For Namibian poet Frieda Etuhole Mukufa popularly known as Dam Etu, storytelling is not only about documenting pain and struggle.
It is also about celebrating the ordinary moments that connect people, preserve memories and reflect everyday life. The spoken word artist, storyteller and creative believes some of the most powerful stories are often found in experiences that many people overlook.
“I am inspired by the stories I grew up witnessing and being a part of. Most of the times, when creatives or storytellers tell stories, it’s always stories about hardship and sadness. I chose to write about the everyday things that are happening but are also very light and relatable.” She said.
That approach continues to shape her latest projects. Danm Etu is currently working on a video project exploring the history and influence of Kwaito culture in Swakopmund.
The project seeks to honour both the people who helped shape the genre and those who have since passed away.
“The focus is to talk about the people who made it a loving archive in the town, but also to write about the people who are no longer around. This creates inclusivity because it’s something people can relate to but also gives them a sense of nostalgia.” She added.
Over the years, Damn Etu has built a reputation not only as a poet but also as a voice for social issues. While some people separate art from activism, she sees them as closely linked.
“Anyone that’s a creative is an activist, Whether you’re advocating for children, for music to be realized, for women’s issues, men’s issues, it’s still activism.” She said.
According to her, artists often have the ability to bring attention to issues that may otherwise remain unheard.
“It’s important to highlight the things that people are going through that they themselves can’t talk about and get the same attention,” she said.
Although spoken word poetry has gained momentum in recent years, Damn Etu says the industry still faces major obstacles. Poetry remains one of the least funded forms of entertainment in Namibia, making it difficult for artists to secure sponsorships and support for their projects.”
The definition of entertainment in Namibia is just music and dance, if not film. Getting investors and sponsors for poetry projects is not easy because people are not accustomed to it.” She said.
She believes another challenge is ensuring poets receive fair compensation for the work they produce.
“The biggest challenge currently for poets is being paid for their work, but being paid for what they are worth,”
She noted that many people underestimate the amount of effort required to create a polished piece of poetry.
“There’s a lot of research involved, there’s a lot of reading involved and there is also a lot of time invested in writing, rewriting and perfecting the poem.”
Beyond her personal work, Damn Etu has played a role in creating platforms where young creatives can showcase their talents and develop their craft. She says these spaces are vital because they provide artists with a sense of belonging.”
Spaces create safety and people, especially creatives, always want to feel like they belong somewhere,” she said.
“When there are platforms that exist for the type of art one does, it means there is recognition somewhere.”
Among her many performances, one piece continues to stand out. Her poem Movenduka, which reflects on life in Windhoek and the realities faced by many residents, has struck a chord with audiences across the country.”
That piece has been so well received that I’ve received countless DMs from people about how they are happy that I’m putting out work that is authentic,” she said.
The feedback she has received reinforced the importance of creating work that speaks honestly about people’s experiences.
“It was a motivation for a lot of people who felt like giving up in Windhoek but chose to continue going,” she said.For her, those moments are reminders of why poetry matters.
“I’ve had a lot of people come up to me to tell me how my work is relatable and often people cry. Which is why I do the work I do.”
The poet shows no signs of slowing down. She is currently working on several new projects, including visual content for previously unreleased poems. The upcoming work will explore personal stories, issues affecting women and political themes.
Outside of poetry, she is also preparing for a winter outreach initiative. The project, which she first launched last year, involves collecting clothing and distributing soup and bread to vulnerable community members.
As Namibia’s spoken word scene continues to evolve, Damn Etu hopes more young people will embrace storytelling and use their voices without fear.
“You must be passionate about telling stories,” she advised. She encourages aspiring poets to focus on authenticity rather than trying to meet the expectations of others.
“If you are writing for people, you won’t be happy with the work you put out. Be as authentic as possible for you.”
For Damn Etu poetry remains more than performance. It is a tool for preserving memories, building community, inspiring change and reminding people that their stories matter.
