Let freedom reign

Last year, hip-hop artist Mark Mushiva earned his PhD in computer science. This achievement largely reminds me of our music nation; one in which musicians, producers, promoters, music journalists, bloggers and DJs have all overcome their fears to challenge themselves and take on obstacles to get to their highest peaks.

Through knowledge of self, the most important element in music, we have been able to achieve anything we put our minds to.

We have seen this over the years. Thirty years, to be exact.

Congratulations on purchasing the independence-themed issue. For the past week, I've had to make like Saddam and bury myself in a hole of archives to complete this edition – my independence gift to you.

As an entertainment journalist and overall lover of art, I've had the privilege of seeing and documenting Namibian art. I would like to send a shout-out to former entertainment reporters, because while doing research for this edition, their footprints added valuable insights to this supplement.

So, take a trip down memory lane with tjil over the last three decades as we profile some of the outstanding artists who have contributed to Namibia's entertainment arena. We examine their past, present and future while highlighting some of their biggest accomplishments, which have made these brands the success they are today. It was close to impossible to capture every single moment of our Namibian entertainment history with this issue, so I've committed myself to bringing you throwback content going forward. I'd say I did good and hopefully I've made you, the readers, proud.

For the cover feature, I sat down with the legendary and remarkable Ras Sheehama, who shared more on the music climate in the 90s, his love for music and his country, and his independence message, which I found profound. And speaking of remarkable, so many great things have happened in our industry in the last 30 years, not just musically but in other forms of art as well, including film.

It is for this reason I compiled a list on 30 Namibian productions in the last 30 years. Moreover, I also compiled a list of 30 Namibian musicians who have been impactful in the last 30 years.

I chose the number 30 for obvious reasons – we celebrate Namibia's 30th Independence in a week.

In true Namibian style, I also put together a gig guide for Independence weekend, so if you are wondering where to go or what to do, I got you.

Enjoy this special edition.



[email protected]; @MichaelMKAY on Twitter