From Namibia to Germany: Choral music connects cultures

Music once again proved its power to connect people across continents when the Cgals Chamber Choir from Namibia joined the celebrations of the “Chorfest Watzenborn-Steinberg 2.0” from June 4 to 6, 2026.

The 26-member women’s choir was invited by the local choirs GV Sängerkranz 1876 Watzenborn-Steinberg and GV Harmonie 1906/1983 Watzenborn-Steinberg, which marked a combined anniversary of 270 years of choral tradition.

The Cgals Chamber Choir is well known within the international choral community through its successful participation in several INTERKULTUR competitions, including the prestigious World Choir Games. During their visit to Germany, the singers captivated audiences with traditional African songs, expressive choreography, and colourful handmade costumes reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Namibia.

A highlight of the festival was the Friendship Concert on June 4, where 14 choirs from the region performed together in the Volkshalle Watzenborn-Steinberg, which is located not far from the INTERKULTUR Organization Office in Fernwald. The Namibian ensemble quickly won over the audience with its vibrant performance style and infectious energy.

The choir’s traditional costumes, created by the singers themselves, featured hand-painted motifs of Namibian wildlife such as lions, giraffes, and porcupines, making the country’s culture visible far beyond the music itself.

Another memorable moment came at the conclusion of the Friendship Concert, when members of the Cgals Chamber Choir and the Watzenborn-Steinberg Men’s Choir turned the stage into a lively dance floor, creating an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie that resonated throughout the hall.

The celebrations continued with a gala concert attended by a full audience in the Hans-Weiß Hall. Alongside performances by several German choirs, the Cgals Chamber Choir once again provided one of the evening’s highlights.

In his welcome address, INTERKULTUR President Günter Titsch, who served as patron of the anniversary celebrations, praised the longstanding commitment of the local choirs and emphasized the importance of international exchange through choral music.

“Promoting choral music and seeking exchange with other choirs is a defining characteristic of these ensembles,” said Titsch. “They form the foundation for peaceful exchange between people.”

The Namibian singers expressed their gratitude to their hosts with a moving performance of Thank You for the Music. Particularly touching was the presentation of the song Re tsamaya, arranged by conductor Wilna Liebenberg. Sung in Tswana, the piece tells the story of a long journey from Namibia to Germany and symbolized the choir’s commitment to building friendships through music.

As the festival came to a close, it was clear that the encounter had created much more than memorable musical performances. New friendships had been formed, strengthening the ties between the singers from Namibia and their hosts in Watzenborn-Steinberg.

The visit in Germany demonstrated once again how choral music can transcend geographical distances, bring cultures together, and create lasting connections across borders.