People attend a colloquium to explore the fusion of Jazz and digital technology at the launch of the International Jazz Day celebrations in Windhoek, Namibia, on April 29, 2024. Ms Nisha, director of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Regional Office for Southern Africa, launched a youth pilot program on jazz and digitization on Monday in cooperation with Namibia's College of the Arts. (Photo by Musa C Kaseke/Xinhua)
WINDHOEK, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Ms Nisha, director of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Regional Office for Southern Africa, launched a youth pilot program on jazz and digitization on Monday in cooperation with Namibia's College of the Arts.
The initiative, unveiled in the Namibian capital of Windhoek during the International Jazz Day celebrations, aims to blend traditional Namibian jazz with digital technologies, igniting creativity and innovation among young people.
The launch coincided with a colloquium, which brought together experts and practitioners to explore the fusion of jazz and digital technology.
International Jazz Day, observed annually on April 30, serves as a global platform to promote understanding, tolerance, peace, and justice.
Reflecting on jazz's essence as a medium for expression, Nisha highlighted its role in addressing societal struggles and triumphs. "It is an art form of innovation and improvisation and is a tool for the expression of resistance, change, and achievements."
The program is scheduled to run from May 2024 to February 2025. It will equip young musicians with technical expertise in traditional Namibian music and leverage technology to expand its reach.
"It is envisaged that the top three compositions will be featured during the International Jazz Day celebrations in 2025," she added.
In her closing remarks, Nisha underscored the importance of partnerships between government entities, private sectors, academia, and UNESCO in driving cultural and technological advancements in Namibia.
Namibia, meanwhile, will host a jazz concert in Windhoek on Tuesday evening to celebrate the day. ■
