Emilie Shimbali

Local choreographer Stanley Mareka, better known as African Cobra, says Namibia has a unique cultural rhythm, but the world does not get to see it.

“We are killing our culture. We only copy other people’s dance moves from their cultures and think it is ours,” he told VIBEZ!. 

The creative director said he is passionate about analysing Namibia’s traditional dance regimes and incorporating it in contemporary dance forms.

“Our dancers need to interpret the animal movements around us, incorporate it with our cultural dances, and put it on stage. Let us mix tribal dances and bring something unique that the world can never forget.” 

He contains this knowledge in books – and thus far, he has written three modules and a study guide. 

He then tests his curricula through the College of the Arts and the Namibian Film School.

“It’s not easy, but one should never stop raising concepts.” 

Mareka, who is a Channel O Dance Africa champion, recently conducted a dance workshop, called ‘Exploring Namibian Contemporary Dance and Movement’, which featured one of his modules: ‘Increasing your repertoire as a dancer and choreographer’.

He is the founder of the Performing Arts and Activations Academy, equipped with approximately 20 male and female dancers. 

Mareka, however, had to reduce the number to eight dancers due to Covid-19 challenges, and they get only a few opportunities to showcase their talents.

“Now, I’m busy looking for funds to help pay the rent for my academy to officially teach ages 5 to 35 about the course I’ve created.”

Mareka studied Corporate Activations and Arts Integration through Performance Arts and Dance from 2015 to 2019 in Germany.

 “I returned to Namibia to upgrade and add value to the performing arts industry, and assist institutions of arts that are passionate about innovations.”

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