Big Ben goes live at Zoo Park: 'Humans will always want to see a human perform'

Namibian musician Big Ben is bringing the full force of his artistry to a live concert set to reconnect with fans and reignite the live music scene.

Speaking at a recent media briefing in Windhoek, the artist emphasised the importance of audience connection, industry development and the role of media in shaping success, while promising an emotionally driven experience for attendees.

“The crowd feeds off the performer and vice versa,” he said, describing a dynamic, almost symbiotic relationship between artist and audience that he believes defines truly memorable performances.

The briefing itself, he noted, was inspired by a deep appreciation for the role of the media. “If it weren't for the media, Namibians wouldn’t know us,” Big Ben said, acknowledging the industry’s influence in amplifying local talent and shaping public awareness.

The bigger picture

Set to take place at Zoo Park on 18 April, the choice of venue reflects a broader challenge within Namibia’s creative industry. According to Big Ben, there is a shortage of spaces specifically designed for performing arts, making unconventional venues a necessary alternative.

Beyond the concert, the conversation also turned to the return of the Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs).

Big Ben welcomed the development, highlighting the importance of investment in the music industry.

However, he stressed that events like these should go beyond entertainment. Instead, they should contribute to building a sustainable and commercially viable industry.

“There needs to be a functional value chain,” he explained, pointing out the importance of identifying strengths and weaknesses within the sector. “The goal is to shape an industry that can generate income for those involved and eventually contribute to the country’s GDP.”

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At the heart of his upcoming show is a desire to reconnect not only with long-time supporters but also with new audiences. With a career spanning over two decades since his first release in 2001 and a catalogue of more than 80 songs, Big Ben is no stranger to evolution.

When asked to name his favourite song, he responded with a metaphor that reflects his deep connection to his music, saying it is “like asking a mother of 11 children who her favourite is".

His performance of Kaira during the press briefing offered a glimpse into the depth of his artistry, with the artist describing it as one of his more reflective pieces. “We can’t all do dance music,” he said. “We also need music that makes people feel and think.”

Addressing concerns about the decline of live concerts in the digital age, Big Ben remained confident in their longevity.

While technology continues to reshape the music landscape, he believes there will always be an audience willing to pay for the authenticity of live performance.

“Humans will always want to see a human perform,” he said.

Worth the wait

Event organiser Selmien Shigwedha echoed this sentiment, highlighting a gap in the current entertainment market. According to Shigwedha, many events cater to a specific crowd, leaving out audiences who seek a more family-friendly and immersive live music experience.

“There’s a certain market that has been left out,” she explained. “This is about creating something for everyone, an experience.”

Originally planned for November last year, the event was postponed to April to align with planning schedules.

Shigwedha believes the timing is now ideal and promises that the concert will deliver something unique.

“It’s rare that we have live performances of this nature in Namibia. This is something people should have on their bucket list," she said.

With a strong emphasis on connection, emotion, and industry growth, Big Ben’s upcoming concert is positioned not just as a performance but as a statement about the future of Namibian music.