These past few weeks sombre news has been on loop on the internet. For this reason, Namib Insider! is keeping up with our friends in the stage and screen industry through a series of Q&A’s titled ‘Lockdown Missive’. During this series, we will feature various performers and creators as they share their quarantine experiences and at the same time, bring a little more light on the internet.
Today we have Tove Kangotue, who is a seasoned performer, having acted in the Namibian theatre industry for over four years. Kangotue starred in plays including Glen-Nora Tjipura’s The First Year (2016), Jason Kooper’s (2016) The Encounter and the children’s theatre production, Tselane and the Giants (2019) by Veronique Mensah. Also being a model, Kangotue featured in various campaigns and commercials. His modelling career has seen him work with household Namibian brands such as Ingo Shanyenge Synergy, Windhoek Fashion Week & Am photography. He earned a nomination for Favourite Male Model 2017 at Simply You Lifestyle and Fashion Awards.
When the first lockdown was announced in March, what was your initial reaction?
Honestly, at first, I wasn’t well versed on the freedoms we would loose due to the lockdown, but eventually, it started to sink in that a lot of gigs and events that had the potential to be profitable, would not be taking place.
What really bums you out about the current state of events?
What bums me out, first of all, is the fact that there are artists who cannot get their daily bread because their usual platforms of income such as the galleries, theatres, etc. are closed due to the lockdown, and that our government is not doing much to help us. Secondly, the loss of basic freedoms is also a bummer, like taking a walk without looking over your shoulder.
Productivity wise, what have you been up to?
I’ve been reading a lot of African literature recently as well as a couple of theatre/film scripts here and there. Oh, and YouTube has also been a great companion and research buddy, in the sense that they have a lot of information on the fields of acting, modelling, literature and art in general.
It’s probably hard but how have you been trying to keep a positive mental attitude during these trying times?
I am fortunate enough to not be alone during the lockdown, so my homemade family ‘telenovela’ keeps me entertained, lol. Reading also has a calming effect on me most of the time, nothing like a good book with a great storyline to distract you from your reality and comedy content also keeps me positive, be it on social media or on TV.
With the arts temporarily shut down, how would you advise people to continue to support the arts industry?
Well, this is the time to support the online content that artists are putting out there or that they have posted on their pages. Watching, liking, commenting (giving feedback) as well as sharing and downloading. This might seem like nothing but after the lockdown, this will have increased the fan/consumer base of each artist and that is where their income will come from.
During the lockdown, have you discovered anything that you’d like to recommend to Namib Insider!’ readers?
I am really obsessed with live music/studio versions of our popular African songs, it’s more personal and speaks more to our current state. There is also this YouTube channel called ‘Skin Deep’ check it out, it’s about human relations. Namibian/African Youtubers are highly recommended too, relatable content.
Looking to the future, what are you looking forward to most when all of this is over?
What I am looking forward to is a kapana session and general chill session, as well as a haircut. But on a serious note, I just miss human interaction, especially with friends and getting back to the hustle and buzz of Windhoek City.
Lastly, since being silly once in a while doesn’t hurt, a penguin walks through your door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he here?
“Ola Senyor, I am giving away ice-cold drinks. you get a drink, you get a drink you all get an ice-cold drink.”
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