People of Song
Fri, 21 November – Sun, 23 November 2025
Aniros wants to share her music with the whole world, but the distrust her father and grandmother feel toward strangers blocks her path. When a mysterious visitor arrives in her village, long-hidden truths are revealed, shaking both family and community. The encounter forces her to confront the past and discover new paths for the future. In a gripping tale, past, loss, and forgiveness collide.
People of Song is a collaborative project by a Namibian-German artist collective that fuses music, theatre, and choral singing into a captivating total work of art. Developed through research with Namibian cultures and the Phonogram Archive of the Ethnological Museum in Berlin, this music theatre piece tells the story of an intense transnational collaboration that transcends borders and unleashes creative energy.
At its heart lies a shared vision: to use art as a powerful tool to illuminate socially relevant themes such as memory, identity, and transformation. People of Song is far more than a music theatre project – it is a polyphonic cultural dialogue that touches, moves, and inspires reflection: multifaceted, emotional, and highly topical.
A project within the framework of the city partnerships Windhoek–Berlin and Windhoek–Bremen.
In cooperation with Kulturprojekte Berlin and with support from the Lotto Stiftung Berlin.
Synopsis
1. Act
Aniros lives in a multicultural community in Namibia and participates passionately in the annual rain festival. She loves the songs and traditions of her culture, but also dreams of sharing her own music with the world. When she wants to travel to other communities to sing her songs, her family stands in the way. Grandmother Ouma worries too much about her and father Tsaudago sees Aniros’ dreams of music and travel as a threat to family stability. A generational conflict arises, which Ouma tries to resolve by telling a story in front of the community.
2. Act
Meanwhile in Germany, Hermann inherits an artefact from his suddenly passed father. He remembers him as a distant, busy businessman, that now leaves him with this strange object. At first, Hermann plans to sell this unknown thing as soon as possible. But when he holds it in his hands, he feels an inexplicable connection and realizes the responsibility that comes with it. He decides to return the artefact himself and find out more about its origins and his father’s history.
3. Act
Hermann travels to Namibia and is guided by Aniros through a lively market, where Ouma suddenly intervenes and pulls Aniros away. Later, Hermann meets Tsaudago in a bar, tells him about the artefact, and the two decide to investigate its origin together. They find out that the artefact belongs to Ouma and was once stolen by Hermann’s father, which reopens old wounds. In the end, the community is reconciled through music, while Ouma slowly realizes that Hermann is not like his father, and Tsaudago and Aniros accept him as a friend and look for ways to come to terms with their family history.
Participants
Composers:
Erna Chimu, Engelhardt #Unaeb, Eslon Hindundu, Zikizee Hangero, Michael Mutago Doeseb,
Osmond !Owoseb, David Haoseb, Victor Ardelean and traditional Namibian Music
Musical Architect, Overall Composition and Conductor: Marco Heise
Conductor: Natasha Kitavi
Stage Director: Kim Mira Meyer
Dramaturge: Jason Kooper
Choir Direction: Osmond !Owoseb
Choreography: Marchell Linus
Set Design: Jonathan Kitavi und Gretl Kautzsch
Costumes: YAMWE Windhoek und Marscha Kaffer
Artistic Consulting: Vitjitua Ndjiharine
Orchestral Arrangement Assistant: Christian Nelz
Musicians of the Youth Symphony Orchestra Bremen of the Music School Bremen and Studioorchester der Universität der Künste Berlin
Cast:
Natasha Kitavi as Aniros
Diolini / Uiras as Ouma
Eslon Hindundu as Tsaudago
David Wehr as Hermann
People of Song Ensemble:
Jo-Anna Shapumbe as Julia
Lyvodia Ouses as Magano
Angelina Akawa as Meudho
Donovan Welly Seibeb as Simasiku
Nythen Dien as Mitiri Herunga
Tove Jeomba Kangotue as Tate Nyambe
Angelina Akawa, known as Zingerwingz, is a Namibian artist whose multilingual music and performances are shaped by faith, identity, and social experience. Her art has taken her from Windhoek to Germany, including the Moers Jazz Festival.
Her role in People of Song: Meudholyomwene (Meudho) is 29 years old, quiet and often inconspicuous, yet at the same time the reliable pillar of her
community. She seems reserved, but is deeply rooted and always ready to help others — consistent, present, and without seeking
recognition.
Victor Ardelean, born in Madrid in 1997, is a composer, arranger, and music producer living in Munich. His works have been performed by the Munich Philharmonic and Munich Symphony Orchestra, among others, and he has also scored several awardwinning film productions for ARD, ARTE, and Terra Mater. In 2024, he completed his studies in composition for film and media under Prof. Gerd Baumann. As a co-founder and board member of Momentbühne e.V., he is committed to international collaborative projects in theater, music, and dance.
Erna Chimu, Namibian Jazz, Rock, and Afro-Contemporary singersongwriter, brings a bold and inspiring voice to the production. Her song Hai-Serute carries a powerful message: “You are the dreamer of your destiny — don’t give your paintbrush to someone else to paint your story.” In the piece, she reflects on the
discouragement dreamers often face from those closest to them — whether spouses, siblings, or friends — and urges resilience in the face of doubt. To her, mistakes and failures are part of the journey: fall, crawl, learn, and rise again. Her mantra is clear — Tidaba tio — “Get out of your way, so that you can try again on your
own”.
Nythen Dien is a classically trained singer who began his musical career in a choir and now performs with ensembles such as Let’s Sing. He is passionate about making music together, expressive singing, and telling stories through music.
In People of Song, he plays Mitiri Herunga, a 68-year-old village elder who uplifts his community with calmness, wisdom, and consistency. With his quiet resilience, he embodies trust and support — a strength
that is greatest when shared.
Diolini /Uiras is a Namibian neo-soul and R&B artist known for her soulful voice and stylistic versatility. She has been performing nationally and internationally since 2015 and established herself as a creative voice of the new generation with her debut EP Relics of the Sun (2021). In 2023, she made music history as the first Namibian to release an album on vinyl: Butterfly Echo, about personal transformation and spiritual freedom. This was followed in 2024 by the EP Dreamer’s
Paradise, a tribute to artistic development and inner calling.
Zikizee Hangero, Namibian composer and musician, contributes the stirring piece Membo. The song asks a profound question—whether one’s name is written in the book of life. Its second rendition turns toward hope, urging listeners to release the darkness and hold onto light. At its heart, Membo is a testament to resilience and faith.
David !Haoseb, Namibian choir conductor and composer, adds his voice through Ma//aeb Gose—a work whose title speaks of endurance and grounding in heritage. His music continues the choral tradition while opening space for reflection on collective identity.
Marco Heise received his first piano lessons at the age of five and later studied conducting, composition, violin, and organ at the Berlin University of the Arts. Numerous workshops and master classes with international artists expanded his repertoire from early to contemporary music. He has performed in Europe, South Africa, Australia, Japan, and the USA, participated in the European premiere of Chief Hijangua, and works as a soloist and organist. He is currently studying for his master’s degree at the Berlin University of the Arts, presents a monthly improvisation series at the Konzerthaus Berlin, and works on various opera productions.
Eslon Hindundu is a Namibian composer, conductor, and choir director who has gained international recognition. He began his career in the COTA Youth Choir, won several competitions, and later became active as a soloist and composer. His works have been performed worldwide, including at the World Choir Games and by German orchestras. In 2022, he composed the first Namibian opera, which premiered in Namibia and later in Berlin. Today, he conducts choirs and music productions in Namibia and promotes young talent.
Tove Jeomba Kangotue is a multidisciplinary artist from Namibia who combines singing, acting, and storytelling with social engagement. He sees his work as a performer, author, and choir singer as a creative platform for cultural renewal and collective reflection.
In People of Song, he plays Tate Nyambe, the 32-year-old heartbeat of his village: loud, full of life and energy. With dance, stories and unforgettable charisma, he embodies pride, culture and community.
Natasha Kitavi is a versatile singer, songwriter, and artist from Windhoek, Namibia, who has performed in competitions and engagements in Sweden, South Africa, Latvia, and Germany, including the World Choir Games. She completed a diploma in classical music at the Free State University in South Africa and madeher solo debut in Namibia’s first opera premiere, Chief Hijangua, at the National Theater of Namibia. In 2023, she showcased her talent to an international audience at
the Haus des Rundfunks Berlin. In addition to singing, she is involved in dance, acting, painting, and digital marketing, inspiring young people through art.
Jason Kooper is a versatile Namibian artist with experience in film and theater. After graduating with a degree in television production from the College of the Arts
(2019), he worked as a production designer and set designer on the award-winning feature film Hairareb. He wrote the screenplay for the short film Uno & Hatago
(2024) and staged his play The Encounter at the National Theater of Namibia in 2017. He has also been involved in numerous film productions in various creative roles.
Kim Mira Meyer worked as a stage manager and assistant director at the Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz from 2019 to 2022, where she co-directed Mozart muss sterben in 2021, among other productions. She gained international experience at major opera houses such as the Teatro San Carlo in Naples, the Royal Opera in Copenhagen, and the Dutch National Opera in Amsterdam. As artistic director of Munich’s Momentbühne, she initiated numerous musical theater productions, including the world premiere of Eslon Hindundu’s opera Chief Hijangua at the National Theater of Namibia, which she directed herself.
Lyvodia Ouses is a versatile Namibian singer with a great passion for choral music. As a soloist, she has performed with the Namibia Symphony Orchestra, at the World Choral Expo in Lisbon, and in the opera Chief Hijangua in Berlin, among others. Today, she also passes on her experience as a vocal coach.
In People of Song, she plays Magano, a 46-year-old widow who leads her community with elegance, dignity, and inner strength, serving as a symbol of resilience and inspiration.
Herold Osmond !Owoseb is a Namibian musician, composer, conductor, and music teacher. He began conducting at an early age and has since led numerous choirs,
including his ensemble Vocal Reflections. His works have been performed by the National Symphony Orchestra of Namibia, among others, and he regularly participates in festivals such as the Swakopmund Music Week. He currently teaches at St. George’s Diocesan Preparatory School and is working on new music and theater projects.
Donovan Welly Seibeb is a Namibian composer, choir singer, and conductor whose musical journey, from boy soprano to performances in the first Namibian opera in Germany, has been shaped by his passion for choral music.
In People of Song, he plays Simasiku, an 18-year-old boy from northeastern Namibia. Simasiku is full of life, curious about his origins, charismatic, and loves to sing, dance, and play the Kavango drums.
Jo-Anna Shapumbe is a passionate singer who was encouraged by her father from an early age. Her love of choral singing and deep connection to music shape her work as a source of expression, joy, and community.
Her role in People of Song: Julia is a 16-year-old girl who is gentle, respectful, and caring. She is responsible for keeping the house in order and preserving valuable items—qualities that are reflected in the calabash artifact she embodies.
Linus Marchell So-Oabeb. known as Marchell Linus, began his dance career at the First Rain Dance Theatre under the direction of Haymich Olivier and Tuli Shituwuyete. For seven years in a row, he was one of the main performers at the Namibian Annual Music Awards. He worked at the Namibian National Theater and choreographed plays such as the Afrikaans adaptation of Cinderella, Battered, and Boet en Sus. In addition to his artistic work, he is involved as a community leader and youth activist and is currently completing his degree in journalism and media technology at the Namibian University of Science and Technology.
Engelhardt #Unaeb, composer and choral conductor, has been writing music since the age of 16. His compositional style fuses traditional Namibian musical forms with contemporary techniques. Two of his works will be performed: Mme O Ne Le Botho (2017), which loosely translates as “Treat others the way you wish to be
treated, from sunrise to sunset,” and Odelela (2016), an Owambo celebration song that calls, “Do you have your odelela on? Did you fasten your epaya? Let’s go and rejoice at the festival.” Together, his works celebrate both cultural rootedness and human connection.
David Wehr, born in Bremen, studied acting in Leipzig and has been working as an actor for many years. He has performed at the Schnürrschuhtheater and the Bremer Shakespeare Company, toured with children’s and youth productions, and played the lead role in the German premiere of Cantata. He also appears on camera, for example in Tatort and in Spanish films. He works in German, Spanish, and English and is versatile on stage and screen.