Nga-I the ‘Herero Hero’

MICHAEL KAYUNDE WINDHOEK Namibian Sun’s first EP review for 2021 is a look at Herero Hero by OviTrap pioneer Nga-I, which has been out for a while now on Donlu Africa. I feel like Nga-I is one of those rare artists who, if you were to look in any corner of Namibia, even the world, you would not find anyone like them. I am always waiting to see what he does next sonically, so when he sent me this project over the holidays, I took my time to listen to it so I could review it properly. I have enjoyed almost everything Nga-I has put out. Every release is different from the music that is out at the moment. He is always innovative. Always refreshing. But there’s something about this EP that has found a very special place in my heart. Herero Hero boasts nine songs, most of which carry his signature sound as far as instrumentation is concerned. It is a very OviTrap album. Family and fatherhoodWhile he doesn’t say much on the intro, the project picks up from the second track, Kozondudu, which is a very strong start to the EP as he makes reference to family and fatherhood - the main themes of the EP lyrically. “She gave me a baby and the baby gotta eat,” he raps. This body of work is packed with single-worthy tracks that can guarantee him spins on radio and streams on digital platforms. These include Peri-Peri, Do The Most and Call Me – the latter which is the centrepiece of the EP. What Nga-I did on Call Me is nothing short of amazing. An incredibly well written and produced song, it’s a perfect track from a flawless project - 10/10 across the board. The only thing I feel is missing from the project are recorded moments of him being a father. I expected to hear more short interludes of him and his daughter Nation, since fatherhood mainly informs his writing on this project. But overall, Herero Hero a beautiful body of work. Well worth the hype, honestly.

Nga-I the ‘Herero Hero’

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-05

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Nga-I the ‘Herero Hero’

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-05

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