Feature: Namibian cultural group tackles social issues, creating opportunities with traditional dance

WINDHOEK, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Adorned in animal-hide garments, a score of performers of the Black Melody Cultural Group (BMCG) delivered captivating performances showcasing the rich culture of Namibia's Batswana tribe as the art troupe celebrated its 32nd anniversary with dance and music in Windhoek, the Namibian capital, Friday night.

BMCG, established in 1992 by seven young members in Gobabis, about 200 km east of Windhoek aimed to engage local youth in constructive and educational activities centered around cultural heritage.

"We strive to achieve this through traditional songs, dramas, poetry, and music, particularly our style known as Borankane," said Juliette Mogotsi, president of BMCG, Saturday.

Borankane, in the indigenous Setswana language, reflects the essence of wildlife, socialization, and the community's livelihood. The dance techniques include sliding and stomping of feet, accompanied by various body movements and a cappella singing.

Over the years, the group has addressed social issues such as poverty, HIV/AIDS, and gender-based violence through their performances.

Founded soon after Namibia's independence in 1990, the art troupe also sought to promote national unity and cultural diversity.

"Namibia faces many social problems, and our group hopes to shift mindsets and habits by intertwining culture with contemporary life," Mogotsi said.

BMCG also works to preserve undocumented traditional knowledge. It has produced two albums in the Setswana language to help with this effort: the debut album "Tautona Pohamba" -- a track that talks about how HIV/AIDS is killing and finishing Namibian nationals, and therefore it was pleading President Pohamba to help -- released in 2009, and the second album "Letsatsi Le Dule," meaning "The Sun is out Shining," released in 2012, with its DVD launched in 2014.

According to Mogotsi, while BMCG's ideology has remained consistent over 32 years, the art troupe, which has grown to have 35 members at present, has also evolved into an income-generating venture. On average, they charge between 3,000 Namibian dollars (about 166 U.S. dollars) and 15,000 Namibian dollars depending on the event. It also sustains its activities through fundraising events, concerts, and performances at corporate functions.

"The funds are reinvested into the group, and members occasionally receive a share of the profits," Mogotsi said.

Over the years, the group has transformed the lives of many young people. Ehrenfriede Katuuo, 25, joined BMCG in 2019 to enhance her knowledge of her culture. For her, there's limited opportunity to explore cultural history in many modern households.

"Long lectures on traditions aren't engaging. However, joining the cultural group has been a game-changer for me. I've gained a much deeper understanding of my culture and language than I ever could at home," Katuuo said. "As an introvert, I struggled to socialize, but Black Melody has helped me connect with others more comfortably and genuinely."

Like many of her peers, Katuuo has since gained valuable insights from the diverse perspectives within the group.

Manfred Gaeb, the director of National Heritage and Culture Programs in the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture, said that cultural groups are vital not only for transferring cultural skills across generations but also for nurturing soft skills such as teamwork, management, and discipline.

BMCG has also instilled pride in its members and provided them with opportunities. The group has toured and performed on the global stage in countries like Rwanda, Cuba, Angola, and Slovakia. This year, two members served as cultural ambassadors on a two-week cruise ship to Spain.

Despite their success, sustaining a cultural group comes with challenges, including limited space to practice and financial resources, according to Mogotsi. "Our remedy is networking and forming partnerships within the cultural sector," she said.

In the interim, looking ahead, the group hopes to expand its operations by maximizing the tourism sector, which is Namibia's most significant economic sector.

"Looking to the future, we aim to strengthen our support base and strengthen international partnerships. We also wish to explore other artistic avenues, such as instrumental music, acting, and poetry, and provide lessons in Setswana dance and language," Mogotsi said. ■