Big beats close KAITE’s 70th edition

The 70th edition of the Keetmanshoop Agricultural, Industrial and Tourism Expo (KAITE) draws to a close on Saturday, 31 October, with a major musical showcase headlining the final day of a programme that has brought comedy, gospel, pageantry and entertainment to the southern town.

The showcase, which starts at around 18:00, will feature a line-up of local DJs alongside South African DJ Milo, who will headline the evening.

Jevanius van Rooyen, coordinator of the musical event, said the final act of the expo was designed to give DJs from the south an opportunity to share a stage with an established South African act.

DJ Milo, who hails from Johannesburg, is expected to bring his mix of hip-hop, R&B and house music to Keetmanshoop. Known for his genre-spanning sets and online mixes, he has performed in Namibia several times but is making his first appearance in the south.

“He knows how to keep the crowd moving, whether he is playing deep, commercial or tribal house,” Van Rooyen said.

He will share the stage with Namibian-raised DJ Solange Torres, known as The Boy Solange, who has established herself in the local music scene, particularly in hip-hop, an industry largely dominated by men.

The line-up will also include local DJs DJ Kexnuu and the duo 2WODUO, among others.

The musical showcase follows a series of entertainment events that have formed part of this year's expo programme.

Packed programme

The Miss KAITE 2026 pageant took place on 23 October, followed by a gospel show on 24 October featuring award-winning South African gospel singer, songwriter and producer Newie, whose real name is Ronewa Nthabalala.

Newie, who hails from Vleifontein in Limpopo, invited Namibian fans to attend the performance in a social media message ahead of the show.

Comedy also featured on the programme, with Antie Katriena, Japie Mosterd and Lyntjie Jars taking to the stage on Wednesday, 28 October.

Van Rooyen said the entertainment offering was intended to appeal to people of all ages and reflect KAITE's role as a community and cultural event.

“It gives adults and children an opportunity to socialise, enjoy themselves and interact in a relaxed environment,” he said.

He added that the expo's entertainment programme had evolved since 2019, when it mainly featured local performers. Last year, organisers brought in South African rap duo 21 Promo and Penguii from Paarl in the Western Cape.

“Despite limited funding, we are taking it to another level this year, with DJ Milo set to keep the crowd moving,” Van Rooyen said.

This year's focus on DJs is also intended to create more opportunities for local talent.

“Artists have a platform throughout the year to showcase their talent. We came up with the idea of catering for DJs in the south and giving them an opportunity to share a stage with a South African DJ people want to see perform,” he said.

“Opportunities like this are rare, especially in the south, where there are limited platforms for artists, DJs and MCs.”

Boost for local businesses

Organisers expect around 1 000 people to attend Saturday's musical showcase.

Security will be a priority, with police and private security companies stationed at the expo.

“A successful 70th anniversary will be one without incidents of violence or crime,” Van Rooyen said.

He said the expo was also expected to benefit local businesses, with accommodation establishments receiving bookings and visitors spending money at service stations, retail shops and food outlets.

“Visitors from different parts of the country will converge on Keetmanshoop. KAITE contributes to the town's economy through accommodation, retail spending and other services,” he said.

The expo has also provided opportunities for small businesses and vendors to generate income and promote their products and services, with food stalls and bar facilities available at the venue.

“It is a great platform not only to make extra money but also to showcase your product or service to the public,” Van Rooyen said.