• By Hilja Shikongo

The Walvis Bay Gymnasium Primary School choir will compete against 49 other choirs for top honours at the coveted South African Choral, ATKV Applous finals on the 30th of June 2025 in Pretoria. The choirs was selected from a pool of 292 groups across Namibia and South Africa to participate in finals, according to Otniel Tjombe, the choir director. 

He further described the opportunity as a significant milestone not only for the school but for the Namibian choral community at large, especially at the primary school level. “There is absolutely no platform for them to showcase their talents in Namibia itself. The focus here locally is only on grooming high school choristers and youth choirs,” Tjombe said.

He believes the competition offers a unique stage for younger singers and should inspire a shift in how Namibia invests in the elementary phase of choral music.  “[At the competition] we will stick to the basics. There is a reason why we made it this far. We focus on sound placement instead of just singing, because singing is singing. The judges gave us a performance report and that will guide us properly in our preparation for the finals,” he added.

With the finals drawing closer, he hopes this experience will open doors not just for his learners, but for others who may be inspired by their journey.  “I hope this exposure will encourage more learners to join choral singing, especially boys. Music is not just for the girl child.”

Beyond music, Tjombe believes the choir experience is transformative for the children involved.  “Choral singing helps them a lot with caring for themselves and others. It boosts their confidence and they are always expected to be an example to the rest of the school. Music is therapeutic. It heals the broken ones and creates a safe space where they are respected and appreciated.”

The biggest obstacle, he says, is getting every chorister to rehearsal. 

“Kids nowadays are involved in all kinds of things, especially in a small school where everyone is needed almost everywhere. These kids love singing and it is evident. Even when they are on the road for sports games, I receive videos of them singing choir songs. They understand the importance of music and how it can shape them into better leaders one day.”

He indicated that music is a gateway to opportunities, adding: “It opens doors that no one else can open for you. Music is equally important as sports, and both plants must be watered equally if we want a better Namibia for the future generation. I am where I am because I decided to join a choir many years ago.”