Tien G responds with a message of his own

Namibian rapper, singer, songwriter and producer Tien G has released his latest single, Responding, featuring fellow Namibian artist Empressmusik, accompanied by a music video that brings the song’s message to life.

Born and raised in the small town of Oniipa, Tien G describes himself as a versatile artist who moves between hip-hop, Afro-pop and R&B.

His relationship with music started at a young age. He began writing lyrics when he was 11, initially experimenting with kwaito before moving into hip-hop two years later. He also explored R&B, drawing on his singing ability.

He made his first recording in 2019 when he released Tien Flair Drop when he was in Grade 12, followed by Mask Off Remix later that year.

While Responding is a new release, the song itself has been in Tien G’s catalogue for several years. He wrote it in 2020 as a “get back” type of song, inspired by his observations of people who only show interest in someone once they begin achieving success.

“I know a lot of people have tendencies of wanting to be around people when they reach their destination of success but snub them during their journey towards it,” he said.

The song therefore speaks to people who become interested only after seeing signs of success, while highlighting the difference between genuine support and attention that comes with someone’s achievements.

For Tien G, the decision to include a female voice was intentional. He wanted the song to present two perspectives, eventually leading him to Empressmusik.

The collaboration came together after Tien G encountered one of Empressmusik’s songs while spending time at The Façade Inc. in 2023. Her music caught his attention, and when he recorded Responding, he deliberately left an open verse for a female artist.

“When Empress found me in studio one some day, I played her the song and she hopped onto it immediately,” he said.

Combinging talent

For Empressmusik, whose music career began in 2012, the opportunity provided space to add her own artistic identity to the track.

She said Tien G approached her with the concept and overall vision for Responding, and the song’s energy immediately stood out to her.

“What made me want to jump on the project was the opportunity to add my own creative texture to the song,” she said.

She brought what she describes as her “signature flavour", combining emotional depth, vocal presence and stylistic control to complement Tien G’s approach.

The music video continues the song’s narrative, portraying both male and female perspectives of people who enter someone’s life after they begin experiencing success. Tien G said he wanted viewers to understand how both sides could handle such situations.

For Empressmusik, the visuals were an important extension of the song, requiring focus and dedication to ensure the imagery matched its intensity.

Beyond the release itself, Tien G sees Responding as a representation of dedication, patience and renewed commitment to his music.

“It represents more sacrifice for the dream and commitment that screams: '‘I’m here, and I’ll show you what I’m all about’”, he said.

More on the way

The artist says listeners can expect more music and different sounds from him, as well as collaborations with other artists within Namibia’s music industry.

For Empressmusik, the hope is that listeners connect with the confidence and emotion behind the song, whether through its rhythm, lyrical delivery or visual story.

With Responding, Tien G is not only revisiting a song he wrote years ago but also opening a new chapter in his musical journey, one built around consistency, collaboration and proving what he can bring to Namibia’s music scene.