Maaza Mengiste, a 2024 Doek Literary Festival Writer, essayist, photographer, and the award-winning author of Beneath The Lion’s Gaze and The Shadow King said:

“The Doek Literary Festival was a triumph: well organised, featuring a range of voices and ideas, and open to all. It was so joyous and so full of goodwill on the part of the writers, the organisers and sponsors, and the attendees that I do not know if I have been to another quite like it. In the time I was there, I came to understand that Windhoek is a small city with a big heart. It is also where I saw how literature can inspire, challenge (that word again!), and unite.

We are living in interesting times, as they say, and yet, what is happening in the world right now that Namibians have not already experienced in their history? This place is a place of hope. When I think of the Doek Literary Festival I will always remember the laughter, the fantastic kapana, and the astonishing talent of the city’s writers and artists. I witnessed the rare blue Moon of August, 2024 from the rooftop of a restaurant in the center of town. It felt like a fitting omen for this festival, a gesture towards the illuminating and luminous conversations that would transpire. I feel so grateful to have been invited and to have met the wonderful people of Windhoek.

Long live Doek! Long live the festival!”

***

Chiké Frankie Edozien, a 2024 Doek Literary Festival Writer, pioneering journalist, literary citizen, and the award-winning author of The Lives Of Great Men said:

“It takes blood, sweat, and many tears to pull off a spectacular international literary festival and in 2024, the Doek Literary Festival team delivered.  It was simply fantastic. I could not be more proud to have been part of this stellar gathering. To see Namibian writers blossom and take their place right next to stars of the African literary firmament was a joy to witness,  especially being put together in a moment full of resource challenges. To see the many members of the Windhoek community support this venture in small and big ways was thrilling, humbling, and gratifying.  This bodes well for our future as authors from the African continent doing our bit to make the world we want to see and live in.

This was a critical piece of the effort by us, African authors, to see and center our own unique and beautiful narratives, to get our books into each other’s hands, and to embrace our siblings in the diaspora by shining a light on their work while we introduce them to the marvels we have on the continent.  Many cheers to the Doek team for pulling off a soul-nourishing week for writers and readers.

The 2024 Doek Literary Festival was a rising tide that has lifted and carried all our boats, and I look forward to being a constant supporter and cheerleader in the years to come, no matter how much sweat, tears, or blood are required. The costs for not keeping this movement going forward are far greater than any sacrifices we will make today or tomorrow for future iterations. My gratitude for Doek is unlimited and I will forever remain your champion.”

***

Ishion Hutchinson, a 2024 Doek Literary Festival Writer, critic, editor, poet, and award-winning author of Far District, House Of Lords And Commons, and School Of Instructions said:

“The Doek Literary Festival is a marvel. Its philosophy, if that is the word, enacts what is often downplayed: that mighty things are happening in small corners of the world. I say this as someone coming from one of those small corners of the world, Jamaica, in which every effort to create something significant and lasting often fails before it gets started. That sense of resilience, of facing up to a great task was everywhere present at the 2024 staging of the festival. It was there in the careful programming of events, the public conversations, the different outings, and various workshops; it was felt in the way Namibian literature talked with and alongside literatures from its neighbours from across the African continent; and it was there most especially in the loving (no other word will do) attention given by the audience. There are few things more moving than witnessing people recognising themselves in their writers. Indeed, to have great writers, there must be great audiences. Doek is making a stupendous mark in that direction, doing so with style, levity, and grace. I will cherish my time at the 2024 Doek Literary Festival and will forever feel grateful to have caught a glimmer of this exciting movement rising and rising out of Windhoek.”

***

Zukiswa Wanner, a 2024 Doek Literary Festival Writer, editor, curator, publisher, and award-winning author of The Madams, Men Of The South, London Cape Town Joburg, and Love Marry Kill said:

“What a breath of fresh air to be in Namibia for the second Doek Literary Festival. Having attended the first one and now the second, it is absolutely admirable to see the work the team has put in. This growth is seen not just in terms of the writers from various African countries who could attend but, equally, in terms of the wider Namibian audience that embraced the festival and attended each and every day. It was also gratifying to note that just as lovers of music will save money and cross borders to attend music festivals, the Doek Literary Festival has attracted the attention and imagination of Africa such that book lovers from outside Namibia made a deliberate choice and budgeted to be there.

Having attended many festivals across the world, I can confidently say that the Doek Literary Festival is one of the most well-organised festivals with thought-provoking discussions that leave one pondering and wanting to help increase literacy and the enjoyment of literature and storytelling in all its forms across the African continent. Thank you for the invitation and looking forward to being there at the third Doek Literary Festival.”

***

Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu, a 2024 Doek Literary Festival Writer and the award-winning author of The Theory Of Flight and The Quality Of Mercy said:

“We are definitely witnessing something truly phenomenal take shape in Namibia. The Doek Literary Festival is by far one of the best—if not the best—book festivals l have ever attended. The investment of the writers, artists, and creatives (from Namibia and all over the African continent) and the engagement of the book-loving crowd made for a wonderful atmosphere in which to discuss African creative expression. The brilliance of the festival is the result of Remy Ngamije’s vision and the dedication of the extraordinary team he has put together to see that vision through. It was both an honour and a privilege to be part of this amazing and awe-inspiring event.”

***

Ondjaki, a 2024 Doek Literary Festival Writer, poet, publisher, filmmaker, and award-winning author of Transparent City said:

“The most beautiful and fun thing in the world is to see a festival so well organised on our continent. Challenging programming, attentive and challenging audience and colleagues, and  challenging debates.

This festival, being brief and compact, promotes literary reflections with a strong human dimension. It gives way to dialogue and local voices. It brings poetry and music to our eyes. It brings freedom and utopia to our days.

I offered to volunteer in the kitchen, production, or translation of the next festival. And I threatened to show up even if they don’t invite me.

It’s a big, little, and simple party of African and world literature. And it happens in Windhoek!”

In Portuguese:
“A coisa mais bela e divertida do mundo é ver um festival tão bem organizado dentro do nosso continente. Programação desafiadora, público atento e desafiador, colegas e debates desafiadores.

Este festival, sendo breve e compacto, promove reflexões literárias com uma forte dimensão humana. Dá lugar ao diálogo e às vozes locais. Traz poesia e música aos nossos olhos. Traz liberdade e utopia aos nossos dias.

Ofereci-me para ser voluntário na cozinha, na produção ou na tradução do próximo festival Doek. E ameacei aparecer mesmo que não me convidem.

É uma grande pequena e singela festa da Literatura africana e mundial. E acontece em Windhoek!”

***

Troy Onyango, a 2024 Doek Literary Festival Writer, editor, literary magazine founder, and award-winning author of For What Are Butterflies Without Their Wings said:

“What Rémy Ngamije has managed to create here is a testament to what is possible when we are intentional about not only building communities but also elevating the people around us. The Doek Literary Festival is a culmination of all the efforts he has poured into this over the past five years. Truly, this is the most remarkable and impactful literary festival I have attended. From the organisation, to the team spirit, to the care, to the enriching conversations—everything was so well put together with such efficiency that the rest of us can only aspire to.

Doek is creating magic! Doek is here to stay.”

***

Mukoma Wa Ngūgī, a 2024 Doek Literary Festival Writer, literary scholar, poet, critic, and the author of Nairobi Heat and The Rise Of The African Novel said:

“The Doek Literary Festival is a literary and intellectual celebration of African literature and art in general. It is already a landmark in our literary tradition and vital to the ecosystem that produces good writing. The 2024 edition gave me an opportunity to meet with writers I have long admired like Maaza Mengiste and Zukiswa Wanner, as well the journalist for the the New York Times Abdi Latif Dahir and filmmaker Cecil Moller, among many others. But, equally important, is the opportunity to visit Namibian landmarks and experience the beauty of the country–visiting the sand dunes remains a highlight for me. Remy Ngamije, a writer in his own right and the organiser, really the fire behind the festival, needs our support if Doek, the literary magazine, and the festival are going to last into perpetuity. Here is to 2026!”

***

Roxane Bayer, a 2024 Doek Literary Festival Writer, 2023 Bank Windhoek Doek Literary Award Winner For Fiction, and Doek! Literary Magazine copy editor said:

“Once again, the Doek Literary Festival proved to be life-changing. There’s nothing like meeting authors with vibrant careers, talking to local writers, and discovering the passion they have for writing, and just spending a few days talking about literature—the future, the past, and what it currently is.

I had so many conversations with strangers, friends, and colleagues. Some of these revolved around Namibian literature and the African literary landscape, but some also revolved around our hopes for the future and what we create. Some of these conversations were about how before the 2022 Doek Literary Festival I did not know any authors–I did not know that being a writer was possible—but after this second edition of the festival, I am reminded how dedicated and passionate writers have been about what they do. The festival was a reminder of how powerful writing can be, and as several authors said during the panel discussions, one just has to do it.

If you do not, who will?

Another highlight of the festival was the workshops. I am incredibly grateful to the authors that took the time to share their knowledge and experience the attendants. The workshop I had chosen, after a few very indecisive days, somehow aligned perfectly with what I am interested in working on. I also realised the potential of the other workshop attendees when we were asked to write a short paragraph based on a photograph, highlighting how important such resources are for young writers.

It is probably too soon, but I am already ready for the next festival.”

***

Veripuami Nandee Kangumine, a 2024 Doek Literary Festival Performing Poet and 2023 Bank Windhoek Doek Literary Award Winner for Poetry said:

At the 2024 Doek Literary Festival I learned that writers will recommend a story, novel, or poem for you to read—this is not something to take lightly, it is akin to old doctors recommending a short trip to the sea; and that writers will talk about their book, novel, poem, or short story with the same admiration and pride one has for their offspring.

I learned that a literary festival is a gathering of storytellers filled with wisdom who share advice about the potential of Namibia and African literature. It evokes questions that only writing can answer, and it reignites one’s passion for writing just by listening to the way writers talk about writing. It is gives one hope to hear accomplished writers demystify the literary industry. The beauty of the festival was that there was a little something for everyone: writers of many genres, magazine editors, publishers, academics, critics, and photographers.

Thank you to Doek for bringing Namibian stories and writers into the world.”

***

Jean-Claude Tjitamunisa, a 2024 Doek Literary Festival Visual Artist and 2023 Bank Windhoek Doek Literary Award Winner for Visual Art:

“My relationship with Doek and its projects spans four incredible years, beginning with the publication of my work Gentle Alpha in July, 2020 and culminating in my first award in November, 2023. During the 2024 Doek Literary Festival, as the featured visual artist, I was able to display and sell artwork from The Gift to local and international clients. I cannot say thank you enough for the immense role Doek (the magazine and the organisation) has played in my journey as a visual artist; it has uplifted Namibian literature while bringing visual artists along for the ride. For that, I am forever grateful.

Experiencing the festival from the production and design side, and as a participating visual artist, was truly surreal. From the people who were part of the festival (artists and attendees alike), to the purpose and intention that united us, it was an experience like no other. The synergy of these elements created a dream-like atmosphere; I am still pinching myself wondering if I will wake up at any minute. I met incredible creators and thinkers—people I might never have crossed paths with in a lifetime—and connected with them on a deeply human level.

I’m already designing my outfit and photo-book for the 2026 Doek Literary Festival because I know this biennial gathering is only going to get bigger and better. Wishing the entire Doek family godspeed and continued greatness. With that, I would like to call dibs on the cover image for Doek!’s first physical publication.”

***

Ndawedwa Denga Hanghuwo, a 2024 Doek Literary Festival Writer and 2021 Bank Windhoek Doek Literary Award Winner for Fiction:

“What I appreciated most about this festival was the learning opportunity afforded to me. Not only for my writing craft but also being comfortable and having the confidence to have a conversation with some of Africa’s most successful writers. I remember having a conversation with Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu, who asked me what I was working on, and, after I gave her a brief summary of a short story draft, she expressed how much she liked the idea—that made me want to work harder and write more. It is not every day you hear kind and motivational words from such a critically acclaimed and award-winning author. Without the Doek Literary Festival, that conversation would not have happened. Many informative conversations were had on and off-stage, from amazing book recommendations to talks about what writing fellowships to consider and how to apply for them.

It is no secret that Namibia has a small community when it comes to readers and writers. The Doek Literary Festival acted as a bridge and attraction point to connect Namibian readers and writers to ourselves and other African writers. It created a community that offered with visibility, connection, knowledge and information sharing between writers and readers alike. It was a good opportunity to talk about my own writing, to listen to other writers talk about their work, and to hear people express their appreciation for myself and the other writers.

As a local writer, I also gained a fan or two from the international writers who traveled to attend the festival. They showed me support and provided encouragement. Added bonuses were the workshops that were offered for free. Such opportunities to learn from and interact with successful authors are sometimes hard to come by and the Doek Literary Festival made that happen. It was also a pleasure to witness the incredible achievement of a fellow creative, Jean-Claude Tjitamunisa. His visual artwork was exhibited and successfully sold at the event.

In summation, the Doek Literary Festival has provided a plethora of opportunities for Namibian literary artists that would have been hard for them to attain on their own. It allowed Namibian writers to have insightful conversations with successful international writers. The festival was and continues to be an environment that caters to and nurtures aspiring writers, poets, and visual artists among other literary professions. 
I am truly and forever grateful.”

***

Filemon Iiyambo, a 2024 Doek Literary Festival Writer and trailblazing Namibian editor said:

“The phrase ‘You just had to be there!’ gets abused a lot, like the national budget of an African country by the president, his family, and his friends—or empty promises during an election year. But it sums up the 2024 Doek Literary Festival quite nicely: you just had to be there.

What great nights we had: evenings of literary and philosophical conversations that were so engaging they exceeded their programmed run-time; poetry readings that were so decadent they bewitched the ears; and musical performances that soothed capped off the daily proceedings. You just had to be there to witness Ondjaki leaving an empty chair at the start of a conversation on migration as an ode to those who have left the continent,  but will one day return. You just had to be there on the the second night when Ishion Hutchison stunned the audience by greeting them with ‘Good night, everyone!’, which he repeated the following night, only for us (Namibians to realise that it was the Jamaican version of ‘Mwatokelwapo!’

Organising something once is an achievement; doing it twice is the start of a tradition—a tradition we all hope will cement Namibia as a place of literature, and the Doek Literary Festival as an event to be marked on the global literary calendar.”

***

Charmaine //Gamxamus, a 2024 Doek Literary Festival Performing Poet said:

“Society is shifted by the critical thinker, sustained by the reader, and molded by the writer. A young country like Namibia is still under critical development. Among many factors that sustain our land, art, and culture is the beating heart our society. Organisations like Doek, through the 2024 Doek Literary Festival, play an important role in fostering a love of literature, reading, and writing. These are essential components to any society that seeks to develop independent thinkers capable of shifting, sustaining, and shaping our country’s future. The festival highlighted that we as Namibians and Namibian writers have to use our voices to enact change, influence policies, and change global narratives through reading and writing, a privilege many citizens and writers do not have in certain parts of the world.

I cannot speak of my growth and development as a writer and poet in isolation of the festival but my entire journey with the work that Doek does. I never knew I was a writer, but those closest to me did. They sent me fliers to participate in writing workshops, one of which was facilitated by Doek, which changed my life forever. Not only has my involvement with Doek given flesh to a dream I did not know I could have but it has increased the reach and influence of my work. I have had my poems and short stories published in Doek Literary Magazine and Now Now, an anthology curating Namibian and Southern African writers. I have had the enriching tutelage of established African writers through the festival workshops which has expedited my writing acumen. Additionally, I have had the privilege of moderating conversations and showcasing my poetry to well established writers, poets, and academics from the global literary scene.

I would like to thank current and previous sponsors and partners—Bank Windhoek, the Windham Campbell Prizes, the Goethe Institut, Gondwana, Turipamwe, the Univesity of Easy Anglia, the Book Den—for their collective efforts in supporting Doek to facilitate platforms where emerging writers, poets, and visual artists in Namibia can discover their voices and learn how to use them, not just for their own good, but for the collective good of humanity.”

***

Detlef Pfeiffer, a 2024 Festival Partner and the Head of Library Services at the Goethe Institut of Namibia said:

“We were thrilled to support the Doek Literary Festival at the Goethe Institute of Namibia. As venue sponsors, we were proud to host three days of vibrant literary celebrations featuring poets, writers, and artists from Namibia, Africa, and the African diaspora.

We were particularly honoured to invite writer Troy Onyango, whose presence added great value to the festival’s dynamic line-up. We commend Doek and Bank Windhoek for their commitment to accessibility by keeping the festival free for all. We believe in the power of stories to connect and inspire, and we look forward to supporting more initiatives that celebrate diverse voices and creativity.”

***

James Murua, a 2024 Doek Literary Festival Guest and African literary blogger behind Writing Africa said:

“The Doek Literary Festival is a special gathering filled with old friends and amazing conversations. It is not easy to get this right but Rémy Ngamije and his team did an outstanding job. 2026 cannot come soon enough. I would love to see the growth of this festival.”

***

Aba Amissah Asibon, a 2024 Doek Literary Festival Guest and Doek! Literary Magazine editor said:

“What a memorable week spent celebrating some of Africa’s most important literary voices and heralding some of Namibia’s most promising artists! From the seamless coordination to the thought-provoking conversations, I left the Doek Literary Festival feeling energised and hopeful about the future of African literature. Rémy Ngamije and his team created an inclusive environment which encouraged organic interactions between panelists and attendees. I particularly enjoyed the multi-disciplinary focus that included fiction, nonfiction, poetry, visual arts, and music.

The festival was a testament to the power of cross-sectoral collaboration, made possible with the generous support of Bank Windhoek, the Windham Campbell Prizes, and the Goethe Institut in Namibia among others. As a Windhoek first-timer, it was great to see the city not just through its artistic lens but also from a culturally-immersive angle. I feel truly honoured to have been part of this literary revival and cannot wait for the 2026 edition!”

***

Cecile Barendsma, a 2024 Doek Literary Festival Guest and literary agent based in New York, USA said:

“Putting the “fest” in festival, it was a joy to witness and experience the growing connection among Namibia’s local authors and visiting guests. The fantastic line-up included an impressive selection of authors from across the African continent and its diaspora, who inspired the audience with conversations, readings, and musical performances. It was a joy to witness and experience the growing connection among Namibia’s local authors and the visiting guests. All of them exhibited so much talent and generosity of spirit.  Something miraculous happened: the separation between guests, visitors, artists, authors, and audience faded, and everyone became simply a participant in the festivities. It is understandable, dear reader, to feel jealous of not yet having experienced the triumph that is Doek.

Thoughtfully produced, artfully designed, and meticulously organised, this festival is a reminder of the joy that literature, reading, and writing, offer. It was a delight to be part of it, and I wholeheartedly recommend that agents and editors book a trip to Windhoek for the 2026 edition of Doek! Literary Festival.”

***

Kiprop Kimutai, a 2024 Doek Literary Festival Guest and writer based in Eldoret, Kenya said:

“What a pleasure to attend the Doek Literary Festival in 2024. A festival in honour of African writers and writing, a celebration of a small country’s literary initiative. My respect and congratulations to Doek and all its members!

The 2024 Festival spoiled the audience with a selection of high-calibre African authors. What a pleasure and delight to listen to intellectual and fun-filled dialogue about all aspects of reading, writing, and literature.

May this positive vibe carry on towards the next festival in 2026 and may the support by the donors be plentiful!”