Welcome
Spitzkoppe BARHP Festival organiser invited to study trip to Germany on the topic of popular electronic music and festival management
Dr Andreas Goetze (Deputy Head of Mission German Embassy, right) handing over the official invitation to Melkisedek Ausiku (left)., © German Embassy, Windhoek
Spitzkoppe BARHP Festival organiser invited to study trip to Germany on the topic of popular electronic music and festival management
In July this year, Spitzkoppe BARHP Festival organizer Melkisedek Ausiku, also known as Melkies, participated in an information tour to Germany on the topic “Electronic Music in Germany” in connection with a visit of the the Juicy Beats Festival in Dortmund. The information visit took place in July in Berlin and Dortmund and is part of the Visitors Programme of the Federal Republic of Germany.
The tour gprovided 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 he had this to say:
‘I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude that I had the opportunity to be part of the skills exchange program in Germany. As an electronic music festival organizer 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 organization, 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 own approach to the festival scene.
Being present at the Juicy Beats Music Mestival was truly a revelation. Meeting with the festival organizers, 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.
Understanding the depth of effort, resources, and organization that goes into orchestrating such events in Germany was truly informative. This 'behind the curtain' experience has equipped me with a broader vision and specific knowledge that I am eager to employ in Namibia.
A standout learning for me was witnessing how government authorities and nightlife or festival organizers 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.
This information visit has been an incredible opportunity. The learnings from this program have empowered me, and I am enthusiastic about bringing the German standards of music and festival organization to Namibia. I genuinely hope that such initiatives continue to flourish, bridging cultural gaps and fostering global artistic collaborations.’
