Namibian talent shines on stage
After two years of being forced to participate via video, talented Namibians were finally able to showcase their talent on stage again and in front of an audience during the annual Namibian Performance for the Arts (Natme) competition.Over a period of two days, 86 participants showed what they are capable of in all genres from dance to acting in front of five judges. The medals haul included 200 gold, 101 silver and 20 bronze, while there were also overall awards and awards for those who participated for five consecutive years.
After the competition, a Namibian team was selected that will represent Namibia in South Africa and also in Los Angeles. The South African competition takes place this year, while participation in Los Angeles will only take place next year, probably in July.
“We are very proud of every participant,” said Natme director Lomine Langley.
“After two years of only being able to submit videos for the Namibian championships, this year we were able to go live. It was wonderful for everyone and the participants didn’t want to leave the stage. The spirit was also incredible.”
According to Langley “we would like to make participants’ dreams come true”.
“We are very excited for the year ahead. Namibia does not stand back from any other country. Our motto is also ‘winners are not people who never fail, but people who never quit’.”
Hayden Kitt was named the junior overall winner, while Marelee Ferreira received the senior award. Anri Brynard was awarded the Triple Treat and Spirit award, while the coach’s award went to Almare Louw.
The Namibian team is Anri Brynard, Hayden Kitt, Anya Kitt, Marelee Ferreira, Luca Coffee, Salukasie Akwaake, HMV, Jo-Ann Steyn, Mila Knight, Rayne Sandler, Jean-Jacques Coffee, Good Boys, Shawna Carew, Vanessa Venter, Nia van Dyk, Monjuanique Badenhorst, Annika Heckert, Therita Roodzant, Thielman Neethling, The Cuzzies, Corley Viljoen, Shanay Viljoen, Jacques Cronje, Eras Coetzee, Christofina Kabonda, Dynamic Duo, Spirit of Dance, Magdalena Kotokeni, Alfeus, Significant 7, Shannon Peters, Snowflakes, Gimmie Dance Club Intermediate, Gimmie Dance Club Beginners, Nicolas Garrels, Level up, Kerry Ann and Jean Jacques, Lynette Sowden, and Thomas and Danielle Muller.