Akoune and Lioness bring girls’ night energy with ‘Ila Tu Dane’

Namibian artist Rizaan 'Akoune' Ewonde has teamed up with award-winning musician Lioness on her latest track, 'Ila Tu Dane', a playful song inspired by the energy of a girls’ night out.

For Akoune, the collaboration also marks a moment of paying homage to some of Namibia’s artists who have influenced her sound.

Originally from Ongwediva, Akoune grew up in a family that loved music, which she says helped shape who she is today.

Her musical journey began in 2018 after friends introduced her to SoundCloud, where she started by posting cover songs. She later caught the attention of TopBoy Tuta, leading to their collaboration on 'Hello'.

She describes her sound as versatile, with a recent focus on Afro-inspired music.

According to Akoune, 'Ila Tu Dane' was created to capture the fun and playful feeling of spending a night out with the friends.

“The song was simply inspired by what a girls' night out feels like. Lots of fun, lots of dancing and generally just being playful," she told tjil, adding: "I really wanted the song to be something fun and playful and for the girls."

Dream collaboration

Lioness was an artist Akoune had wanted to work with for some time, making the collaboration especially meaningful. “I really love Lioness. She’s always been one of my dream features. I really love the confidence, attitude and sass she brings to her sound, so I knew she’d be the perfect fit to compliment the song.”

She was grateful when Lioness agreed to be part of the track and enjoyed making it.

For Lioness, the collaboration came about after Akoune reached out to her about the song.

“She basically just rang me up. She sent me a message saying I've got the song and I really think you'd be good at it," she told tjil.

"And she called me her dream collaboration. So that was really cool.”

Lioness added that she also knows Akoune’s mother, who had suggested that the two artists work together many months ago.

The song also carries references to Namibian music that helped shape Akoune’s creative direction.

She said she was particularly influenced by Gal Level while writing the track and referenced their “shake it, shake it” lyric as a way of paying homage to the group.

She also drew inspiration from Jericho and Tunakie’s 'He ta pa te', incorporating the “Ila tu dane” lyric. “You could say that it’s a very Namibian-inspired song. I really love the culture and feel so great paying homage to our artists that paved and shaped my sound.”

Akunoue said the creative process with Lioness was seamless, giving her the freedom to interpret the demo in her own way.

“I wanted her to feel as free and creative as possible, so I didn’t give her a concept in case I’d limit her. I wanted her to write according to how she felt upon hearing the demo I had sent, and I’m so glad she got the vibe!"

Lioness also sees the collaboration as part of a wider celebration of working together. “Honestly, I think it's such a fun, cool, girl-coded song. And I think it's very important for us to have a modern sound, reflecting Namibian elements, but also collaborating, right? Like we do so much better when we collaborate, when we just get together and make beautiful music that can go further.”

She added that the collaboration brings their fan bases together and allows them to influence more collaborations going forward.

For Akoune, 'Ila Tu Dane' represents a new chapter built around confidence and showing audiences more of who she is.

“This chapter means confidence and just being out there more. I want the people to know more of who Akoune is and what she’s like. I definitely would love to bring a new and fun sound to the Namibian creative space and just leave a name for myself," she said.

"I’m excited for this journey," she added.