CD REVIEW: LIL D SIZZLES ON "#ABOUTTIME"

"#AboutTime" is nothing short of a musical delight.

Desmond Katamila AKA Lil D is a Namibian R&B crooner who has rubbed shoulders, in both the studio and on stage, with the most respectable and popular artists in the Namibian entertainment scene. Some of the prominent names that he has worked with include: Gazza, KK, D-Nyc, Bertholdt and N.I.A. Not the one to be outdone the young singer has just recently released his first studio project titled "#AboutTime". I decided on getting myself a copy and boy am I getting value for my money. The album is nothing but a musical delight.

The opening jam "End of the Night" is an up tempo track that has an electro-funk feel and I reserve no doubt within my mind that its bound to be a club banger. Another track that caught my ear is the third one on the album titled "Down Low" which is straight out funky and is bound to make the fans wanna go carnal on their equal halves. Other jams to look out for include "Best Friend's Girl" which conveys quite an interesting story and of course my favourite one "I Would Like" which features Gazza who spices it up with a touch of ragga dancehall. Lil D and KK are inseparable as far as friendship and music is concerned that's why they hooked up on "New Generation" to please the fans with a beautifully crafted jam. All in all the project offers some crucial life support for the somewhat dormant R&B genre in Namibia.

Lil D is hell bent on making a name for himself

Q&A WITH LIL D
I had the opportunity of interviewing Lil D about his current project (I squeezed in a few relevant questions too) and this is what the rising star had to say about it:

Which genre do you categorise your music?
For now my music leans more towards R&B and that's the genre that I've wanted to do all my life. But I personally feel that as a musician I am versatile. I can rap and do other styles of music such as afro-pop, pop and whole lot other. Versatility is a great asset for any musician.

How long did it take to complete the album?
It took me a couple of years to complete the album. From a financial standpoint it was a hustle to get it out as I had no backing and losing my tracks due to producers systems crashing piled on to the struggle.

"Adios": The R&B crooner has set sail.

What song(s) should the fans be on the lookout for?
Personally I feel that each and every track can have a really big impact on the music scene, but for the fans I know they'll like the track I did with Gazza. Its up-tempo and I know my Namibian people love to dance.

Which artist(s) inspire you?
Too many to mention as I draw inspiration from different  standpoints such as the struggle to putting out their art and the impact that they have on the rest of the world. One of my many inspirational artist is Pharrell Willimas. Despite all the success that he's had he still has that unsatisfied hunger and strives to be relevant today still.

For the female fans curiosity are you taken?
(laughs) Right now I'm single. Just  chilling and waiting till I find something good and worthwhile. Relationships are very tricky these days and you've got to tread carefully.

GET LIL D's ALBUM FOR N$100.00 (per copy) AT LOCAL MUSIC DISTRIBUTORS SUCH AS ANTONIO's ART. OR HIT HIM UP ON FACEBOOK @DESMOND NGE KATAMILA.

SHISHANI: "I FEEL FREE!"

Namibian songstress Shishani

To the masses, she’s a singing sensation and a revolutionist who is quick to let out her humanitarian ideals that are centered on improving relations between people and creating desirable environments for all to flourish. Shishani Vranckx is a remarkable lady, she embraces all the world's energy, harnesses it and let’s it out as constructive art. I had the opportunity of interviewing her recently via e-mail, needless to say she gracefully took out some time from her busy schedule (at the time of compiling this article Shishani was on a collaborative tour around Germany with Tonetic) and answered these few questions:

Tell us about your background and the sort of influence it has had on your career as an artist.

I’m the daughter of a Oshiwambo speaking mother and Belgian father, spent my first five years in Windhoek then moved to the Netherlands. I always returned on vacations but really came back for longer periods since 2011 when I started my solo career.

Growing up with two completely different backgrounds definitely shaped my way at looking at life, seeing the differences and resemblances between all people and trying to find my place in it. As a child of mixed backgrounds - and I guess that goes for most people growing up like me- it was hard to find ‘belonging,’ I was never really this nor that.

Being the only person of colour in many situations in Europe, living in different place and leaving friends behind definitely shaped my way of seeing life. Right now I see it a treasure box: I’ve gotten to know so many different people, cultures, music styles etc. that all feed my inspiration. After a while of searching yourself you come to see your essence, the spirit you carry inside you, which does not belong to any culture, religion, colour or place. I feel free.

 

A scene from her music video 'Minority'

Which musician(s) do you look up to?

Major influences have been Lauryn Hill, India.Arie, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, D’angelo. Bob Marley, Jeff Buckley, Coldplay and Radiohead. Currently I look to fellow Namibian musicians like Lize Ehlers, Jackson Wahengo, Erna Chimu, Big Ben, Ras Sheehama, Ngatu and Tonetic (Amongst many) who are bursting with creativity. Other African artists like Fatoumata Diawara, Moroccan/Dutch singer Karima el Fillali and Dandio Sidibe are such an inspiration to me a well.

Your Windhoek EP single 'Minority' was well received, how did that song come about?

Minority was inspired by true life stories, experiences and feelings I felt around me in Namibia. It’s my plea for equal rights to all people regardless of their cultural backgrounds, sexuality, religion, colour, etc. Although we have one of the most progressive constitutions in the world, we are still dealing with daily stigmatization of certain people because of these factors. I think many people could relate and that’s why the song resonated so well.

 

Tonetic & Shishani (captured by: Thomas Behr)

Would you say that your current EP is both a musical and professional success?

The reactions to the Windhoek EP were great. I got so much personal feedback from people about what the songs meant to them and I think that’s the greatest success one could have as an artists. My music is about being able to truly reach out and touch people with what you are saying. Seeing that the EP was recorded in one afternoon at Christian Polloni’s studio (it was only meant as a souvenir before I flew back to the Netherlands) then yes, it was a smashing success.

Tell us about your collaboration with Tonetic on the enchanting song "Undefended" and the German tour that both of you recently embarked upon.

Tonetic and I met three years ago. I attended one of his concerts in FNCC and was captivated by his music. We started jamming together and our musical connection was born. Since then we’ve always played in each others projects: me as a drummer and vocalist in his band, and he as a guitarist in my band.  In 2012 we traveled to the Lake of Stars Festival in Malawi together representing Namibia. We’ve always performed together and the song and video “Undefended” has been the birth of our new musical-duo adventures together.

Jana Bruckner, director of the Undefended music video, saw us perform the song at one of my shows in 2012. She was completely captivated by it and had been pushing us ever since to make a music video for it. And so we did in February 2014 with film crew Endemic Productions. A few weeks later, German filmmaker Wolf Gaudlitz visited Namibia and met Jana Bruckner. They loved each others work and Mr. Gaudlitz decided to take us along throughout Germany for his film premiere of his movie “Sahara Salaam.” It has been one of the most exiting experiences ever, traveling throughout the country, and getting such positive feedback about our music. I feel Tonetic and I are growing together everyday and I’m very excited bout our music future.

You have spoken out against the 'exploitation of artists' by unruly events organizers and corporate firms, were you a victim of this practice and how does it affect your livelihood as a full-time artist?

Indeed. I have gone though this experience, like most artists. I felt if no one ever says anything, nothing will change. It doesn’t really affect my art, it just affects your weariness of dealing with people. I think is the case for all entrepreneurs, not only artists. But especially artists have to deal with this behavior from exploitative people. Most importantly I wanted to show that art is hard work, not a cute hobby, and people should be made aware of that so that artists get the respect they deserve.  

 

The Bamberg crowd that came out to see the two Namibian musos

Tell us about your involvement with the artists union, has it yielded any fruits as far as bettering the livelihoods of artists and the industry at large is concerned?

This problem of artists is universal, not only Namibia or African. It’s a long road to go so I don’t expect any overnight changes. A lot of support has come from fellow artists and art supporters, so I see it as process that will definitely yield fruits on the future.

Do you think that an artists union will solve artists problems? If yes, how?

Any active union with the true aim to better the situation of artists can better the situation. As I said before, its an ongoing process that will take time. And it needs support from all parties in society, not only artists themselves who need to stand up, but also from private and public sector. Most importantly it is about raising awareness to the importance of arts for the health and growth of a nation. Once we have realized this and have the right set of mind and structures in place, we can build. And there are effort being done and I’m proud to see the progress being made.

You've emphasized the fact that your musical talent should be detached from your sexuality, have you encountered any societal lash-backs with regards to your sexuality and what effects has it had on your creative process?

I have only gotten positive feedbacks about my art and the fact that people appreciate and respect my open-ness. I am who I am, and my music reflects that. We should always look at the quality of what the person brings, not at factors like somebody’s sexuality of colour, for example. Whether I share my life with a man or a woman doesn’t change the colour of my voice. Of course, my life influences my music in terms of the lyrics I write, the struggle to accept yourself and be yourself and love yourself.. But like I mentioned before, I have only gotten support and love from people.

Do you consider yourself to be a socio-political activist and do you believe  that homophobia is a big concern within your home country Namibia?

I think activism takes on many forms. Yes, I do speak out through my music and share wherever I can, and I’m involved in different projects to raise awareness about sexuality. Homophobia is like racism or any form of discrimination. It took a while for people accept that Black people are equal human beings, with equal capabilities and equal beauty.

In general I think violence is rampant in Namibia. Look at the Gender Based Violence happening…Homophobia is part of that. I think our nation is dealing with a lot of frustration; raging poverty, frustration and that reflects in violence. On the other hand Namibia has a strong LGBTI movement who are moving mountains in my eyes, and which I’m proud of and support. Let’s start seeing everyone as people. We are too beautiful of a people (really!) to fight. Namibia must heal.

Bamberg Flashmod: Shishani & Tonetic

How has the experience of living in Holland been so far? Do you like it there more than here in Namibia?

Every country has its beauty and the beast. I love Namibia. She inspires me. Being in the Netherlands afforded me to get a lot of different musical influences and meet many different cultures. And I love certain things about the Netherlands as well. Currently I see being in Europe as a way to grow my art and experience, but I will always return to Namibia.

Have you collaborated with other Namibian artists apart from Tonetic in recent times? If yes, with whom and on which songs/projects?

Yes, I wrote “I Praise your name.” and approached Erna Chimu to collaborate on it. It’s on her latest album. I’ve also worked with Ru & Samuele (formerly known as ‘Qondja’) on the song “Successful”.

And I’ve done many collabo’s with local artists such Lize Ehlers, Keith Vries, Nunu Namises aka “Truth”, Playshis the Poet, Tangeni “Empress Poetesse”, Miss H, Naxa Nakale, Jacques Mushaandja, Black Vulcanite and I’m looking forward to many many more!

When can we expect a single or an album from you?

My new music is done. I can’t wait to drop my new stuff. I’m working with European promoters as well now, so what's taking long is making a unified promotion plan for both Europe and Africa at the same time.

 

Flashmob setup: The setup crew prepares the stage.

FUN QUESTIONS 

What do you enjoy doing the most?

Right now I love traveling with my music, it’s really amazing, a wonderful fulfilling experience.

What's your ideal global travel destination and why?

I have never been to Asia and I am curious to experience something completely different to what I know.

What do you love most about Namibia?

What I love most about Namibia is its purity. The vastness of nature and the strong sprit that this part of the earth carries. I love being able to sit around the fire with friends, sing, chant, tell stories.. And of course … what I love most about Namibia is my family and friends, the wonderful people you meet here.

 

Her collaboration and subsequent tour with Tonetic (above) has been lauded as the right career move.

Seeing as that most fans have not only been drooling about your art but about your charming looks as well, are you off the market?

Thanks. I’m not for sale. (laughs)

Who's your celebrity crush?

Choosing has never been my strongest point… What ever happened to Cindy Crawford?!

LAST BUT NOT LEAST...

What message do you have for your sisters our there who find themselves in male dominated industries and those that are facing personal hardships in general?

I’d tell them the same my mom told me: always be yourself. That way you can keep doing what you do, without losing yourself in other people’s expectations. As an artist you have to master your skills. No one can take that away from you. So if you do what you do as best as you can do it, and keep improving yourself, then no one can stop you.

Any final words to all your fans back home?

I thank each and everyone who has supported me so far, and I really appreciate the encouraging message I receive to ‘keep going on!’ That’s exactly what I’ll do and you can follow my adventures on my Facebook page  (Shishani.Music) and twitter (ShishaniV).

EVERY FAMILY HAS A BLACKSHEEP.

Naka Blacksheep himself. The artist is renowned for his hard hitting lyrics

The common belief that every family has a black sheep is something which people continue to debate about but whether you believe it or not Blacksheep, or Naka as many people prefer to call him, is a fine example of that saying. We caught up with the man that some people find intimidating and we got to find out a lot about him. Here is what he had to say about the allegations that he and fellow stable mate and close friend Gazza are part of the illuminati, his life as a young man growing up, why he thinks the NAMA’s are not fair and a whole lot more.

Give us a brief introduction on yourself. When and Were where you born, your past living circumstances, your characters as a person and why you chose the name Blacksheep as your stage name.....

My name is Nakathingo Shimwino, born in Kwansa-sul, Angola, on the 20th ofMay 1981. I moved to  stay at a SWAPO camp in Nyango, Zambia where I stayed for a couple of years. I was quite young so my living circumstances were just like any other kid's. What matters is that there was food (which wasn't easy to come by, so you ate what was made available) and friends to play with. Thinking about it now, I can see that it wasn't easy, because that was the time our country was fighting for independence, and I am sure you know about Cassinga, which I don't want to go into because that could have been us. I remember we had to move around a lot in and between camps fearing attacks from the South African Defence Force, they probably wanted to make sure no seeds were planted by the freedom fighters. Those are moments I’ll never forget.

My siblings and I then moved to Kafue, which is in Zambia. We stayed with a family by the name of Mr & Mrs Nyendwa, who took us in as their own, they treated us the same way as they treated their kids. God bless them. We then moved to Namibia in 1991, where I went to school at Wanaheda Primary School (now known as Martti Ahtisaari Primary School) I could tell it was never easy for my parents to put us through school, because they were also trying to find themselves and imagine trying to put 5 kids through school. At the moment 1 child is already a pain for your pockets.

I matriculated at Centaurus High school. I was always a soccer player, and went on to represent my country at all junior levels, and a call up to the Brave warriors training camp. Things didn't go well in the camp, I was suspended, for only reasons known to them. I was always out-spoken so I feel the coaches felt a bit intimidated, because I wasn't like the other players, I always wanted to know more. I can take instructions, but at the end of the day I want to know why I was given those instructions, and what they will help me with. That’s me, I just want to know. I am a very curious individual, and that never really killed a cat.

I went to Cape Town to study, because my parents always gave me the "what are you going to do when soccer doesn't work out?" question, and they were quite right. One should always have education to fall back on. I regret not taking my soccer career further, but at the same time, I am glad I took my parents advice. I got the name Blacksheep way back in the early 90's from my older brother. I don't know why he felt I was a Blacksheep, maybe because of my complexion, but I was also the Blacksheep of the family. I was a quick thinker, which has landed me in trouble a couple of times, but it has also got me out of hot water. I wouldn't trade my childhood for anything. Life taught me a lot.

               

When and how did you get into the music industry?

While in High school, I used to write lyrics, and mimic songs from different artists, such as Tupac, Biggie, Warren-G, Nate Dogg and any rapper back then, I knew their lyrics off by heart. Like I said I am curious, so I wanted to know how it felt like to record a song. So my long-time friend Fredro said he would put me on a song with Gazza and Qonja, and that time nobody could touch any of these guys when it came to putting down punch lines and metaphors. I felt Fredro threw me in at the deep end, but I like challenges. The song had people asking who Blacksheep was because I gave Qonja and Gazza a run for their money on that track. Nice song it was. Fredro then suggested I do another one of my own and this time Qonja should feature me, the rest as they say is history. Two albums later, I am up there amongst the most lyrical kwaito artist to ever grace a stage.

What were the main obstacles that you faced as a beginner in the industry?

I believe in mixing with the right people but having said that, you need to have your "A" game in check because challenges can arise anytime, and there’s no time to practice or rehearse for them. It wasn't easy because when news broke out that I had signed for G.M.P, rival record labels didn't take it lightly. So I had people throwing rocks at me figuratively ofcourse. But that never stopped me, I just had to be me, and I knew I would convince them that I meant business. I m not saying it’s easy, I am just saying its better than last, because the love I have been shown from the fans and friends is just immense and I’ll forever be grateful. There are those that still want to be snaks (trying to hate), but I concentrate on those that love me because at the end of the day, love always prevails.

Blacksheep on stage

Describe your relationship with G.M.P Records.

G.M.P and Blacksheep is strictly business. If there’s something we can’t agree on, then we agree to disagree. We continue working on building our good names. It can only get better.

Has your family been supportive in your decision to take up music as a career?

My family has been supportive in everything I do, but they always told me to keep my eyes on the prize. Music, just like soccer, is just a hobby until you can make millions from it.

Describe the relationship between you, Fredro and Qondja. Are you still in contact with them and do you plan on working with them in the future?

Ja, we cool. We have different missions, so we talk when we can. But all is well. It’s just that we have taken different approaches to life. Different routes but the same goal, which is success. I can only wish them all the best in their endavours.

Your latest project "Kalyampombo" seems to be doing well on the market. Are you satisfied with the response from the public and the fans towards the album and your music in general?

It’s doing quiet well, but that is what we aimed for. Things were a bit slow at the beginning but now I can see and feel the response from the people. I feel like it can do better, we put in a lot of hard work. It’s still picking up though.

On one of your songs on your current album (Kalyampombo) you made a bold statement about the rumours that you and Gazza are part of the illuminati. Do you believe that such a secret society exists? and why do you think people have linked the two of you to such an organization?

People always said we were illuminati, seriously I don't know where they got that from. But God knows his children, and He is the only one that can judge us. I am God fearing, and I am 100 % Lutheran, Hence the verse in my song. I wanted to make a statement in that song, and it seems to me that I did. People like judging you, even before they greet you and get to know you. I am a humble person, but I don't like people taking advantage of my kindness. I am a firm believer that, anybody can achieve anything, it just depends on the amount of effort you put in when doing that something. And NO, I don't believe in any society, I believe in God and only God.

Saka jive

 In your latest video "Ondakolwa" you seem to be promoting alcohol consumption. Do you think that this is appropriate in a time when Namibia is facing an alcohol abuse crisis that has been the main cause of violent crimes as well as other social ills in our country?

The song itself is promoting good times, not alcohol. We need to stop fooling ourselves, people wont stop drinking, but we need to teach them how to behave and how to consume alcohol responsibly. Circumstances lead to killings and other social ills, because killers and rapists are not born, they are shaped. Circumstances make them do such things. We need to tackle these social issues as a community, and as a nation, but education starts at home.

Who are the people that contributed immensely towards your album?

God always had something to do with it. I had friends that supported me, Uri Valdo and my business partner Fessy Kashe, who were always in the background. Gazza also helped here and there, but he doesn't like to interfere much, he only gives advice where he can. The producers that helped me on shaping the album put in 110%. God bless them all.

You and Gazza seem to be close friends or is it just a 'strictly' work relationship?

We are human beings. There’s a time for work and then there’s time to play. We work together, and we play and celebrate together.

Besides music what is the thread that keeps the quilt of your life together?

I have a 8-5 job, which is my main source of income, and then there are Projects that I have taken a keen interest in, so I can only hope all goes well in the other departments. But I don't stop trying. My father is a businessman, and I have big shoes to fill. My daughter keeps me grounded. When I am out, I know I have a little person at home looking up to me.

Are you working a new project? Tell us more about it....

I m working on my 3rd album titled EXODUS, meaning "a mass departure of People". This could be my final album, it all depends on whether I’ll have time for music or not. God told me, to call it EXODUS and only he knows why. I have seen signs. So I’ll keep it that way.

What inspires your lyrics?

I can’t really say. When I am in studio the words just come, but I am a bold person, I tell it like it is. I don't beat around the bush. There are people out there that want to say things, but are scared to be criticized or judged. I am not that person. I say what’s on my mind, and if I regret it one day, it will be another lesson learned.

Most people find you intimidating, I find you intimidating as well. Is this just part of your character as Blacksheep or are we holding wrong assumptions against you?

So I have been told, some fans even inbox me and say that they wanted to greet me but apparently they couldn’t because I look rude. It’s funny because, I wish I could greet every fan out there that I have, but I am not one to jump on people. You will never know if the water is cold or hot if you don't feel it. I am not rude at all. I just look serious. Infact, people tend to take advantage of you when you are lying down.

You have thrown a bunch of criticism towards the 2013 NAMA's via Facebook a while ago. What's your opinion on them, do you think that they are relevant to the music industry and would you partake in them in the near future?

The NAMA's are a great way for artists to showcase their talents, but I feel they’re not doing enough to protect the small guys. They focus on the big artists only. They make it look fair by giving awards that people really don't care about to artists we don't know, but we are not blind. We see what’s happening. If only they got artists involved in their things, instead of just calling us 2 weeks before the awards to ask for our availability. They are trying to do good for the industry, and I know you can’t make everyone happy, but I think you can make the majority of the people happy. I called them hypocrites because they contradict themselves. I don't know if I’ll partake in the NAMAs, all I know is that they cut artist's wings before they can even take off. I still have a bone to pick with them.

Do you think that Namibian musicians are well-off with the income that they make from their music?

I can’t speak for them. Everybody knows where they get their money from. People do music for different reasons. If studios and producing was free, I would give my music out for free for Namibians to listen to, and for the whole world to pay. But unfortunately we are also being milked by producers and we all know that in business, you wont be happy until you break-even.

Proud product of the ghetto.

What's your greatest achievement thus far, personal or career wise as a musician?

Blacksheep is still young, I have only been around for 3-4 years, but so far, I am getting the recognition I deserve, people know  my songs, but they don't know the face. So I have to work on getting the face out there. We taking it one day at a time. It’s not easy. But with the help of my friends and fans, we’ll get there.

Are you romantically involved in a stable relationship with someone?

I prefer to keep my private life and music separate. It’s like oil and water. They don't mix.

What's your favourite meal and drink?

I love marathon chicken (wambo chicken) and a lekker cold Fanta.

Do you have a favourite hangout spot?

Yes. My room. I don't go out much. I sit home and watch my movies and plan.

I did a lot of going out when I was young. If I had to go out, I like to go

to quiet places.

What's your favourite past-time?

Playing PS3 FIFA 13. Or watching series, or movies. I read quite a bit, here and there.

What's is your greatest aspiration?

I have taken qualities from different people. Which includes my parents, Dr Sam Nujoma and Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba. I like to learn from everyone. I look up to a lot of people, but at the end of the day, it all depends on the situation that you are in. I just like to have different qualities from high achieving people. That's my fuel.

Do you have a motto by which you live by?

Yes. Aluta continua.

Are you a religious person?

Very much so.

If you were the president for a week what new changes would you bring about?

I would probably look more at the education and health sectors. They really need improvement. Free education and medical assistance for all. The country can afford it, or at least they owe it to the people. At the same time, we need competent people in these sectors. The moment public servants know that things are free, then they become relaxed and rude towards the people. We need to get rid of that mentality. Nothing is free, there’s always someone paying for it and that’s the taxpayer.

Any final words to your fans and the public in general?

All I can do is thank them for bringing me this far. I promise to always give them the best of Blacksheep and nothing else. God bless them and their families. We have a long way to go. Lets just hold hands. They should know that with God, everything is possible.

THIS INTERVIEW WAS CONDUCTED IN JUNE 2013 !