Namibian music is evolving and we love it!

Namibia’s music landscape has long been dominated by genres like kwaito, hip-hop, amapiano, and Afro-pop.

However, a refreshing wind of change has swept through the industry over the years and with the release of two separate tracks on 21 September, Lioness and Basiame, both female artists, are making waves by pushing the boundaries of their respective genres. Basiame is a powerful vocalist, new to the scene, while Lioness – a longtime rapper – is experimenting with a new sound.

‘Insane’

This track by Basiame (Shana Matjila), is a delightful deviation from the typical Namibian music sound. It’s a fun, upbeat pop song that immediately grabs your attention with its catchy hook. The track invites listeners into a playful journey that chronicles the emotional ups and downs of dating, a relatable theme for many. What sets this song apart is Basiame’s impressive vocal range. Her voice effortlessly glides through the melody, displaying her vocal prowess with ease.

In ‘Insane’, Basiame showcases her versatility, proving that she is not limited to a specific genre or style, having previously lended her voice to other genres. The song is a testament to her ability to infuse her own unique style into the Namibian music scene, while introducing us to something that sounds new and refreshing. With this track, Basiame is undoubtedly carving a niche for herself as a versatile artist who can bring a fresh, fun vibe to the industry.

Basiame is a talented Namibian artist known for her powerful vocals and an evolving musical style. Her career has included singing live covers, being previously signed to record label RTE, and now working as an independent artist. She is in the process of creating her extended play and is known for her ability to deliver heartwarming tunes and melodies. Her music reflects her journey of self-discovery and growth in the Namibian music scene.

‘Funk’

On the other side of the spectrum, Lioness, known for her hip-hop prowess, has ventured into new territory with ‘Funk’. This track is a departure from her usual style of rapping, incorporating old school elements and even briefly sampling ‘Weekend Special’ by Brenda Fassie.

‘Funk’ is a revelation of Lioness’ softer and more delicate side, as she explores a more ethereal quality of music. The music video that accompanied the track further illustrates this, with a super high quality music video that looks futuristic, incorporating high fashion in new ways.

The choice to sample Fassie’s iconic hit is a testament to Lioness’s reverence for African music legends and her willingness to blend the old with the new.

‘Funk’ maintains a smooth, groovy vibe that is hard not to move to. It’s a testament to Lioness’s ability to experiment and adapt to different musical genres, while staying true to her unique style. Her lyrical skills shine through, even in this more melodic and rhythm-focused track.

Lioness, also known as La-Toya Mwoombola, is known for her unique style and intricate lyrical skills. Alongside her music career, she also works as a medical doctor. She gained recognition through her 2020 album, ‘Wish You Were Here,’ which fuses Afro-pop, R&B and dancehall elements. Lioness has made a name for herself in Namibia and beyond, and she’s known for her innovation in music and fashion.

Positive Evolution in Namibian Music

These two tracks represent a positive evolution in the Namibian music catalogue. Namibian music has often been associated with specific genres, but these artists are breaking those boundaries. Basiame infuses a refreshing pop sound into the landscape, proving that Namibian music can be versatile and diverse. Similarly, Lioness showcases that even established artists are willing to explore new directions, thereby expanding the horizons of the local music scene. This willingness to experiment and embrace different styles is essential for any music industry’s growth.

• Anne Hambuda is a poet, writer and commentator. Follow her online or email her annehambuda@gmail.com for more.