It’s ‘Game On’ as Mapuzza releases new single

Namibian artist Mapuzza is gearing up to release his latest single, 'Game On', on 3 September, complete with a music video.

Born Nelson Nghitotelwa, the upcoming 19-year-old amapiano artist came has faced the same hurdles many young artists struggle with in Namibia: studio access. With no equipment of his own and paid studio time out of reach for a student, he turned to the page instead.

"My journey has really been a struggle in such a way that it was impossible for me to record any tracks," he told tjil. "Instead, I kept writing because I did not have studio equipment, and the studios that were around were all paid for, but then me being a student at the time made it very difficult."

Without an income of his own, convincing his parents to front him money for studio time was its own battle. "I live in a black society where your dreams should come true first so that others can start believing in you," he said.

The turning point came when he moved to Windhoek, where he crossed paths with fellow Namibian musician S.T. (Samuel Tangi), who heard something in Mapuzza's writing and offered him free studio sessions.

His upcoming track, 'Game On', was born less out of struggle than celebration.

"What really inspired the song 'Game On' were the late-night hangouts with friends and family in clubs and how great moments are enjoyed in these times."

The message behind the song, he explained, is simple: spread love, come together and make memories that last. It's a philosophy he sums up in a phrase he lives by: "You only live once, so you should enjoy every moment of your life."

Mapuzza's new release, like his previous hit 'Mr Driver', also falls within the amapiano genre.

"It slightly differs in style from my previous release, 'Mr Driver', because 'Mr Driver' is regarded as storytelling but still falls under the amapiano genre," he said.

Mapuzza ended the interview with a message to his supporters: "I would love to tell them that when it's game on, it's game on. I never disappoint, and the title of the song says it all."

He added that he is determined to finish what he started, one way or another, with the support of his loyal fans.