This September, the people of Kavango region were paid a memorable visit by 38 young performers as part of 2007 OYO national tour.
OYO’s national tour is an annual event held every September. It aims to showcase the talents of youth group members that OYO has been working with over the year and acts as forum where young people can learn from each other. In addition to this it also helps inform isolated communities about HIV and AIDS as well as other social issues.
This year’s tour saw participation from the youth groups of Otjimbingwe, Sesfontein and Okangwati. For all involved the process was intense. Two days of rigorous rehearsing led to the creation of a 75-minute show, which immediately hit the road. In total over 6000 people saw the performances in locations as varied as local schools, village centres, a Namibian Defence Force base and the Lifeline-Childline offices.
The show comprised of several dances, dramas and songs including, “Condom dance” (created by Philippe Talavera), “Rape song” (created by the Sesfontein Youth Group), “Voices of all children” (created by the Otjimbingwe Youth Group) and “Love us” (created by the Okombahe Youth Group). The pinnacle of the performance was the emotively powerful “Rape dance” (also created by Philippe Talavera), which featured all 38 performers.
Throughout the tour creativity was never lacking. The Sesfontein and Okangwati members created an song using body percussions, titled “Sugar daddies”, and made a dynamic interpretation of “Uama’s dance”. The Otjimbingwe members on the other hand always mesmerised the audience with their drama on rape and their interpretation of the “War and peace” dance (also created by Philippe). Together, the groups shared their respective repertoires: the Sesfontein members taught the Otjimbingwe members the song “Education”, and the Otjimbingwe members taught the Sesfontein members the song “We can do it if we condomise”.
As always, the tour contained its fair share of highs and lows. Fortunately, these were documented by Namibian cameraperson Linda Louw with the assistance of youth group members Badboy, from Okangwati, and Maxwell, from Otjimbingwe, who volunteered to act as presenters. A DVD based on these recordings is scheduled to be released early in 2008.
Comments from youth group members:
It was a great experience for me to come from so far to visit the beautiful town of Rundu. I enjoyed all of the shows because I had lots of energy – and I needed it all! The show ran very smoothly.
Romeo (Otjimbingwe Youth Group)
I enjoyed the show at Mashare the best. We performed very well and I was full of energy. The audience made me very happy.
Annackey (Okangwati Youth Group)
First things first: I want to thank OYO for giving me the chance to come on this tour and meet with the other youth groups. For me, this tour was different from the regional tour. To begin with, it was way more challenging and needed more concentration and focus. It made me realise I was too laid-back and relaxed; thanks to the motivation provided by my colleagues, I didn’t lose concentration too much, and now I’m trying to live up to my personal motto: “Success is my only option!”
John (Otjimbingwe Youth Group)
After all the shows we interviewed the audiences, and I know now that they got the message we wanted to give them. We also helped each other with the performances. The show I enjoyed most was the one at St Boniface College, because they listened closely and gave attention to what we were doing.
Chris (Sesfontein Youth Group
