Proof Nana’s time may have finally come

Namibian artist Proof Nana (Jacob Haihambo), born and raised in Tsumeb, is ready to make his mark on Namibia’s music scene.

Proof Nana has consistently released projects year after year and was recently nominated for the upcoming Ongoma Music Awards in the Best Afrobeat Song of the Year' category.

During a telephone interview with tjil, Haihambo spoke about his musical roots.

It all started in church, where he sang in a choir. His gospel foundation, he said, has continued to influence his craft.

“My gospel roots taught me discipline, harmony and the power of music to communicate," he told tjil. "As I grew, I wanted to tell our own stories through our languages, rhythms and experiences."

Proof Nana has been a consistent artist, releasing five projects between 2023 and 2026.

He released the music video for his latest track 'Aakwamungu', from his album 'Milk and Honey', and also released another single, 'Chamba Latjo', on 29 June.

Reflecting on 'Time Will Tell' earning a nomination for Best Afrobeat Song of the Year at the Ongoma Music Awards, Proof Nana said: “It feels very special because 'Time Will Tell’ is about patience and believing that your time will come.

"To have that song earn me an Ongoma nomination feels almost like the message of the song becoming reality. It reminds me to keep believing and keep working."

Many artists face steep personal and financial costs in the making of their art.

“Music requires sacrifice. I have invested my own time and money into recording, videos, promotion and performances, often reinvesting instead of spending on myself,” Proof Nana said.

“There are also sacrifices of time with family and personal comfort.” But he believes in what he does and will continue to invest in his dream, he added.

Talking about his songs 'Wekete' and 'Wedding Celebration', which became a wedding anthem, and how he approaches songwriting when he wants a song to connect with Namibian audiences, he said:

“I listen to the people. I write about things they understand, experience and celebrate. I don’t try to overcomplicate the music. If people can sing it, dance to it and make it part of their lives, then I know I’ve connected with them.”

Planning for the future

His manager, Talishi Haihambo, better known as Lady Ndafindana, told tjil about the impact of the Ongoma nomination and Proof Nana's upcoming performance in Ondangwa on 29 August.

“We see the nomination as a platform, not just an award. We are strengthening Proof Nana's brand, digital presence and live-performance profile while looking for meaningful regional and international collaborations that can introduce the Ongovela sound to new audiences."

Proof Nana’s next album is slated for release next year, Lady Ndafindana said.

“You have to work in the present while planning for the future. We're continuing to push 'Chamba Latjo', while quietly preparing the 2027 album, but with Proof Nana, fans can always expect a few surprises,” Lady Ndafindana said. “He might drop a single when you least expect it, just enough to keep you intrigued, like a starter before the main meal.”