Nomad challenges government to prioritise arts
Walvis Bay-based rapper Lorenzo Beukes (34), better known as Nomad, recently released his latest mixtape.
Coastal rapper Nomad believes that after 30 years of independence, more needs to be done to improve arts and culture in Namibia.
“Arts and culture should be brought back to schools, not as voluntary extramural activities, but as part of the curriculum.
“We should create and nourish a child's innate ability and passion for art. If it is a curriculum subject your child needs to pass, then maybe parents and the public in general will re-evaluate how they value arts.”
According to Nomad, due to the government's lack of investment in arts, the Warehouse Theatre, which was probably the most popular and best-known platform for musicians, died a silent death last year. He also believes the government should help develop a sustainable means of financing the arts, by coming up with better means of compensating musicians and all artists.
“The Namibia Film Commission is a very good example of how funds can be used to develop a certain artistic discipline. All that hard work paid off last year when numerous quality Namibian movies were released and made various international appearances at international film festivals,” he said.
He added that young people should be encouraged to take up careers in the entertainment and artistic disciplines.
According to him, as a popular film destination, Namibia should establish an internationally recognised film school, so that specialist positions on these film sets can be occupied by Namibians instead of foreigners.
“Involve the local artist in conservation to create a truly Namibian identity when it comes to tourism and conservation.
“It seems like the arts are only considered as important when they endorse government propaganda. The arts should be allowed the opportunity to be financially independent,” said Nomad.
Asked why he named his latest project VoetSpore, the lyrically astute musician said VoetSpore translates to footprints and refers to his artist name, Nomad. “As a traveller, you leave footprints all over, but it also eludes to my love for history and knowledge of self.
“When we investigate the footprints left by our ancestors, we learn more about our cultural heritage and I have always believed that knowledge is power,” he said.
The VoetSpore mixtape consists of six new tracks as well as a bonus remix from his previous Proveet vir Profyt project by DJ Ash.
ADOLF KAURE
“Arts and culture should be brought back to schools, not as voluntary extramural activities, but as part of the curriculum.
“We should create and nourish a child's innate ability and passion for art. If it is a curriculum subject your child needs to pass, then maybe parents and the public in general will re-evaluate how they value arts.”
According to Nomad, due to the government's lack of investment in arts, the Warehouse Theatre, which was probably the most popular and best-known platform for musicians, died a silent death last year. He also believes the government should help develop a sustainable means of financing the arts, by coming up with better means of compensating musicians and all artists.
“The Namibia Film Commission is a very good example of how funds can be used to develop a certain artistic discipline. All that hard work paid off last year when numerous quality Namibian movies were released and made various international appearances at international film festivals,” he said.
He added that young people should be encouraged to take up careers in the entertainment and artistic disciplines.
According to him, as a popular film destination, Namibia should establish an internationally recognised film school, so that specialist positions on these film sets can be occupied by Namibians instead of foreigners.
“Involve the local artist in conservation to create a truly Namibian identity when it comes to tourism and conservation.
“It seems like the arts are only considered as important when they endorse government propaganda. The arts should be allowed the opportunity to be financially independent,” said Nomad.
Asked why he named his latest project VoetSpore, the lyrically astute musician said VoetSpore translates to footprints and refers to his artist name, Nomad. “As a traveller, you leave footprints all over, but it also eludes to my love for history and knowledge of self.
“When we investigate the footprints left by our ancestors, we learn more about our cultural heritage and I have always believed that knowledge is power,” he said.
The VoetSpore mixtape consists of six new tracks as well as a bonus remix from his previous Proveet vir Profyt project by DJ Ash.
ADOLF KAURE
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