On 30 April 2026, Namibia joined the world in the celebration of International Jazz Day under the local theme “Ladies First – Namibian Voices, Global Language.” The event gave Namibian women the center stage, showcasing their artistic excellence and growing influence in the country’s contemporary jazz scene.
Proclaimed by UNESCO, International Jazz Day highlights the genre’s unique power to promote peace, foster intercultural dialogue, and champion creative freedom. This year’s festivities in Windhoek attracted a diverse audience of 200 attendees, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds in a shared celebration of music and culture.
The evening featured two outstanding vocalists: Yola B, whose musical career spans both Europe and Africa, and Esme Katjikuru, celebrated as “The Songbird” for her dynamic performances blending jazz, gospel, and Afro-pop. As a band they called themselves “International Jazz Day-All Stars”, an ensemble of Namibia’s leading jazz instrumentalists, individual artists and music lecturers, creating a vibrant dialogue between local musical identity and global jazz traditions.
A second performance took place on 1 May in Rehoboth, some 90kms south of Windhoek, and widely regarded as the birthplace of jazz in Namibia. Local bands delivered groundbreaking performances infused with Namibian musical influences. Featured performers included the Rehoboth Jazz Collective, Bongani Soul, Friends Band, Louwtjie Moller, Uncle and the International Jazz Day-All Stars.
In her remarks, Ms. Eunice Smith, the Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Namibia, emphasized that this year’s theme spotlighted women in jazz, voices too often underrepresented, yet profoundly transformative. She challenged the audience to find ways to create increased opportunities for women artists and to strengthen platforms that amplify Namibian voices. She also called for jazz and the creative arts to remain accessible to all including young people.
The 2026 International Jazz Day highlights the economic and social potential of the creative sector and hosting performances in both Windhoek and Rehoboth demonstrated the importance of decentralizing cultural activities and recognizing local cultural heritage and talent across the country.
The celebration was attended by members of the United Nations system in Namibia, members of the diplomatic corps, government representatives, artists, media, cultural practitioners, development partners and members of the public, reflecting broad support for the promotion of culture, artistic expression and intercultural dialogue in Namibia.
The event was organized by the Franco Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) in partnership with UNESCO, Ondjila Y’Ondjaba Concert Agency, the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Energy 100FM Radio, the Rehoboth Town Council and the Hardap Regional Council.
read more: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/international-jazz-day-2026-namibia-ladies-first-namibian-voices-global-language?hub=701
