Now 25 years since democracy came to Namibia, this jointly planned archival and exhibition project examines this important aspect of collective cultural identity which the censors had stifled and all but erased from collective memory. Various exhibition modules are being created based on extensive research, including collaboration with musicians from that period who are still around to revive some of that repertory long believed to have been lost. For example, the exhibition features a “Pantheon of Namibian Music”, which honors the marginalized bands and singers with studio recordings and newly designed album covers. It also includes a photo series of legendary locations of the musical subculture and dance videos with accompanying commentaries which help audiences learn forgotten dance styles like Boymasaka, Froggy Froggy and Long Arm. Interactive elements invite visitors to share and archive their own experiences with the forbidden music. 

The project “Stolen Moments” also aims to generate an appreciation for a common musical heritage which can have a unifying effect in society. For this reason, following its presentation in Germany and Switzerland, the content of the exhibition will go on permanent display at the National Arts Gallery and the National Archive of Namibia. The exhibition in Berlin beginning 3rd February 2017 to 19th May 2017 in Kunstraum Kreuzberg/Bethanien, Marienplatz 2 and also in Stuttgart 6th June 2017 to 22nd September 2017 in Kunstverein Wagenhallen, Innerer Nordbahnhof 1.  The Artistic directors are: Aino Moongo (Namibia) and Ulf Vierke (Germany). Participants: Baby Doeseb (Namibia), Werner Hillebrecht (Namibia), Thorsten Schütte (Germany), Hercules Viljoen (Namibia).

• Links: http://www.iwalewa.uni-bayreuth.de

News from Berlin
Maurycy Barański, Berlin Global