Music filled the air at the Mariental Persianer Hall as residents of the Hardap Region joined the world in commemorating World Music Day. 

The event was hosted by the Hardap Governor's office in partnership with Peace String Network, Mariental Municipality, the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology. 

The World Music Day, also known as Fête de la Musique in French, meaning make music, is celebrated annually on 21 June to honour music as a universal language.

The celebration was marked by performances from local musicians of various genres, both amateur and professional. 

"Your music, your art and your creativity are not only expressions of your unique identities, but also vital contributions to our cultural heritage and social fabric. The great arts and music hold immense importance beyond entertainment. They are powerful tools for education, social change, economic development and nation building," expressed the governor of the Hardap region, Riaan McNab.

Peace Strings Network's director, Veronique Kuchekana-Chirau, adds, "We recognised that the creative and cultural industries are important drivers for youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, cultural tourism and regional development."

Local artist Ansie 'Ansiebaby' !Naoses and Leonard 'Dry's' Stephanus reflected on the importance of showcasing their talent during the Music Day commemoration. 

"It makes me open up. It makes me get used to performing in front of big crowds and everything. It means a lot to me." 

"When I think of people who I would refer to as artists, like Johnny Adams and Niklaas Bock, and these are people I grew up with in Keetmanshoop, they are unsung heroes, and if they had been exposed to this kind of thing, you know, they might have been recognised and celebrated musical heroes today."

The Hardap Region will later this year host the 11th edition of the Kalahari International Festival of the Arts.