Check Who’s Back: Jericho shares story of transformation, redemption and purpose
Once crowned Namibia’s hip-hop king, Jericho Gawanab, professionally known as Jericho, has walked a path many artists wouldn’t survive.
From stages and awards to prison cells and public scrutiny, his life has been marked by extreme highs and harrowing lows.
Today, Jericho stands in a new light as a changed man, a mentor, and a beacon of resilience.
In a powerful and vulnerable conversation on Real Spill, Jericho opened up about his transformation and the intentional choices he’s made to not only rebuild his life but also to use his voice for something greater than fame.
“I’ve been clean for three years,” he shared, reflecting on a past marred by substance abuse, violence and controversy.
“From the drugs to the alcohol to the violence of being known as a woman abuser... I was once called that. But now, I’m building something better,” he said.
Leading
by expample
Jericho has taken on a new role as the ambassador for the 4x4 Boys Leadership Initiative, a programme that supports and mentors the boy child in a country where many grow up without positive male role models.
Through workshops, school tours and boot camps, Jericho shares his story to inspire others. “The main thing is showing them that change is possible,” he said. “I’ve lived it. I lost everything, and by the grace of God, I found a way back.”
For Jericho, spirituality and growth have been central to his transformation.
Raised in a Catholic family and grounded by faith, he credits divine intervention for his rebirth.
“It’s not me,” he said plainly. “It’s God. There’s no way I could’ve done this alone.”
New tunes This spiritual awakening has also shaped his music. Once known for raw street anthems, Jericho’s sound has evolved to reflect maturity and healing.
“I’ve had to grow with my audience. I can’t rap like I’m 16 when I’m 45,” he said with a smile. His gospel-leaning track ‘Back to You’ with Sonji is a testament to this shift – still hip-hop, but with soul and intention.
Despite setbacks, including a recent high-profile event cancellation after a public dispute with a radio personality, Jericho remains focused.
“That’s water under the bridge,” he said. “I’m in a positive space. I’ve got new music, new energy, and I’m bringing up the next generation.”
His latest single, set for release soon, marks a bold return, with no features – just Jericho, raw and refined.
He’s also championing new talent and is determined to uplift artists from all corners of Namibia. “I want to be remembered for the good. For changing my life. For the impact I had on the youth, not just in music, but in action,” he said.
From stages and awards to prison cells and public scrutiny, his life has been marked by extreme highs and harrowing lows.
Today, Jericho stands in a new light as a changed man, a mentor, and a beacon of resilience.
In a powerful and vulnerable conversation on Real Spill, Jericho opened up about his transformation and the intentional choices he’s made to not only rebuild his life but also to use his voice for something greater than fame.
“I’ve been clean for three years,” he shared, reflecting on a past marred by substance abuse, violence and controversy.
“From the drugs to the alcohol to the violence of being known as a woman abuser... I was once called that. But now, I’m building something better,” he said.
Leading
by expample
Jericho has taken on a new role as the ambassador for the 4x4 Boys Leadership Initiative, a programme that supports and mentors the boy child in a country where many grow up without positive male role models.
Through workshops, school tours and boot camps, Jericho shares his story to inspire others. “The main thing is showing them that change is possible,” he said. “I’ve lived it. I lost everything, and by the grace of God, I found a way back.”
For Jericho, spirituality and growth have been central to his transformation.
Raised in a Catholic family and grounded by faith, he credits divine intervention for his rebirth.
“It’s not me,” he said plainly. “It’s God. There’s no way I could’ve done this alone.”
New tunes This spiritual awakening has also shaped his music. Once known for raw street anthems, Jericho’s sound has evolved to reflect maturity and healing.
“I’ve had to grow with my audience. I can’t rap like I’m 16 when I’m 45,” he said with a smile. His gospel-leaning track ‘Back to You’ with Sonji is a testament to this shift – still hip-hop, but with soul and intention.
Despite setbacks, including a recent high-profile event cancellation after a public dispute with a radio personality, Jericho remains focused.
“That’s water under the bridge,” he said. “I’m in a positive space. I’ve got new music, new energy, and I’m bringing up the next generation.”
His latest single, set for release soon, marks a bold return, with no features – just Jericho, raw and refined.
He’s also championing new talent and is determined to uplift artists from all corners of Namibia. “I want to be remembered for the good. For changing my life. For the impact I had on the youth, not just in music, but in action,” he said.
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