ROCK THE BOAT

A very necessary cultural reset

In September last year, the Ngandu Festival team launched what has become one of the most innovative and game-changing musical productions Namibia has ever witnessed.

Created as a way to keep the Ngandu Festival brand alive at a time when the restrictions on events began, ‘Rock The Boat’ has grown tremendously as an extension of the popular festival.

Anyone who’s followed the “floating stage” concept from the premiere episode will tell you that this is the cultural reset that Namibia needed. Featuring performances by hip and happening Namibian musicians cruising on the mighty Okavango River, the production is a sight to behold with spectacular scenery including the best sunsets you’ll ever see. So while I was a fan of the show from the day it first premiered on Youtube, attending the live recordings in Rundu a few weeks ago was a revelation of the magnitude of the show and its potential for contributing a lot of value to the Namibian entertainment sector.

Top Cheri

Dream team

One of the first things that stood out to me as soon as I stepped onto the set of the production was the actual magnitude of it all.

A dedicated team consisting of a photographer, videographer, social media manager, caterers, sound technicians, executive producers and coordinators worked tirelessly to put the show together. My time on set made me realise that every ‘Rock The Boat’ episode that I ever watched and all of them yet to come are the culmination of blood, sweat and tears from a group of young Namibians with one common goal – pushing the local music industry to greater heights.

Elia da Vinci

Unforgettable moments

On this occasion, three very unique and equally talented musicians made up the lineup of performers who recorded at the breathtaking Samsitu Riverside Camp for upcoming episodes. From the Kavango Region, Elia da Vinci represented with style. Award-winning hitmakers Ethnix and Top Cheri also made the line-up, becoming the first musicians from other regions to “Rock The Boat”. And they did not disappoint.

Top Cheri’s heartfelt delivery of her famous hits – especially ‘Calling Heaven’ – gave me goosebumps, while Ethnix made me a fan after hearing them sing live for the first time.

The band is another highlight of ‘Rock The Boat’ – with some of the best Namibian instrumentalists coming through for the musicians who are required to perform live.

Ethnix

The fashion and the style

Another beautiful thing about ‘Rock The Boat’ is the inclusion of fashion and beauty brands which are all sourced locally and ensure that the performer’s look their best. This time around, Sirenga, Zuluboy, Santia Pororo and Simeone Johannes were brought on board to dress the three performers over the three-day recording period.

M.I.G

Pushing the culture, one episode at a time…

Through ‘Rock The Boat’, Namibian musicians have an opportunity to showcase their talent and especially their ability to perform live in this very unique setting. Once the show’s momentum picks up, this will be a great platform to introduce hidden gems, celebrate legends and promote the culture of live performance. There is also great brand partnership potential and room to introduce an audience element if logistics allow. And if like me, you’re getting tired of attending the same old events, you’d agree that this one would be very necessary for Namibia’s events culture.

As Michael Kayunde, producer of the show, says, the platform will only get bigger and better. “The idea is to take this concept to the next level and make it a platform that celebrates creatives from all over Namibia.”

The idea is to take this concept to the next level and make it a platform that celebrates creatives from all over Namibia.

Executive produced by Andreas Gustav, ‘Rock The Boat’ is available to view on the Ngandu TV Youtube page. Otherwise, if you want the exclusivity of watching the live recording from the Okavango River, this might just happen if you book into Samsitu Riverside Campsite and book a boat ride at the right time.

Rukee Kaakunga is a Windhoek-based Communications Specialist, Blogger and Freelance Fashion Writer. Contact her via email: rukeekaakunga@gmail.com and follow her on Twitter @rukeeveni and on Instagram @rukeekaakunga.

Photography: Melky's Art Photography