‘Local but Jazz’ rocks Windhoek

Gospel rapper Leopold Vatilifa, popularly known as Dee’A, surpassed expectations with his ‘Local but Jazz’ event on Saturday night.

The event took place at Vinyls in Windhoek and featured Dee’A and the Hot Pocket Band.

Other performers included Esme-Songbird, Fabrice and Franklin Shitaleni, also known as Northside Rabbi.

Dee’A says the event was aimed at promoting local music and shining a spotlight on Namibian jazz artists.

The show started with an electrifying performance by the Hot Pocket Band, represented by Avo, Zito, Imms and Fernando Piu.

They did a cover of American musician Joe’s ‘I Wanna Know’.

Dee’A then joined the band, with Zassha backing him up, and featuring Otto Gotlieb on the keyboard.

The crowd was captured after Dee’A performed ‘Dingililange’ from the ‘Evangeli’ album.

“I wrote that song at a time when people did not believe in me or my music. Some told me I won’t be able to make money or feed my family, or I won’t go anywhere.

“I then decided to go to the studio and express myself,” he says.

Dee’A says liberty in Christ makes it possible for believers to express their love for God anywhere.

He says rap music and inspiration from artists like Lacrae, Trip Lee and others were among the reasons why he became a Christian.

“I did not become a Christian because a pastor prayed for me. I love music, I love rap, but I love Jesus, hence gospel rap,” he says.

Dee’A also performed ‘Ando Ondina Omalaka’ with Franklin from the ‘Don’t Worry About It’ album, a beautiful piece that saw those in the audience who know the song sing along.

His beautiful performance of ‘He Saves’ from the ‘Victory’ album with Franklin turned into a praise-and-worship session.

And what is jazz without Esme Katjikuru, also known as Esme-Songbird, who did a cover of ‘Music in The Air’.

Let’s not forget Fabrice, a saxophonist who did a cover of Dee’A’s ‘I’m Vibing’, beautifully engaging the crowd.

Although Franklin, also known as ‘Northside Rabbi’, performed with Dee’A, he also brought his own music – a mixture of poetry and jazz.