Singer and live performer Maria Immanuel, popularly known as ML, caused quite a stir on social media on Tuesday when she posted the cover design of her new album, ‘Healer’.
ML is an independent Namibian artist who has quickly become a prominent name in the music scene.
The album artwork has been received with mixed emotions from some fans, with some believing it is provocative and others saying it’s not appealing and looks as if it was painted by a child.
“I’m so happy the album cover is generating emotions. Negative or positive, I take it as an individual interpretation of their emotions in that moment,” says ML, adding that the subjective nature of art is the amazing thing about creativity.
The singer says the album cover was designed by her favourite visual artist, Inotila Nghaamwa, who does authentic and beautiful paintings.
“I fell in love with his recent collection when I was finishing my album, and I have always actually thought of one day doing an artwork [cover]. I think the timing is perfect.”
The orginal artwork depicted on the album cover is soon to go on auction in Sweden, says ML.
She adds that she asked Nghaamwa to create an album cover, and he made the piece while listening to the new album and interpreting the title, ‘Healer’.
“Creativity at this level is felt, not explained,” she says.
“My take on the negative comments on the album cover: I seriously don’t see them as negative unless you’re maliciously attacking; then those are other problems we can’t help with right now.
“I think everyone’s opinion is an interpretation of how they choose to interpret it, and sometimes it is also influenced by exposure. Limited exposure can hold us hostage. But I’m truly happy people are expressing themselves.”
‘Healer’ is ML’s seventh studio album.
“Every drop is different, like every season. On this album, there is some really hard-core talent you don’t know about right now,” says ML, such as Nash Wizdom, Deep Saints from South Africa, Foxxmadeit from Tanzania, Uncle V on the Beat and Deon Negumbo, both from Namibia.
She also featured Simon Bane from the Czech Republic, G Nako from Tanzania, TopCheri, Zomblam, and her aunt Rauna Shoonyeka.
The 13-track album features hits like ‘Check Out Healing’, ‘Kwali’, ‘I’ll Be Here’, ‘Bampa’ and ‘Tjuku’.
ML says she is still not where she wants to be, so she doesn’t count what she has done over the last five years as an achievement.
“I want to push beyond my country, that’s the aim of my music,” says ML.
Fans can expect more visuals, social content, appearances and music events, she promises.
She’s also looking forward to performing at the New Year’s countdown at Katakombe in Windhoek.
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