Killa-B: The Loner Who Thrilled Namibian Audiences

Killa-b, real name Giljon Ngweda, says he used to be a keen sportsman, which is why he could deliver high-octane
performances.

Born at the village Omandongo at Onayena in the Oshikoto region, the performer and songwriter was considered one of
the most industrious performers in Namibia during the 2000s.

“I’ve always been someone who loved music and the stage so much that I give my fans my utmost best during my shows.

I was a very keen sportsman, so fitness was no issue for me – hence the high-octane performances,” he says.

Killa-B has played football for African Blizzards, hockey, rugby for his school team and is a basketball league winner. He
was also a sprinter while at school, and has dabbled in body-building, he says.

The ‘Okinikini’ hitmaker has enjoyed a successful music career in the city where he enjoyed superstar status.

Killa-B did not only pursue his dream to become a music star, but his fondness for the creative arts also saw him working
for the Windhoek-based Saatchi & Saatchi advertising agency as a freelance designer.

SCORING A DESIGNING JOB

“I was never one to shy away from a job or responsibility. I didn’t even apply for my job at Saatchi & Saatchi, because one
of my designing mentors happened to secure a job at the company and recommended me,” the Sanlam Music Awards
winner says.

“Working for that company with true professionals was a wonderful experience, and I enjoyed every moment away from
music. I am also a fashion designer. I used to take my designs to Herero ladies for sewing.”

Killa-B says he never did anything for fame.

“I did something just to put my creative mind in motion. It didn’t matter if it was music, mentoring other artists or creative
designing.”

Although his rapping and dancing were mostly inspired by American rapper MC Hammer, Killa-B was musically influenced
by the late South African queen of pop Brenda Fassie.

He has also acted in documentaries with renowned HIV-AIDS awareness campaigner Philippe Talavera of Ombetja Yehinga Organisation.

The singer had hits like ‘Eliko’, which he describes as his best song ever, ‘Takusapele’, ‘Kuzanale’ and ‘Sponono’.

He has produced more than 10 albums for the Namibian music audience.

Killa-B says ‘Eliko’ was the theme song for his first big project – the Castle Lager Roadshow.

He says he had to travel to Swakopmund to discuss the theme of the song with Olavi, whom he featured on the track,
which is done over a Damara punch beat.

Killa-B’s first producer, Steven Alvin !Naruseb of Welwitschia Music Productions, has only good things to say about the
former Namibia English Primary School pupil.

“I have known Killa-B from his formation. In fact, I have produced his first two albums, including ‘Eliko’, which was
undoubtedly his most successful project.

“He is an easy-going young man and he knows what he wants when he enters the recording studio,” says !Naruseb.

“He is really talented, because you can give him any beat and he will quickly come up with a melody. He likes live music,
and I think he grew up in a live band environment because he didn’t like computerised stuff.

“He was very punctual and disciplined in the studio as well.”

!Naruseb says he always included Killa-B in his roadshows, which also gave him exposure and popularised his music
among ma /gaisa fans.

‘NO GOSSIP WORRIES’

Killa-B says gossip does not affect him.

“Some of my projects I have done quietly, while they were gossiping about me going broke. It was business as usual for
me, because I was busy mentoring artists at Onayena and Katima Mulilo,” he says.

“That’s why I no longer like being in the limelight. People are too judgemental and judge others on materialistic things.

“Gone are the days I would do things to impress or make people think I’m a millionaire while I was just another struggling
artist in Windhoek.”

The singer is currently in the studio applying the final touches to what would be his 11th studio album, ‘Heart Of A Lion’.

He says he is also in the final stages of launching his highly anticipated autobiography with the same title.

‘NO PERSONAL LIFE’

The artist says he has never had a personal life, because of his so-called superstar status.

“I had a lot of run-ins with fellow artists or over-zealous friends, but that is something of the past. I am back to my own self,

I am done with living for other people.

“I’m back to Killa-B the loner.”
Killa-B is a third-year University of Namibia dropout who quit his anthropology studies.

The father of two is advising upcoming artists to respect their culture and embrace change in their music careers.