Damara Dikding ready to show his innocence

WINDHOEK GORDON JOSEPH Damara Dikding, whose real name is Arthur Gerson /Nanub, first became known to us as a member of the exciting Matongo Family. During the years 1997-2006 he sang, composed, arranged, produced and recorded two albums with the group. After a nine-year stint which included two acclaimed album releases, sharing stages with the likes of Arthur Mofokate, TKzee, Malaika and winning the NBC Music Makers and Sanlam NBC Music Awards with the group, Damara Dikding went solo in 2007. Damara Dikding, who recently surprised the nation when he won the Best Producer Award at the Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) tells us that he is currently working on his new album that will be released before the end of the year. The new album will be called Damolokie, he says. The word Damalokie is a Damara term for homemade candy. This time around I'm showing my sweet and innocent side; the album will be a reflection of that, he says. Asked about why he insists on doing everything differently, he tells us that he has always known his place in the music industry and he works at his own pace without any pressure. I'm standing on fair ground. The fact that I'm not at the top and neither at the bottom means there no pressure for me to prove anyone right or anyone wrong. I have always enjoyed trying out different sounds and just doing things the way I prefer at the time. I generally have a lot of creative space and freedom, he says. He also speaks to us about marriage and fatherhood. Although he knows exactly what he would want to wear at his wedding, he doesn't think he's ready to tie the knot just yet. Getting married is every man's dream I believe, but marriage is a sacred union and should be treated with the utmost respect, either you're ready or you're not and I'm just not ready. He's excited about being a father to his three boys, though. His face lights up as he speaks about his sons, whom he refers to as my boys . My sons are more like my friends. Of course the respect is there and the boundaries, but I really enjoy playing with them, he says. Asked about his philosophy on being a great father, he says ever since he became a father he has tried to carry himself like the man he would want his sons to be. A father is a son's number one role model; they want to be just like us. That's why I watch how I drive or how I speak in front of them. A father who wants to raise respectful sons will carry himself with the same kind of respect. He also spoke about the importance of guiding children. Damara Dikding tells us that he is in the process of finding a tutor for one of his sons who can't speak Khoekhoegowab, as he wants his sons to have a sense of identity they can be proud of. With unapologetic, catchy, witty and in-your-face lyrics , Damara Dikding is definitely not just a hands-on father, but a musician set to change the sound of local Damara Punch and Kwaito.