Don't give up now

Due to the many events that were happening in the last month of 2016, the organisers held back the launch of what is anticipated to be the biggest Namibian female musician project, My Ongoma. Arafat who is at the forefront of the project said they will only launch this year for maximum effectiveness. “There was so much planned to happen at the same time like the R Kelly show and we didn't want to confuse the people. Some female artists were not on board yet whilst some had festival plans and could not come to the studio to record. It was that bad,” he said. The organisers also wanted to plan the launch of My Ongoma album perfectly to break the bad span of unorganised shows and events that have been happening lately. “These things cost a lot of money and to fail to organise one will be a loss. I know of an artist who had a show at Unam and from there I am now aware of the importance of planning,” said Arafat.The album currently has more than 12 songs that are recorded however the three producers Glo, Arafat and Antonio want brilliance from the artists for them to deliver the best project ever seen before the release. There are over 15 artists that have already signed including Shishani, Monique English, Ann Singer, Adora, Lioness and Etjo. The aim of the project is to have a united front in music, which is rare in Namibia. “Unity is one thing you won't easily find in Namibia especially with the female artists because it seems like our egos are bigger than our dreams I guess,” said Arafat. My Ongoma doesn't have a fixed number of members and the producers have encouraged more female artists to join the project from all tribes and genres found across the country, in hope of reducing tribalism. My Ongoma is set to launch in February with many different sounds and features that one would never have imagined coming to life. The organisers plan on having a road show with the artists and music videos to be shot. Producer Glo is currently in studio with Etjo and Lioness and the artists are very happy to be working together. “It is going to be a one-of-a-kind project and it is amazing to be working with ladies only since we all have our characters, but we will deliver a great project,” said Etjo. Rapper Lioness said the song she's collaborating with Etjo on is gearing to hip-hop but it is open to the ear. Lioness said the whole journey is exciting as she has never worked with a vocalist such as Etjo and the song will unquestionably be a must-listen.June Shimuoshili

Don't give up now

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-09

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Don't give up now

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-09

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