Some Namibians are reliving the memories of when they were deprived of their own identity in music and arts through the 'stolen moments' exhibition.

The project seeks to revive Namibian musical traditions that the apartheid regime attempted to erase.

Before Namibia's independence in 1990, many were made to believe that the country had no real musical legacy.

Popular productions by Namibian artists from the past were hidden from the masses under the apartheid regime, depriving many an opportunity to connect with their own musical heritage.

The Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, Anna Nghipondoka,  says the 'stolen moments' exhibition at the Independence Memorial Museum reflects how moments were stolen through censoring, suppression and prohibition of arts and cultural expressions.

"For those who grew up in the apartheid era like myself and the liberation struggle, stolen moments locally means a time of segregation and forced removal of barbaric atrocities by South African Armies against the people of this country. It also implies times of war and the absence of peace and tranquility during these dark times, moments where people congregated to share good music and experience, dancing and celebrating the little life they had were all stolen.'

The exhibition has also brought attention to an extent which Namibia's history has been largely hidden from view as well as talks about negotiations with the German government on reparations for "the forgotten genocide" (1904-1908).

Stolen Moments, therefore, aims to share stories of struggle, resilience and creative enterprise from recent period of Namibia's history as part of a more generalized process of reparation.

Kirchlichen Arbeitsstelle Südliches Afrika Representative, Birgit Albrecht said the discussion around reconciliation, reparation are part of the work of KAZA. It was a great honor to be part of the last journey of the stolen moment's project, the journey which brings the music back home where it belongs.