ML relives history
Maria Immanual, also known as ML speaks about her latest single, which is a special tribute to her aunt, who inspired it.
There are numerous publications and depictions of Namibian history, encompassing a rich and dynamic narrative of the liberation struggle and at the same time commemorating the heroes and heroines of this great land.
Music has the ability to transcend storytelling and add a visual element; it is in fact a great medium for picture and sound.
A challenge faced by many contemporary artists today is capturing a historic occurrence and delivering it in an honorary yet relatable manner. ML's The Diplomat album was inspired by the tale of Cassinga as told to her by her aunt, who survived the massacre, prompting her to write and record the tribute song Cassinga.
“The past is an integral part of the definition of who we are as people of today. I really wanted to express my gratitude for those who sacrificed their lives for the liberties we experience today,” ML said.
ML said she recalls her aunt taking her to a Cassinga commemoration event where she met other survivors.
“My aunt was only 13 years old and she was shot in her leg and she lives with this memory every day. I met other survivors who have lost limbs etc. and others who live with the trauma of the event. It seems so unreal until you hear it from those who survived it,” she said.
Growing up in an independent Namibia, the singer says that people sometimes take for granted the reality of the liberation struggle, which was literally just 29 years ago. She said it is important that young people know who decided to take their country back, by sacrificing their own lives.
“At least I now have the opportunity to tell their stories through my music, so the young generation and the ones to come can relate to that defining piece of our history through music. The survivors are our living heroes and that is why I decided to dedicate a song to them while they are still alive,” she said.
The Cassinga music video takes the audience on a three-scene recount journey - the fateful day of the attack, a survivor's perspective and thirdly ML's artistic interpretation, making it relatable to different demographics.
ML was intentional in terms of the cinematic treatment of the video - from the locations and outfits to the mood she wanted to evoke within the viewer.
“Investing in a music video can be expensive but it's a great symbol of your work and a visual manifestation of your growth. Working with a team that understood my brand and the vision for this song was key for me. It was a group effort and each one - from the cinematographer to the child actor - everyone knew their tasks and how they fit in.”
ML broke into the Namibian music scene in 2012 with the single Mem'kwetu Kushiinge. She surprised many with her unique hip-hop kwaito sound and rhythmic Oshiwambo lyrics.
Cassinga is available on all her social mediums and YouTube channel. ML has hinted that 2019 will be there year where Namibians and music lovers alike are sure to experience her musicality like never before.
June Shimuoshili
Music has the ability to transcend storytelling and add a visual element; it is in fact a great medium for picture and sound.
A challenge faced by many contemporary artists today is capturing a historic occurrence and delivering it in an honorary yet relatable manner. ML's The Diplomat album was inspired by the tale of Cassinga as told to her by her aunt, who survived the massacre, prompting her to write and record the tribute song Cassinga.
“The past is an integral part of the definition of who we are as people of today. I really wanted to express my gratitude for those who sacrificed their lives for the liberties we experience today,” ML said.
ML said she recalls her aunt taking her to a Cassinga commemoration event where she met other survivors.
“My aunt was only 13 years old and she was shot in her leg and she lives with this memory every day. I met other survivors who have lost limbs etc. and others who live with the trauma of the event. It seems so unreal until you hear it from those who survived it,” she said.
Growing up in an independent Namibia, the singer says that people sometimes take for granted the reality of the liberation struggle, which was literally just 29 years ago. She said it is important that young people know who decided to take their country back, by sacrificing their own lives.
“At least I now have the opportunity to tell their stories through my music, so the young generation and the ones to come can relate to that defining piece of our history through music. The survivors are our living heroes and that is why I decided to dedicate a song to them while they are still alive,” she said.
The Cassinga music video takes the audience on a three-scene recount journey - the fateful day of the attack, a survivor's perspective and thirdly ML's artistic interpretation, making it relatable to different demographics.
ML was intentional in terms of the cinematic treatment of the video - from the locations and outfits to the mood she wanted to evoke within the viewer.
“Investing in a music video can be expensive but it's a great symbol of your work and a visual manifestation of your growth. Working with a team that understood my brand and the vision for this song was key for me. It was a group effort and each one - from the cinematographer to the child actor - everyone knew their tasks and how they fit in.”
ML broke into the Namibian music scene in 2012 with the single Mem'kwetu Kushiinge. She surprised many with her unique hip-hop kwaito sound and rhythmic Oshiwambo lyrics.
Cassinga is available on all her social mediums and YouTube channel. ML has hinted that 2019 will be there year where Namibians and music lovers alike are sure to experience her musicality like never before.
June Shimuoshili
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