By Adolf Kaure

Two Namibian acts scheduled to perform at the 2025 Windhoek Jazz Festival are ready to blow fans away as they share the stage with legendary South African jazz artist Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse. Speaking to Confidente this week, Esme Katrikuru, known as Esme Songbird, said that sharing a stage with a legend like Hotstix is an honour and something out of the ordinary.

“His legacy has helped to shape the sound of our continent and to be part of an event that celebrates artistry at that level fills me with deep gratitude and excitement. I feel humbled, inspired, and ready to give Namibia a world-class performance,” said Katjikuru. 

The 73-year-old Mabuse started his career in the 1970s with his afro-pop group known as The Beaters. Having recorded and produced for the icons likes of Hugh Masekela, Ray Phiri and Miriam Makeba, Mbuse is synonymously known for his American-style funk, soul and pop music which he sings in Zulu, Sotho and English. 

The multi-instrumentalist is known for for his prowess and mastering of the drums, African drums, saxophone, flute, piano, kalimba and timbales and his biggest hits as a solo artist include “Burn Out”, “Jive Soweto” and “Shikisha” recorded during the 1980s.
Mabuse was one of the acts that performed at Namibia’s Independence Day concert on 21 March 1990 alongside the likes of Brenda Fassie and Big Dudes, Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers as well as Lucky Dube, PJ Powers, Mango Groove and M-Connection, becoming an instant favourite among Namibians of all ages.

Esme Songbird promised her fans a soulful and elegant blend of jazz-infused gospel, Afro-soul and classics that speak to the heart. “I will be performing some of my most beloved songs, along with a few reimagined pieces that celebrate love and the beauty of life. It is going to be a heartfelt musical journey - one that connects spirit, sound, and emotion,” she said.

The soulful singer revealed that she has been in the studio lately working on some new material and will give music lovers who attend the annual festival a sneak preview of the new energy.  With other major international acts set to feature at the annual event confirmed to be Zamajobe Sithole and Kelly Khumalo, local musician Bongani Garoeb known in the music industry as Bongani Soul said that being an opening act for Hotstix is “something every artist dreams of but also not forgetting Namibia's homegrown talent in itself and sharing a stage with him is just humbling.” 

“The Windhoek Jazz Festival has become such an iconic platform for African music, and to be part of that story this year feels both humbling and exciting,” said Garoeb. Despite having taken a break from creating new music to concentrate on work and studies, Bongani said that he will be back in the studio soon.   He promised his fans a soulful and heartfelt set that is made up of a blend of smooth jazz, neo-soul and those nostalgic grooves that connect deeply with the spirit. 

“I will be performing some of my well-loved songs, but also reimagined versions with a fresh, live energy. The goal is to take everyone on an emotional and musical journey that celebrates both love and life,” he said. South Africa's Kelly Khumalo  and Zama Jobe Sithole will also be two of the international acts that will grace the stage. 

Khumalo is a celebrated singer and performer recognized as one of the most influential artists in contemporary African music for her powerful voice and presence. Zama Jobe is one of South Africa’s most soulful jazz vocalists, celebrated for her timeless hits.
Other international acts will include Moreira Chonguiça (Mozambique), Sereetsi & The Natives (Botswana) and Henry Philemon (South Africa). 

Apart from Esme Songbird and Bongani Soul other Namibian talents that will feature are Sigera Jazz Jazz, Swingers Jazz Band, Ugly Creatures, Botselo, and Harmonic Grooves. The 2025 Windhoek Jazz Festival will take place at Olympia’s Dr Hage Geingob Stadium on Saturday, 1 November.  

Tickets are available via Webticket, with pricing as follows: N$350 for Standard tickets purchased between 1 October and 31 October. N$400 for Standard tickets purchased on 1 November.