Gazza Talks GMP, A New Album and the Birthday Tour

CURRENT Male Artist of the Year, Gazza spoke to The Weekender about his direction with the new album, members of the GMP family and a couple of details about the Birthday Celebration Tour, which has already taken place at Koko Lounge, Ongwediva and SteakHouse, Walvis Bay.

Gazza is finally working on his new album that is expected for release this year. Although he has proven to the country (and the world) what he is capable of, there’s a lot more in store for his fans. “I’ve been trying to get a feel of who I am and what I want to do,” Gazza said. “With this album, I’m going borrow from my traditional heritage and bring it to the fore.”

Inspired by the early authors of traditional Namibian music like Tate Kwela and Ras Sheehama, Gazza is attempting to “answer to the ancestors” and incorporate modern and traditional elements in terms of lyrical content and rhythms.

“I’m holding on to the roots of where I come from,” he noted. A couple of commercial tracks will be included as well, but Gazza reiterated that this album is expected to define the star on another level.

“I won’t suppress my musical feelings in order to fit in,” he said. “I still look up to a lot of artists who have sang from the depths of tradition.”

One song he singled out is Sheehama’s ‘Winds of Change’ which is a written as a prophecy for Namibia. And drawing strength from that, Gazza pointed out that fans should not expect the usual kind of album.

“It will show growth and live elements, so I’ll be borrowing local pianists, guitarists, etc.”

Those who have been keeping their ears open should have heard about a couple of tracks from artists signed under GMP making waves. Jeiyo’s album ‘Life’, for example, has been doing well commercially, but Gazza admits that more can be done with it. “It’s still going to be re-released under Universal Music and to phase out a few issues that it had. This should give us a wider distribution.” And the PR will definitely speak for itself. DJ Shoza has been prospering with his own singles and collaborations with other artists including Blacksheep. But the resident GMP DJ is still in the studio and moving on up with his career.

“He’s not quite confident to release his album right now,” Gazza said, but fans can still keep a lookout for new music on the way.

That’s not all. Gazza confirmed that singer Teqla (formerly known as Tequila) is halfway done with her new album.

“The first single is still receiving good airplay,” he said. “It was number one for a long time. I feel like we need a follow up, but it’s entirely up to her.”

Award-winning producer Sam-E Lee Jones is also working on something big. He may still be finding his style as an artist, but Gazza divulged this: “When he’s ready, the industry will be in for a shock”.

Gazza is on a mission with this year’s birthday celebrations. The tour will make its way to Windhoek this weekend.

“The attendance at Koko Lounge was very good, the best I’ve seen in a while,” Gazza said.

“Business is slowing down but people came up and they were dressed to fit the occasion.”

And he was even more impressed with Walvis Bay. “The energy of the performances was different, it woke a lot of things in me!”

For tonight’s birthday celebrations, Gazza invites one and all to come out in numbers to Monaco Lounge. This time around, the party will include a competition for the best dressed man and woman, judged by Meriam Kaxuxwena, who will receive a hamper.

Performers such as DJ Shoza, Cool Under Pressure, Nga-I and a surprise performer from South Africa are expected to light up the stage.

And if you’re at Rundu tomorrow, Gazza will be performing at the grand opening of Nitecall, alongside Dielodrums, DJ Spuzza and RMK Soul from 15h00 until late.