Killa B - Point of no Return
Although he wasn't away per se, Killa B is surely back on the music scene and for good this time.
The smell of vetkoek lingers in the air as I wade through Soweto Market, smack bang in the middle of Katutura which happens to be the venue for my interview with 'Eliko' hitmaker Killa B, who, fresh from an almost ten-year hiatus, says he is more eager than ever to take on the music industry.
The music business is a harsh industry. It requires a lot for an artist to not only make it, but also to last enough to have a lifelong career. Recognition can come pretty fast, but it also fades just as swiftly. Some entertainers soar all the way to the top only to plunge quickly, back to the bottom. Even though many leave on their own terms, there are plenty who are forced out.
These entertainers were beloved by fans and the entertainment industry until one false move totally kills their careers. A few of them willingly disappeared after life-changing situations while others were forced out of the public eye, and a few actually attempted to mount comebacks.
Killa B says he does not regret his decision to move from the city to permanently live in northern Namibia seven years ago. He says he has been doing well and he is currently in a place where he is putting himself first.
“The reason people don't see me often is because I choose that. I studied marketing and media; it's not that I don't want to market myself either. I have just put myself in a space that is okay for my life and one which doesn't make things difficult for me,” he said. Killa B, who has thus far released seven albums with three put out silently, is finally ready to come-back into the limelight (Windhoek) and will make music for all his fans and not just those based in the north.
“I released albums away from central media and just because people don't see me in the city they believe that I have left music. I have been doing music and having tours as far as Rundu that have been a success. I feel that I have been away for a while and that is why I plan on releasing my next album in the city which will be for everyone. Yes, I have had my ups and downs with the media but I know it comes with the territory. I am still here and standing strong.”
He also told tjil that he hasn't been working with certain artists because of the differences they have when it comes to quality of work. “If I'm working with you it's because I really want to. I wouldn't want to waste your time and I wouldn't want to invest where I lose out.”
Killa B started his career in the early 2000s. He is known for being a versatile artist and a vivid dancer before he became mainstream. Looking back and comparing the industry when he was active to now, he says the unity that was amongst the artists is no longer there. He also says the number of studios has increased, but the product (music) is not of quality and this is because producers and artists are in a hurry to release. Killa B however believes that there are talented Namibians who have culturally cultivated creativity such as traditionally infused melodies and rhythms but don't have the means to bring out.
“Producers and artists today watch YouTube channels and TV channels and after that they think they know what they want. It's not always the case because they can be culturally rich if they looked around them here at home. I am at a stage where I know I can do a lot to help those that I can as I am a producer. We used to share beats back in the days and I don't see it happening these days so what will we do about that?” he questioned.
He says being away from the city made him get a different perspective of the industry and how to run his career as a business. The singer told tjil that he also learned the importance of staying fit as a performer and when he relocated went to the extent of not consuming alcohol anymore.
“I jog every morning, I try to be active and that's why you won't see me without my muscles. I play soccer with the youth and I also motivate them on the importance of being healthy. No matter how much you have grown or how wealthy you have become, giving back where you come from is always important. I have been sober for a year and I feel so great. I wouldn't say I had an issue with alcohol personally, I just realised that it's not in line with the path I have chosen for my life.”
Killa B will be releasing his album 'Point of No Return' next month. Killa B says there will be a special track on the album titled 'Dear Life' that is emotional and he believes people will relate to it. Artists featured on the album include DJ Pother, Top Cheri and CJ from the Kalaharians who just returned home from Kenya just to mention a few.
“I chose the title because the music I'm doing now will be a first for people to hear me at such a level of maturity and growth. The album will be so great, it is a house-infused album and I'm so proud of what I have done. I am definitely here to change the music scene. It's a dream come true because I have worked with great people on this album.
The artist said he is now back on the scene and he looks forward to having performances, especially at settings like the Kasi Vibe Festival. He added he is also busy redoing some of his classic work with Kannibal that will drop soon.
June Shimuoshili
The music business is a harsh industry. It requires a lot for an artist to not only make it, but also to last enough to have a lifelong career. Recognition can come pretty fast, but it also fades just as swiftly. Some entertainers soar all the way to the top only to plunge quickly, back to the bottom. Even though many leave on their own terms, there are plenty who are forced out.
These entertainers were beloved by fans and the entertainment industry until one false move totally kills their careers. A few of them willingly disappeared after life-changing situations while others were forced out of the public eye, and a few actually attempted to mount comebacks.
Killa B says he does not regret his decision to move from the city to permanently live in northern Namibia seven years ago. He says he has been doing well and he is currently in a place where he is putting himself first.
“The reason people don't see me often is because I choose that. I studied marketing and media; it's not that I don't want to market myself either. I have just put myself in a space that is okay for my life and one which doesn't make things difficult for me,” he said. Killa B, who has thus far released seven albums with three put out silently, is finally ready to come-back into the limelight (Windhoek) and will make music for all his fans and not just those based in the north.
“I released albums away from central media and just because people don't see me in the city they believe that I have left music. I have been doing music and having tours as far as Rundu that have been a success. I feel that I have been away for a while and that is why I plan on releasing my next album in the city which will be for everyone. Yes, I have had my ups and downs with the media but I know it comes with the territory. I am still here and standing strong.”
He also told tjil that he hasn't been working with certain artists because of the differences they have when it comes to quality of work. “If I'm working with you it's because I really want to. I wouldn't want to waste your time and I wouldn't want to invest where I lose out.”
Killa B started his career in the early 2000s. He is known for being a versatile artist and a vivid dancer before he became mainstream. Looking back and comparing the industry when he was active to now, he says the unity that was amongst the artists is no longer there. He also says the number of studios has increased, but the product (music) is not of quality and this is because producers and artists are in a hurry to release. Killa B however believes that there are talented Namibians who have culturally cultivated creativity such as traditionally infused melodies and rhythms but don't have the means to bring out.
“Producers and artists today watch YouTube channels and TV channels and after that they think they know what they want. It's not always the case because they can be culturally rich if they looked around them here at home. I am at a stage where I know I can do a lot to help those that I can as I am a producer. We used to share beats back in the days and I don't see it happening these days so what will we do about that?” he questioned.
He says being away from the city made him get a different perspective of the industry and how to run his career as a business. The singer told tjil that he also learned the importance of staying fit as a performer and when he relocated went to the extent of not consuming alcohol anymore.
“I jog every morning, I try to be active and that's why you won't see me without my muscles. I play soccer with the youth and I also motivate them on the importance of being healthy. No matter how much you have grown or how wealthy you have become, giving back where you come from is always important. I have been sober for a year and I feel so great. I wouldn't say I had an issue with alcohol personally, I just realised that it's not in line with the path I have chosen for my life.”
Killa B will be releasing his album 'Point of No Return' next month. Killa B says there will be a special track on the album titled 'Dear Life' that is emotional and he believes people will relate to it. Artists featured on the album include DJ Pother, Top Cheri and CJ from the Kalaharians who just returned home from Kenya just to mention a few.
“I chose the title because the music I'm doing now will be a first for people to hear me at such a level of maturity and growth. The album will be so great, it is a house-infused album and I'm so proud of what I have done. I am definitely here to change the music scene. It's a dream come true because I have worked with great people on this album.
The artist said he is now back on the scene and he looks forward to having performances, especially at settings like the Kasi Vibe Festival. He added he is also busy redoing some of his classic work with Kannibal that will drop soon.
June Shimuoshili
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