remarkable. It shows that Namibian choral music is evolving, embracing modern sounds while staying rooted in tradition,” he said. Nautoro added that while some choirs had more experience, the overall quality was promising for the future of the genre.
Second place and N$30 000 went to the /Ae//Gams Vocal Ensemble, while Namib Camerata earned third place after a spirited performance.
Platform to shine
NTN spokesperson Desiree Mentor said the competition exceeded expectations, both in audience turnout and artistic standard.
“We are incredibly proud to have seen such passion and professionalism on one stage. This competition is more than just a prize; it’s about creating a platform where Namibian choirs can shine,” she said. Mentor noted that planning is already underway for the next edition of Blended Voices in 2026, with hopes to expand the competition even further.
Choirs were challenged to perform renditions of songs such as Netira by Kalux and Numba Numba by Big Ben, showcasing their ability to adapt contemporary music for choral performance.
The National Theatre of Namibia extended its gratitude to NBC, the National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN), and Namfisa for their support in making the sold-out event a success.
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