Kwaito isn’t dead, it’s evolving Trompies’ story reveals how true legends endure by evolving without losing their cultural centre

Dit oudje staat op repeat. Mzambiya en Kabelo, op een gedeelde 1e plaats in classic #Kwaito

youtu.be/wUMNQ7gijnE?...

Toch wel een van de beste #Kwaito albums uit de oudheid.

youtu.be/VgUfhi19xrI?...

‘I am currently living my dream music wise’ – TopCheri Walvis Bay gifted Namibia two top music bands in the form of Children from Pluto and Deadwood before independence – now the harbour town is basking in the success of another musician, Monica Pineas, known as TopCheri. The Kuisebmond-born songstress has carved a very successful music career for herself. “Unlike some people, I don’t come from a family of musicians. In fact, a music career was the last thing on my mind when I came to Windhoek looking for greener pastures like many other young people are doing today,” TopCheri told The Weekender. “I only started music eight years ago. I was first a full-time entertainment journalist with The Villager. My break came after Dion of the kwaito trio PDK heard me singing on the set of the comedy movie ‘Captain Kalola’. I was playing the leading female role opposite Tate Buti.” TopCheri, who used to sing in the Hosiana Evangelical Lutheran Church Youth Choir, says Dion invited her to the studio – and the rest is history as he went on to record her first single ‘Victoria’ which received resounding reviews from the public. Her first album, ‘The Matrimony’, was released seven years ago, while the fourth ‘Tithe’ was dropped in 2022, and the popular singer is currently in the studio working on a new song. TopCheri, real name Monica Pineas “There is absolutely no rest in this industry and one can’t rest on your laurels because the other artists are also bringing out new stuff. I am recording with different producers, but Andrew on the Beat is still my resident producer. “Right now I just spend most of my time in the studio recording new music. My recent single ‘They Wanna Do’ was released three weeks ago and I must say that it appealed very well to the public. Now we are busy working on my next offering ‘Angelina’,” she says. In between her recordings, TopCheri, who seems to be the go-to artist for corporate gigs, mentions late South African superstar Brenda Fassie and Namibia’s award-winning queen of the stage Lady May as the two singers that inspired her to become a singer. “However,” she says, “my music idol was kwaito master The Dogg. I was so into his music that I was even called Monica Morocky in the streets of Kuisebmond. Like The Dogg, I love to express my life’s journey, which was also full of setbacks in my music. “My family does not believe in fairytales and stuff like dreams coming true. We only believed that if you have to appear on TV you have to be connected or you have to know someone to be in the music industry.” She says she is proud to have proven to her family and friends back home that anything in life is possible if you work hard. “I am not only releasing music today, but I am also in my music videos and my videos are on YouTube. Most excitingly, my videos are also aired on the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation, and my family and friends can proudly tell people that I am their very own,” she says. “Making music is not the only project that takes up all my energy. Thanks to the tremendous support from corporate Namibia I still host my TopCheri Kiddies Concert which has become very popular among the youth. This year’s event is once again slated for November.” The annual event provides a platform for children to showcase their talent. They host the event, have their own stalls to sell their goodies, sing, dance and do gymnastics. The Afro-pop star is also a partner in Plug A Creative, an online marketing agency that does marketing for different companies. TopCheri remembers her shows in Zambia and Germany. In the midst of all those shows, TopCheri was also invited by Namibian fellows in the United States to perform a live show in Louisville. The Namibian singer is calling upon Namibian foreign missions in the diaspora to help Namibian artists grow by inviting them over to network with artists from those countries. The post ‘I am currently living my dream music wise’ – TopCheri appeared first on The Namibian.

#TopCheri #NamibiaMusic #DreamBig #MusicianLife #Kwaito

Mushe’s Next Album Could Be His Final Multi-talented kwaito superstar Albert Mushe Uulenga has come a very long way from the days he was part of R&B duet Two Type Production (2TP) in 2005 to become a two-time artist of the year at the Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs). Popularly known by his stage name Mushe, the award-winning singer-cum-dancer discovered his talent for music during his time at Immanuel Shifidi Secondary School in Katutura, where he used to participate at school events. “My love for music started way back in 2005. It was at Immanuel Shifidi after I moved to Windhoek with my family. I used to sing and dance at school events and talent shows until I later teamed up with my old friend Names to start an R&B group, 2TP,” Mushe says. “We lasted for a few years and eventually decided to go our own ways. I met David Exit Shikalepo and our common love for music led to starting a kwaito group, Exit & Mushe. We took the Namibian music scene by storm and gained lots of popularity with the fans.” While they gained recognition for their unique sound and energetic performances, often performing at events and music festivals, their hit ‘Okastyla’ became a street anthem, especially in Katutura and the northern parts of Namibia. The two artists grew hugely in stature and decided to go their separate ways in 2009, which saw both artists carving successful solo careers that elevated them to star status. Mushe, who dropped his first album in 2010, is currently halfway done with his eighth studio album. “Making music has been very good to me. I have actually received more than I have ever dreamed about as a musician. I can look you straight in the face and tell you that I have succeeded as a musician. I have won over six music awards,” the singer says. “I have started winning awards right from the very start of my solo career. I clinched the best single with my hit ‘Omunangeshefa’, while I was also crowned artist of the year in 2011. Now that is the dream of every musician. Getting that was way out of my wildest dreams.” Mushe also received six awards, including another artist of the year award with his second album, ‘Letter From The President’ in 2012. Apart from his music, Mushe is also an entrepreneur and owns a bar in the Greenwell Matongo area, while he farms with goats and chickens as well. Says Mushe: “Omunangeshefa Bar is in Eveline Street, on the outskirts of Windhoek, and it is quite popular with the youth. The farm is in the Okongo area in the Ohangwena region and I am currently breeding goats, while I’m farming with chickens and egg-laying chickens.” “Business is not easy and there are ups and downs, but the worst is when your staff steals from you. There are currently two former employees jailed for theft. My business interest was inspired by influential and progressive people I met in the music industry.” Mushe says this could definitely be his last album as he wishes to concentrate fully on his businesses. He promises to make this a memorable album with about 16 songs. The popular musician is encouraging other young people to go into business and to stop blaming the government for the unemployment situation. “They say God helps those who help themselves. What have you done or tried to do to uplift yourself as a person before you blame the government for being jobless? People should put their creative minds at work and apply for SME loans. I am sure they can get help.” Mushe, who says he grew up listening to the music of Big Ben and ‘Kinikini’ hitmaker Killa-B, is also doing what most artists are doing, selling his branded T-shirts. Mushe, who was also a useful football team defender at Shifidi before the music bug bit him, performed on some of the biggest stages in the country, like at the NAMAs, /Ae//Gams Festival, Ongwediva Trade Fair and the Copper Festival, while he also had gigs in the United Kingdom, United States, South Africa and Angola. The father of 15 children also has some advice for upcoming artists: “Stay humble as you chase your dream. Talent alone is not enough, you have to work very hard to perfect your craft. Make sure there is always a relevant message in your music. “Be dedicated to your work and try your own style and never try to do what other artists are doing because they are doing what fits their own profile. Remember, music is also known as edu-tainment, meaning that you have to entertain audiences while educating them.” The post Mushe’s Next Album Could Be His Final appeared first on The Namibian.

#Mushe #Namibia #Kwaito #NAMAs #MusicAwards

‘I’m Capable of Producing My Own Music’ – Kamtonyo Dynamic kwaito trio PDK founding member ‘Kamtonyo’ is making the best of the collective decision taken by the group to pursue solo projects. Being one of three PDK members, with the name derived from the first letter of their names (Patrick, Dion and Kamtonyo), Andreas Shitala is seen as the more outrageous member of the group – but is he? A former kwaito and pantsula dancer-turned-musician, Kamtonyo says: “I’m one of the fortunate musicians who knows something about sound engineering, and I’m capable of producing my own music. I’m also recording the work of other musicians, especially upcoming artists struggling for studio time. “I’m currently promoting and marketing my second album, ‘Ngawo Ngawo’, which I dropped last month. In the meantime, I’m also pushing my single titled ‘Your Body’, which I dropped in December, featuring Kachazi and which was produced by Maritoko of Baby Records.” Kamtonyo, a two-time Namibian Annual Music Awards winner with PDK, released his debut album, ‘Etako’, in 2023. The Oshakati-born star says the whole idea is to have the album available on online platforms, and a hard copy of the record will be on sale for N$200. Kamtonyo says he was inspired musically by his late uncle Peter Gabriel, himself a former musician and producer for Omalaeti Music Production, who taught him something about sound engineering before he carved a career as a musician for himself. The kwaito star has other side hustles too. “Apart from my music, I’m also into logistics and I’m into the buy-and-sell business most young people have also embarked on. I act as a middleman if you want to sell your car, or I can buy it from you and resell it for a little profit,” Kamtonyo explains. “My business is not only restricted to cars – even the selling of electronic equipment or a portable electronic device like a cellphone is within my line of business. If you want to sell your cellphone, I’m the go-to person if you want to get a fair deal,” he says. Kamtonyo, who started his music career in 2003, says he likes to chill either at home or at the Baby Boy Records studio. He says he would have been a footballer now if it were not for music, and he still enjoys playing the game socially. His sights are not only set on making music – he says he also wants to make comedy movies and open a restaurant. “I also have my own record label, known as Totos Records, which specifically aims to attract young artists with potential who want to make it in the music industry. “We all know how tough it is for youngsters to get into the industry,” he says. “The best thing I did for my music career was to produce myself under the name ‘KK21 On the Beat’. It helps a lot and is very cost effective, because it enables me to just walk into the studio, produce a beat and just apply words to it.” The post ‘I’m Capable of Producing My Own Music’ – Kamtonyo appeared first on The Namibian.

#Kamtonyo #Kwaito #MusicProduction #NewAlbum #YourBody

Exit Rockaz takes his art to the next level with ‘Rockaz 2.0’ Kwaito and urban musician David Shikalepo has announced his return to the scene with a new album, ‘Rockaz 2.0’. With over two decades in the industry, Exit’s journey from the dusty streets of Oshakati to global stages has been defined by reinvention and authentic Namibian flavour. Now, he presents an upgraded version of himself – lyrically, emotionally and sonically. “’Rockaz 2.0’ indicates a rebirth. It’s Exit reimagined. This project builds on everything I’ve done, but pushes the boundaries further than ever,” he says. Comprising 19 tracks, ‘Rockaz 2.0’ is a mix of kwaito, hip-hop, Afrobeat and Amapiano – yet it retains an Exit high-energy feel loved by fans. Exit says his inspiration comes from life itself. “The struggles, the triumphs, the love and growth – it’s all there. Each track tells a story,” he says. Working with leading producers such as Andrew on the Beat, Shiboi, DJ Chronic, Mjay (Drumkick Productions), and Greg (Tears Records), Exit describes each one as offering something different. “Andrew is a beast. Greg knows my brand inside-out. Mjay brings a crazy flavour – he’s the only Wambo I know from Keetmanshoop!” Exit says. “We’re in a creative and comfortable space.” A standout single is ‘Changes’, a contemplative take on self-growth. “It’s about learning from the past and embracing the future with hope,” Exit says. ‘Too Legit to Quit’ is an energising anthem of perseverance. “I’m still standing. I’m still going. I’m too legit to quit,” he adds. Then there’s ‘Solely the Best’, a tribute to love and those who uplift us. “It’s about celebrating people who bring out the best in you.” Exit says all the songs are based on real experiences – victories and defeats – are all bonded together by his own resolve to never give in. “This album speaks about determination, belief in oneself, and staying true to oneself. I also wish to express how important it is to stay true,” he states. The album is religion oriented. “What God blesses no man can damn. And shortcuts? That’s the quickest route to the cemetery.” A recent stint in the United Kingdom gave him further creative inspiration. “Seeing Namibians overseas sing every word brought back to mind that my music transcends borders. But Namibia will always be home.” Despite recent rumors of quitting music, Exit sets the record straight about his future: “I will never give up on music. It raised and still sustains me. ‘Rockaz 2.0’ is a reminder that my voice and journey are not yet over.” As a seasoned artist, Exit now sees his role differently. “I’m not just an entertainer anymore. I’m a leader in the industry and a mentor. I want to encourage young artists to believe in themselves and have confidence in their ability.” With more performances, visuals and mentorship initiatives on the horizon, Exit asserts this album isn’t just music – it is a movement. “Every time I release music, I’m speaking to my people. And ‘Rockaz 2.0’? That’s me screaming at the top of my lungs.” The post Exit Rockaz takes his art to the next level with ‘Rockaz 2.0’ appeared first on The Namibian.

#ExitRockaz #Rockaz20 #Kwaito #UrbanMusic #NamibiaMusic

Exit Rockaz takes his art to the next level with ‘Rockaz 2.0’ Kwaito and urban musician David Shikalepo has announced his return to the scene with a new album, ‘Rockaz 2.0’. With over two decades in the industry, Exit’s journey from the dusty streets of Oshakati to global stages has been defined by reinvention and authentic Namibian flavour. Now, he presents an upgraded version of himself – lyrically, emotionally and sonically. “’Rockaz 2.0’ indicates a rebirth. It’s Exit reimagined. This project builds on everything I’ve done, but pushes the boundaries further than ever,” he says. Comprising 19 tracks, ‘Rockaz 2.0’ is a mix of kwaito, hip-hop, Afrobeat and Amapiano – yet it retains an Exit high-energy feel loved by fans. Exit says his inspiration comes from life itself. “The struggles, the triumphs, the love and growth – it’s all there. Each track tells a story,” he says. Working with leading producers such as Andrew on the Beat, Shiboi, DJ Chronic, Mjay (Drumkick Productions), and Greg (Tears Records), Exit describes each one as offering something different. “Andrew is a beast. Greg knows my brand inside-out. Mjay brings a crazy flavour – he’s the only Wambo I know from Keetmanshoop!” Exit says. “We’re in a creative and comfortable space.” A standout single is ‘Changes’, a contemplative take on self-growth. “It’s about learning from the past and embracing the future with hope,” Exit says. ‘Too Legit to Quit’ is an energising anthem of perseverance. “I’m still standing. I’m still going. I’m too legit to quit,” he adds. Then there’s ‘Solely the Best’, a tribute to love and those who uplift us. “It’s about celebrating people who bring out the best in you.” Exit says all the songs are based on real experiences – victories and defeats – are all bonded together by his own resolve to never give in. “This album speaks about determination, belief in oneself, and staying true to oneself. I also wish to express how important it is to stay true,” he states. The album is religion oriented. “What God blesses no man can damn. And shortcuts? That’s the quickest route to the cemetery.” A recent stint in the United Kingdom gave him further creative inspiration. “Seeing Namibians overseas sing every word brought back to mind that my music transcends borders. But Namibia will always be home.” Despite recent rumors of quitting music, Exit sets the record straight about his future: “I will never give up on music. It raised and still sustains me. ‘Rockaz 2.0’ is a reminder that my voice and journey are not yet over.” As a seasoned artist, Exit now sees his role differently. “I’m not just an entertainer anymore. I’m a leader in the industry and a mentor. I want to encourage young artists to believe in themselves and have confidence in their ability.” With more performances, visuals and mentorship initiatives on the horizon, Exit asserts this album isn’t just music – it is a movement. “Every time I release music, I’m speaking to my people. And ‘Rockaz 2.0’? That’s me screaming at the top of my lungs.” The post Exit Rockaz takes his art to the next level with ‘Rockaz 2.0’ appeared first on The Namibian.

#ExitRockaz #Rockaz2 #Kwaito #NamibianMusic #UrbanMusic

Kampire Presents: A Dancefloor in Ndola by Various Artists on Apple Music Album · 2024 · 13 Songs

VA – Kampire Presents: A Dancefloor in Ndola (2024)

Spotify ⇒ open.spotify.com/intl-es/albu...

AppleMusic ⇒ music.apple.com/us/album/kam...

#folk, #latin, #rumba, #soukous, #afrofunk, #kwaito, #afropop, #neodisco

En Afrique du Sud, l’amapiano s’exporte mais ne se mange pas - Musique L’amapiano, dernier avatar de la musique électronique sud-africaine, est devenu la bande son de la « génération Z » globale et une machine à cash pour les plateformes de streaming. Un succès (…)

#ampiano music migrated from #southafrica throughout the continent but the money does not go the musicians #tyla #BokaniDyer #kwaito #afrohouse #PayOurRoyaltiesMovement
afriquexxi.info/En-Afrique-d... @shoutingmusic.bsky.social @jeansovon.bsky.social