Enduro Dance

Last Updated:
2019-04-28
Captured: 2007-07-28 ~ 2007-08-01
Duration: 7:12
Olukonda, Oshikoto, Namibia Namibia flag

In this video children of Olukonda village in Namibia, show us the competitive tribal dancing game of endurance called Okochokwa.

Okochokwa was brought to Namibia by tribes migrating from West and Central Africa many centuries ago and helps tribal members make a cultural connection with their ancestors.

Production

After a gruelling 7 days of crossing Angola, the bike and I limped into Namibia and came upon Olukonda, a quiet place to rest and make much-needed repairs.

Olukonda is the home of the Nakambale museum where many traditions are upheld. My host, Maggie Kaanante, arranged for local children to perform dances and games as part of their mission to preserve local culture.

Maggie Kaanante & Daughter In Olukonda

It just so happened that one of the dances being performed was the ancient competitive dancing game of Okochokwa. Maggie alerted me to a cultural event taking place in the next few days which would have more dances and games on display, so I had good reason to investigate this tradition of dancing games in Olukonda.

Dance Festival Near Olukonda

Whilst the children were quite shy, Maggie felt confident that I would be able to record interviews with them after parental consent. The interviews with Julia and Brandon were very sweet and direct.

We had fun recording the dances and later the children were able to use the screen on my video camera to watch themselves and their respective performances.

Children's Cinema

Whilst the production had been short and sweet, these children left a lasting memory of their calm disposition, making it difficult to leave them behind.

Tim Bidding Farewell With Girl Of Olukonda

I hope that Nakambale Muesum continues to strengthen the cultural heritage of Olukonda through all their endeavors.

Friends Of Nakambale Museum

Credits

Featuring

Julia - Dancer Brandon David - Dancer

Fixers

Maggie Kaanante Martha Kalumbu - Dance Group Leader John Mendelsohn - Windhoek Unit - Transport

Camera

Martin Mendelsohn - Windhoek Unit

Music

"Songs of Olukonda"
Children of Olukonda

Introduction Music

"Whatsitallabout"
Stereo De Luxe

Special Thanks

Children of Olukonda Nakabale Museum

Producer

Tim Jules Hull

GameIndigenousAfricaDanceEndurancenamibiaolukonda
Parent Post: Okochokwa

Author

Tim Jules Hull
Games Explorer

Tim is a computer games developer turned games explorer, documenting indigenous games and sports as he travels around the world via motorcycle.