Uncovering Namibia’s lost sounds
‘Stolen Moments’ revives the untold history of Namibian music
A cultural initiative brings Namibia's almost-forgotten musical history to new generations.
In a groundbreaking cultural initiative, ‘Stolen Moments – Namibian Music History Untold' embarks on an extraordinary journey to rediscover and preserve Namibia’s musical legacy.The project serves as a national treasure hunt, retrieving lost fragments of Namibian music culture from the 1950s to the late 1980s – a period during which much of the country’s musical identity was suppressed under apartheid rule.
Driven by a passionate team of 10 young Namibian musicians, the project spans various ethnic and linguistic backgrounds, aiming to reach a broad, multi-generational audience. The goal? To prevent these cultural riches from disappearing into obscurity. The project not only resurrects forgotten songs and stories but also fosters national unity, healing old divides.
According to Nahenda Matheus, the project’s producer, ‘Stolen Moments’ has already started to reshape the perception of Namibian music and culture by reaching the country's youth through free concerts and lectures at government schools. “The band is a symbol of cultural resilience,” Matheus explained. “These musicians come together to celebrate our collective history through sound.”
A band born from academia
The genesis of the ‘Stolen Moments’ band can be traced back to a 2022 music camp at Namibia’s College of the Arts, where young musicians were inspired to form a band that commemorates historical Namibian songs. The band now performs these once-forgotten tracks at concerts across local communities, creating an emotional bridge between past and present.
Matheus emphasised the importance of this initiative, saying: “There is an urgent need to communicate Namibia's music culture in a holistic sense and strengthen a common cultural heritage. A country that does not know its past can't grow as a nation.”
Much of Namibia’s popular music from the mid-20th century was censored under apartheid and forgotten after the country gained independence in 1990. As Matheus explained: “Cultural heritage, when suppressed, prevents people from experiencing and understanding their collective identity.”
Without shared roots, there can be no common ground for empathy or respect, and this is the void ‘Stolen Moments’ aims to fill.
The project not only celebrates this music but also addresses deeper societal issues. The outreach activities foster dialogue about colonial heritage, civil rights and cultural diversity, while encouraging younger generations to embrace Namibia’s vibrant past.
Bridging generations through music
Matheus believes that the rediscovery of this music will have a transformative effect on Namibian society, particularly the younger generation. “'Stolen Moments' fosters equality and combats prejudices,” she explained.
“It also advocates for the inclusion of the rural population, encouraging them to engage with their cultural heritage.”
The band’s performances are more than just concerts; they are educational experiences. Audiences are treated to stories of Namibia’s music pioneers – artists whose songs reflect the struggles of racism, the search for cultural identity and the complexities of language-group relations in the country. These stories, often erased from official records, are now being reclaimed.
In addition to live performances, the project plans to release audio and video documentation of the events, which will be made available through the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC).
The team also has plans for exhibitions and book releases to ensure this cultural revival continues to resonate. “Without knowing where we come from,” Matheus reflected, “we cannot truly understand where we are headed".