Dr. Lyndsey Copeland travelled to Keetmanshoop, Namibia to attend the annual Nama Cultural Festival that took place from May 30 to June 2, 2024 at the West End Stadium. The festival, colloquially called “Nama Fest”, featured vendors of traditional Nama crafts such as leather shoes, quilted clothing, and beadwork; performances by Nama musicians, dancers, storytellers, and comedians; vendors of Nama cuisine; communal dances; panel discussions; dressage; and a soccer match.
The festival opened with a parade through the town of Keetmanshoop from Tseiblaagte Bridge to Keetmanshoop Stadium.The festival’s opening night featured a gospel show.A Nama hut constructed in the “Cultural Village” section of the festival grounds.Gerald Stein (guitar), Frits Isaak (accordion), and Deon Swartbooi (electric guitar) perform for Nama dances in the “Cultural Village”.A crowd gathers for a storytelling in the “Cultural Village”. Seen in the background is a traditional Nama hut constructed by Ouma Katjito.Two vendors dressed in traditional Nama clothing prepare a meal of meat and bread.Lyndsey Copeland poses with Rose Kuhanga, a vendor of Nama crafts.Vendors prepare a meal of donkey stew in front of a table dressing featuring Nama cups and a gourd.Romeo Joseph, a bead worker from Karasburg, Namibia, poses in front of his vendor stall.Festival goers perform Langarm and Namastap dances late into the evening.
