There’s a lot to be said about Namibia’s music scene in 2023, and without a major music awards show to rely on any more, I take it upon myself to insert my opinion and highlight rising stars who this year proved that local artists can pull numbers.
Yeezir, with his debut album, ‘21’, is one of them.
The music video for his track ‘Ila Apa’ has not only captured the attention of local audiences, but has also garnered more than 200 000 views in just a month, signaling that there is a serious thirst for Namibian music and a gap in the industry for a new, young and multitalented heart-throb.
The music video for ‘Ila Apa’ really does a good job of complementing the theme of the song – love.
The outdoor scenery and epic cinematography contribute to the overall appeal, making it captivating and a step in the right direction for the industry (though it’s not a storyline we haven’t seen before).
The question remains whether this artist, real name Kondjashili Abel, can step up to the plate.
Yeezir’s musical style – a fusion of Afro-pop and RnB, with elements of traditional African music – has resonated with fans, drawing comparisons to the likes of Burna Boy and at times Ty Dolla Sign on social media.
His ability to weave these influences into his own sound is evident in standout tracks such as the popular ‘Pretty Vibes’ and newer songs ‘Millionaire’ and ‘Company’.
What sets Yeezir apart is his potential for growth and exploration within the musical landscape.
While the international influences are noticeable, there’s a sense of anticipation to witness Yeezir venture into uncharted territories and carve out his unique musical identity.
It would be great to hear him explore other avenues and widen his range to create something unique to him.
The prospect of him experimenting with different sounds and styles is exciting, as he is an artist who can mature and evolve over time.
He may not be there yet, but he should be on your radar.
As ‘Ila Apa’ continues to gain traction and Yeezir’s following steadily grows, it is becoming more evident that Namibians are not only appreciative of their local talent but actively seeking it out.
One of the album’s highlights, ‘Pretty Vibes’, showcases Yeezir’s vocal versatility and knack for crafting catchy melodies and viral hits.
The way this song exploded has been something to watch, and can teach others quite a bit.
Seeing him tour the country practically non-stop is duly noted.
The emergence of new faces in local music in the last handful of years is testament to the potential, and I do believe that younger audiences and consumers want something they can relate to, as opposed to the same dudes who’ve been dominating for long.
Looking forward, I’m hoping we can start to demand more of Namibian artists.
We hope to see more international performances and endorsements, a deeper understanding of music, poetry, production and performance art, responsible and intentional use of one’s influence, experimentation, exploration and better music videos.
As 2023 comes to a close, the optimism for the future of Namibian music in 2024 is unavoidable.
The enthusiastic reception of Namibian pop stars, the growing views and the ever-expanding fan bases indicate a promising trajectory for both Yeezir and the local music industry.
As we anticipate further growth and innovation, the emergence of young talents as a musical force triggers hope for what lies ahead in Namibian music.
– Anne Hambuda is a writer, social commentator and poet. Follow her online @anne__ngl or email her annehambuda@gmail.com for more.
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