Ovi-trap makes waves

Namibian rapper, Ngaihape Mupurua, known as Nga-I, has come out of nowhere to stake his claim as one of the leaders in the local hip-hop game, with his self-created rap style, widely known as Ovi-trap. Ovi-trap is a fusion of enchanting Otjiherero vernacular lyrics, with what has become known as trap music. Trap music is a subgenre of hip-hop that originated during the 1990s in the southern parts of the United States. It is typified by its ominous lyrics and sound that incorporate double or triple-time sub-divided hi-hats, heavy-kick drums from a Roland TR-808 synthesiser, layered synthesisers and cinematic strings. The term 'trap' initially referred to places where drug deals take place. In recent years it has been incorporated with electronic dance music (EDM) by artists who have remixed and made trap songs with more EDM-like aspects. In Namibia, Nga-I has gone one better, by mixing this emerging sub-genre with Otjiherero rap lyrics, while in the process carving out a niche for himself on the local scene.The 23-year-old artist is full-time student at IUM, but he is also certainly serving up some fresh and innovative musical creations, which has pushed him to the forefront of the local hip-hop game. Speaking to tjil, Nga-I confirmed he had indeed created a new music genre called it Ovi-trap, but has received mixed reactions about it from other rappers. “Some of the rappers here hating because I created my own style of rap using the Otjiherero vernacular with trap beats,” he said.He does admit, however that he's not the first to use Otjiherero vernacular while rapping, but he's the only one that makes it sound that good. Nga-I released his debut album titled Ovi-trap Chief late last year and this culminated in his hit track titled 'Kurama' being nominated in the Best Rap/Hip-Hop and Song of the Year categories at this year's Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMA). He says that Ovi-trap is actually a mosquito trap, and it originates from South America.“My older sister, Snowflake, was rapping with the Contract Killers back in the day, and I would listen and be inspired by her raps. High school played a big role in motivating me to start rapping professionally. My friends and I would perform at high school events or just even during break time, so it was easier for me to dedicate my time and money to my craft,” he said. During his school days, the blossoming rapper would use his money to pay for studio time as he honed his rapping skills.According to his Sound Cloud page, Nga-I started writing music in 2004, but it was only in 2009 that he started to record his music. He was in grade 9 when he recorded his first-ever hit track in Jerry's studio. Nga-I recalls the studio not being much, but he did not care as he just wanted to rap. He further said that he wants to dedicate his music to a school friend, who has since passed away.Nga-I recorded his first demo in 2014, and went on to record four mix tapes in 2015, before dropping an extended play recording in March 2016. His first Ovi-trap song, titled 300, received 2 900 views on YouTube. However, his music video latest offering has hip-hop lovers all over the country going crazy. Nga-I's Ovi-trap songs speak about his life, especially about him being a “farm boy” growing up in Windhoek.“I'm a farm boy, I like to farm, I stay in Windhoek, but I regularly go to the farm to find inspiration for my music.” He tries to motivate young people, while also focusing on the fun elements of life, including partying and meeting girls. In the song 300, for example, he speaks of needing just N$300 for new shoes and to entertain girls for his birthday. This is a far cry from the ominous, bleak and gritty lyrical content of American trap music, which focuses on the underground criminal sub-culture, including drug deals and pimping. Typical trap lyrical themes include street life, poverty, violence and harsh experiences in urban inner city surroundings. However, African artists such as Phyno from Nigeria and Cassper Nyovest from South Africa have been pushing Afro-trap in recent years, which is more closely aligned with the fun elements, as portrayed by Nga-I.The Namibian rap sensation said he is adamant that he will not be just another one-hit wonder, but someone who wants to contribute to Namibian hip-hop, and Namibian music, overall.

Ovi-trap makes waves

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Namibian Sun 2026-04-17

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Ovi-trap makes waves

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Namibian Sun 2026-04-17

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