Swart Baster expands to UK
Namibian Afro-pop artist Swart Baster is set to perform in the United Kingdom (UK) for the first time as part of an international tour promoting his new album.
The award-winning artist, Allen Jonathan, says his maiden UK show is slotted for 21 June at Xscape Venue, a luxurious nightclub along 5 Horseshoe Street, in Northampton, Northamptonshire.
“I’ve performed in other parts of the world, like Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, and Madagascar. I am, however, excited about my first trip to Europe.
“I can’t really express my gratitude enough to event organisers United Lindsey Company, who invited me to England. I promise to make my show a memorable one for the audience and myself. I’ve prepared an outstanding show,” Swart Baster promises.
The performer already left for the UK on Sunday, alongside his wife and son, who will also be performing with him.
After making his mark at the Dubai Trade Fair in 2013 on invitation by former president Hage Geingob, who was minister of trade at the time, and in Madagascar in 2017 during the Nelson Mandela Foundation Festival, it is imperative for Swart Baster to flourish in the UK.
“This is a lifelong dream for me. After 19 years in Namibian showbiz this is the ultimate prize. No one will ever understand how much this invitation means to me. These are the kinds of opportunities that show hard work pays off.
“I’m going to leave a mark in the UK. I’m going to show the organisers they did not make a mistake to invite me over. I just shared the exciting news that I’m coming back to the UK for another show on 9 August. This is wonderful,” he says.
A winner of the best kwasa kwasa award at the Namibian Annual Music Awards in 2005, the UK gig could not have come at a more appropriate time, since the artist is currently busy promoting his new 24-track album, ‘Expandable’.
“Everything is just falling into place for me. We’re going international with ‘Expandable’ and I just hope to impress the English audience, especially the Namibian expatriates in the UK. I’m particularly calling out for my country’s men and women to come and support me.
“I want to make it one big party for my compatriots. I haven’t lost my passion for the stage one bit. In fact, I’m only starting to enjoy my life as a musician now,” he says.
The artist, who fuses Afrikaans, Afro-pop and Kavango traditional music, is visible on social media.
His single ‘Marathon’, featuring Kachazi and Cheaster-B, is also receiving favourable reviews on YouTube.
The former church youth choir singer is set to launch his album with a live band at the National Theatre of Namibia next month.
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