Crush meets Sarafina in Katutura, the musical

By Marita van Rooyen

“It will all start with a car chase and then evolve into a musical drama with elements  of Crush meets Sarafina,” explained producer and visionary of the musical film Katutura, Obed Emvula of Tulinane Entertainment, when receiving the hand-over of N$500 000 by FNB Namibia this morning.

Katutura

Katutura, the musical, is going to take the film industry by storm when it premieres at the end of 2013.

For Obed, the dream became a reality when he “realised I was watching a movie unfold before my eyes, every time I set foot in Katutura. My gosh, the music, it’s everywhere!”.

A film that’s “all about inspiring people to do their best,” it will showcase elements of action, drama, comedy, and romance and will have no shortage of unique Namibian music.

The FNB Foundation gets many requests to fund numerous kinds of projects, and every now and then one comes along that just oozes energy and excitement. This is such a project.

Dixon Norval, Head of Strategic Marketing for First National Bank Namibia

Jane Katjavivi, chairperson of the FNB Foundation added, “The Katutura musical film covers at least four of the FNB Foundation’s focus areas, namely art and culture, skills development, education and training, and community development. We are therefore pleased to be able to support this project that speaks to numerous topics and that will be beneficial in all these areas.”

Katutura

The film, which will enter production at the beginning of 2013, was developed over the last three years and will be shot in different areas of Katutura. “Katutura is a natural set, so we don’t have to construct anything. The backdrop is rich, interesting, and colourful all by itself,” Obed explained. The character line-up includes a wide range of actors, including a young, disabled protagonist who wants to change the world, even though others won’t let him.

For Obed, the film cellebrates and affirms “our individual and collective cultural, traditional and ethnic identities that make up our uniqueness as a country blessed with a rich diversity. Indeed, places like Katutura are our sources of pride and we embrace it wholeheartedly, introducing ourselves to ourselves, and ourselves to the world. It strengthens our nationhood and brings out our common heritage.”

“I sincerely believe this significant donation from the FNB Foundation reflects in one way – a major investment in the future: an investment in our youth, cultural industries such as film, a move towards cultural harmony, and our national identity,” ended Obed.

Marita van Rooyen joined a bus tour through the vibrant Katutura suburb. Here are some of the vision’s which have now inspired a musical.

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