Atle Wammer is a Race and Ethnic Studies and Asian Studies double major graduate from St. Olaf College in Portland, Oregon, USA.
He is currently studying and researching at the University of Namibia (UNAM) as a Fulbright Student in the Music Section of the Department of Humanities and Arts. His journey to Namibia began after an enriching study-abroad experience in South Africa and Namibia.
“My first visit opened my eyes to Namibia’s striking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. I found myself eager to return and investigate further into the research topic on political musicians that I had begun to study.”
By applying for the Fulbright U.S. Student Programme, Atle saw an opportunity to continue exploring the topic and expand his understanding of Namibia’s music cultures.
As his academic background is not in music, his research project takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining insights from race studies, politics, and musicology. “My interest in musicology, nurtured through classes at St. Olaf College, gave me the tools to explore music from a political, racial, and historical standpoint.”
His research in Namibia focuses on understanding the challenges faced by Namibian musicians, particularly in the post-independence era. He is investigating how music serves as a form of political and social expression and uncovering the barriers musicians face, ranging from limited resources to insufficient support from the music industry.
Through his Fulbright research, Atle aims to demonstrate the vital role of music in cultural and political expression. His work will contribute to the field of musicology and offer new perspectives on Namibia’s evolving musical landscape and the challenges faced by artists.
His future academic plans are still taking shape, but a postgraduate qualification in a related field is an option.
As a successful Fulbright applicant, Atle is well-positioned to offer advice for Namibians interested in applying for the Fulbright Foreign Student Programme. “It is important to clearly articulate one’s purpose and motivations for pursuing the chosen research topic or programme of study.”
The Fulbright Foreign Student Programme, which funds two years of study in the USA towards a Master’s degree, is now open to Namibians until 31 March 2025. More information can be found on the U.S. Embassy in Namibia’s website.
