Tate Buti balances things with ‘Waterpas’

In the world of music in Namibia, one name stands out – Tate Buti, the artist behind 20 heartfelt albums which have left a lasting impact.

Teeleleni Abraham Mumbangala, or simply Tate Buti, is a prominent figure in the country’s music scene, known for his unique beats and meaningful lyrics.

With the release of his 21st album, ‘Waterpas’, Tate Buti has a clear message for his fans: “If you’re caught stealing my music, you’ll have to buy all the CDs.”

In an exclusive interview with The Weekender, Tate Buti opens up about the grind behind his music.

“We work hard, recording late into the night, heading home at 04h00 every day. Our families get used to us arriving home at that hour, forgetting about us.

“It’s disheartening when someone comes and steals our hard work,” he says.

Tate Buti says he is teaming up with police inspector general Joseph Shikongo to tackle music piracy linked to his latest album.

With the law on his side, he’s determined to ensure that his carefully crafted beats reach his true fans, instead of falling into the hands of illegal downloaders.

‘Waterpas’ goes beyond solo work, he says.

The album is set to be released next week.

Tate Buti acknowledges the collaborative spirit fueling his creativity, featuring various local artists.

“I can’t mention them all; there are a lot. We need each other to succeed in this life. I can’t do it alone,” he says, highlighting the communal aspect of his musical journey.

Produced by Mr Glo, Vuyo, and Focus, with beats crafted by Mr Andrew, ‘Waterpas’ promises to be a musical journey guided by Tate Buti’s years of knowledge.

As he announces his 21st album, Tate Buti says he takes pride in being one of a three African artists, alongside Brenda Fassie and the legendary Oliver Mtukudzi, to deliver over 20 albums.

Tate Buti’s dedication to his craft and strong stand against piracy make him not just a musical icon, but also a guardian of the tunes that shape Namibia’s musical story.

‘Waterpas’ is a collection of 20 heartfelt songs.

The album will be available on CD, USB, and online platforms.

Tate Buti says if you know what a waterpas is, you would understand the title of his new album.

“It’s a tool for builders, that’s all I can say for now,” he says.

A waterpas is a level, which is used to check whether a surface is perfectly flat.

Known for delivering festive hits year after year, Tate Buti remains modest about predicting a great track from the album.

“The people will decide which song is a December hit, not me. I make music for the people, not for myself. All the songs are great; I just don’t know which one people would like the most,” he says.

Tate Buti’s advice to aspiring musicians is to remember that talent is important, but it’s not the only ingredient for a successful career.

“It’s not all about talent; you also need discipline. Those are my only words,” he says.

Over the years, Tate Buti has graced the music scene with memorable tunes, such as ‘Meke Meke’, ‘No Beer’, ‘Opena’, ‘Ekke Warie Fkkl’, ‘Kala Pwame’, ‘Inotila’, and ‘Koshushu’.

Each song reflects a different side of his artistry, contributing to the rich tapestry of Namibia’s musical heritage.

As ‘Waterpas’ prepares to make its mark on the music scene, Tate Buti’s journey continues to embody a commitment to craft, a dedication to his audience, and a reminder that in the world of music, humility and hard work remain the true keys to lasting success. – unWrap.online