A successful first for Otji Fest
The first Otji Fest is described by some as the Namibian style of Coachella with a little international flavour.
Arts and sports lovers from all over Namibia gathered in the town of Otjiwarongo for an unforgettable event and an experience of a life time. The organisers said the aim was to ensure that entertainment was spread out across Namibia and not only in Windhoek.
Although the event was described as a lekker one by the audience who came to have a good time and to see their favourite local and international artists such as Matongo Family, Cassper Nyovest, PDK and Durban's Finest just to mention a few, the local artists and media where being given a hard time backstage by the organisers. A fuss was created due to a misunderstanding with the organisers when the media and local entertainers where chased out of the tent when the international artists arrived. This caused a stir and commotion as the artists felt disregarded in their own country by organisers of the majority of the events and for once, the local artist decided to stick together and speak up. When organisers were confronted they merely said it was a miscommunication from them to the ushers. “It was a complete misunderstanding as the VIP tent was provided for artists to network and watch the show comfortably. We were not aware this was happening until it was brought to our attention and we immediately intervened and soon all artists where together,” said the organisers.
The commotion was noticed by South African Kwaito legends Trompies who then shared a word of wisdom to both the organisers and the artists about unity. “In your country you should always consider your own first over the internationals because they are the ones who remain. Never sideline your own and strive for unity. It is the only thing to make a great entertainment industry and everyone has a role to play from organisers, artists and the media,” said Trompies. Television entertainment journalist and producer Emil Seibeb suggested that those tasked to deal with artists should take communication etiquette workshops.
The organisers also took a stand against artists who do not respect time and made an example out of Lady May who came minutes late for her performance resulting into her not giving the crowd some love. It is not the first time artists either do not show up on time for their sound check or come late to perform and it was about time the culture was broken. “Lady May did not perform as she was not present at the time of her performance after being informed that she was set to be next on stage and the schedule was already behind. We need to all start respecting time. If an event starts later than scheduled, artists need to be informed and proper communication channels should be used,” said the organisers.
The event is set to be an annual event and the dates for the next show are yet to be announced.
June Shimuoshili
Although the event was described as a lekker one by the audience who came to have a good time and to see their favourite local and international artists such as Matongo Family, Cassper Nyovest, PDK and Durban's Finest just to mention a few, the local artists and media where being given a hard time backstage by the organisers. A fuss was created due to a misunderstanding with the organisers when the media and local entertainers where chased out of the tent when the international artists arrived. This caused a stir and commotion as the artists felt disregarded in their own country by organisers of the majority of the events and for once, the local artist decided to stick together and speak up. When organisers were confronted they merely said it was a miscommunication from them to the ushers. “It was a complete misunderstanding as the VIP tent was provided for artists to network and watch the show comfortably. We were not aware this was happening until it was brought to our attention and we immediately intervened and soon all artists where together,” said the organisers.
The commotion was noticed by South African Kwaito legends Trompies who then shared a word of wisdom to both the organisers and the artists about unity. “In your country you should always consider your own first over the internationals because they are the ones who remain. Never sideline your own and strive for unity. It is the only thing to make a great entertainment industry and everyone has a role to play from organisers, artists and the media,” said Trompies. Television entertainment journalist and producer Emil Seibeb suggested that those tasked to deal with artists should take communication etiquette workshops.
The organisers also took a stand against artists who do not respect time and made an example out of Lady May who came minutes late for her performance resulting into her not giving the crowd some love. It is not the first time artists either do not show up on time for their sound check or come late to perform and it was about time the culture was broken. “Lady May did not perform as she was not present at the time of her performance after being informed that she was set to be next on stage and the schedule was already behind. We need to all start respecting time. If an event starts later than scheduled, artists need to be informed and proper communication channels should be used,” said the organisers.
The event is set to be an annual event and the dates for the next show are yet to be announced.
June Shimuoshili
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