Melkies learns behind-the-scenes festival tips
In July this year, Spitzkoppe BARHP (Between a Rock and a Hard Place) festival organiser Melkisedek “Melkies” Ausiku participated in an information tour to Germany with a visit to the Juicy Beats Festival in Dortmund.The visit took place in July in Berlin and Dortmund and was part of the Visitors Programme of the Federal Republic of Germany.
The tour provided insight into the German electronic music scene and new trends, as well as an overview of the conditions for support, copyright and music education. Together with participants from different countries, Melkies met artists and key players in the field of electronic music, as well as festival officials and representatives of city officials and government.
Melkies was able to extend his trip privately and looked behind the scenes of a music festival in Poland.
Upon his return to Namibia Melkies said that he is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the skills exchange programme in Germany. “As an electronic music festival organiser and a techno DJ in Namibia, this experience was invaluable and enlightening in numerous ways.
“Engaging with participants from different countries, all passionate about festival organisation, music production, and DJ’ing, broadened my perspectives and understanding of global music cultures. It provided a platform to share our experiences, challenges, and success stories, enriching my approach to the festival scene.”
He said that being present at the Juicy Beats Music festival was a revelation and that meeting with the festival organisers, popular bands and artists from Germany provided insights that one can only get from such first-hand experiences. “Observing the intricacies of such a large-scale event and the collaborative effort it demands was genuinely enlightening.”
He added that understanding the depth of effort, resources, and organisation that goes into orchestrating such events in Germany was truly informative. “This behind-the-scenes experience has equipped me with a broader vision and specific knowledge that I am eager to employ in Namibia.”
Melkies said that a highlight for him was witnessing how government authorities and nightlife or festival organisers collaborate to ensure a harmonious coexistence. “This level of cooperation and mutual understanding is essential for the success of the nightlife culture, and I am keen on advocating for and implementing a similar dynamic in Namibia.”