Blended Voices Participating Choirs 2026 Finalists
Behind every harmony lies a story of discipline, devotion, and community. In this section, we introduce the choirs who will grace the NTN stage on 25 April 2026 for the Blended Voices Choral Competition – Second Edition. These participating choirs are not only competitors but also custodians of the choral music scene in Namibia. Each brief biography offers a glimpse into the background, repertoire, and achievements of these dynamic ensembles from across the different regions of Namibia.
1. Ongwediva Youth Choir — Ongwediva (Oshana Region)
Conductor: Maria Shingenge
Members: 30
Founded in 2018, Ongwediva Youth Choir is an ensemble committed to youth empowerment through music. Known for their vocal harmonies, the choir blends traditional Namibian repertoires with contemporary gospel music. Beyond the stage, they actively engage in outreach programmes that inspire positive social change in the Oshana region.
2. Lüderitz Youth Choir — Lüderitz (//Kharas Region)
Conductor: Mario Uiseb
Members: 40
Established in 2016, the Lüderitz Youth Choir (LYC) empowers young people through music along Namibia’s southwest coast. The choir offers Luderitz youth an opportunity to empower themselves through artistic expression, against negative social influences. Through regular rehearsals, mentorship, community involvement, and performances, the choir cultivates values of teamwork, commitment, and leadership, helping each member grow both musically and personally. In 2017 and 2018, the LYC proudly represented Lüderitz at the Old Mutual Gospel Choir Festival Competitions (Namibia), and again in 2025 at the Blended Voices Choral Competition. These national appearances showcased the choir’s potential and strengthened its identity within Namibia’s choral sector.
3. Sion Youth Choir — Otjiwarongo (Otjozondjupa Region)
Conductor: Seun Geiriseb
Members: 40
Founded in 2014, Sion Youth Choir has consistently excelled in national competitions, including top placements at the Old Mutual Choral Festival (Namibia). The choir brings together youth from diverse ethnic backgrounds, various schools, and different denominations, united by their shared love and passion for music. Sion Youth Choir competed in the Old Mutual Choral Festival with consistent excellence: placing third in 2016, second in 2017, and securing first place in 2018. The choir is committed to guiding and empowering young people through music, fostering discipline, creativity, and personal growth.
4. Opuwo Youth Choir — Opuwo (Kunene Region)
Conductor: Mbaseua Tjongarero
Members: 35
Established in 2015, Opuwo Youth Choir has gained both national and international recognition, including participation in the 2025 African Asia Pacific Choir Games in Mauritius. They are known for their strong discipline and competitive international presence.
5. /Ae //Gams Vocal Ensemble — Windhoek (Khomas Region)
Conductor: Dezil Josef Hanse
Members: 20
Formerly known as /Ae //Gams Youth Choir, with the motto “MORE THAN A SONG”, the ensemble has evolved into a versatile and contemporary vocal group. Since its inception, the choir has focused on improving the livelihoods of youth by offering various developmental programmes, including educational and musical workshops. Through these initiatives, the /Ae //Gams Vocal Ensemble strives to make a meaningful contribution to nation-building. Beyond traditional choral music, the ensemble now explores contemporary choral expressions and incorporates diverse genres, maintaining its original mission while elevating its artistic ambition. The ensemble has achieved notable success in several competitions, including winning 1st place at the Old Mutual Choir Competition (Namibia) in 2017 and securing 2nd place at the Blended Voices Choir Competition in 2025.
6. Walvis Bay Ensemble — Walvis Bay (Erongo Region)
Conductor: Thula Blessing Prusent
Members: 40
Formed through a historic regional collaboration, the Walvis Bay Ensemble embodies unity and musical connection, having come together during the national mourning of the late H.E. Dr Sam Nujoma. The group self-organized to honour the memory of H.E. through song in the Erongo Region. Since then, the bond among its members has grown, and they have continued to create beautiful memories through music.
7. Namib Camerata — Windhoek (Khomas Region)
Conductor: Khoros Ismael Jr. |Howoseb
Members: 50
Founded in early 2025 specifically to compete in Blended Voices Choir Competition, Namib Camerata surprised audiences by securing 3rd place in 2025. Following this success, the choir has been invited to perform at various events and concerts, leading to the decision to continue its journey. Namib Camerata focuses on blending different sound textures into a unified setting, creating a versatile sound that can accommodate any event, from corporate classics to ancestral traditions.
8. Atlantic Vocal Ensemble — Swakopmund (Erongo Region)
Conductor: Mr. Neville So-oabeb
Members: 25
Atlantic Vocal Ensemble is a newly established choral choir based in Swakopmund, in the Erongo region. It consists of 25 dynamic youths from across Namibia. The choir’s objectives are youth empowerment and cultural promotion. To achieve this, the choir recruits out-of-school and working-class youths, composes original music, and offers vocal training and musical workshops. The choir’s vision is to promote Namibian culture and diversity through a “rainbow” of choral selections, encompassing all ethnic groups and local languages. Additionally, the ensemble seeks to engage in global musical networking and showcase Namibian culture on the world stage.
9. Opuwo Golden Voices Youth Choir — Opuwo (Kunene Region)
Conductor: Mbitjita Mbinge
Members: 30
The Opuwo Golden Voices Youth Choir (OGVYC) was established in 2022 and is based in Opuwo, Kunene Region. The choir is primarily composed of youth from Opuwo and the surrounding areas. Their first trip outside Opuwo was to Ondangwa, where they participated in a choir competition and proudly secured 1st place in 2024. Later that same year, they travelled to Outapi, earning 2nd place in another competition. Their participation in the 2026 Blended Voices Choral Competition now marks their third trip outside Opuwo, and they are excited about the opportunity to perform.
The Blended Voices Choral Competition initiative is dedicated to advancing chorister development and celebrating choral artistry, particularly the dialogue between traditional choral expression and contemporary Namibian musical forms.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, 25 April 2026
- Venue: National Theatre of Namibia, Windhoek
- Red Carpet: 16H00–17H00
- Awards Ceremony & Live Broadcast: 17H00
- Broadcast: Live on NBC 2
Tickets:
Tickets available at Webtickets:
N$100 Early Bird
N$200 Standard Tickets
N$250 At the Door
For Enquiries & Interview Requests:
Desiree Mentor
Public Relations Officer
pro@ntn.org.na
+264 61 374 400