A region's hope
Don't get it twisted, the north has one of the most popping music scenes in the country, and Amazonkies is leading the pack.
As one of the leading names on the northern music scene, Amazonkies sat down with tjil to discuss their sophomore album and why Namibia needs to pay attention.
It's one thing to put pressure on yourself to achieve your dreams; it's a completely different ball game to carry the responsibility of representing your region.
Such is the position of Ongwediva-based trio Amazonkies. Yes, headlines referencing the northern towns usually involve witty shots taken at their seemingly everlasting social problems. What they don't tell you is that the north has the highest number of artists, and secondly (which shouldn't be surprising considering the previous fact), the line of talented artists there spans longer than Tjama Tjivijua's rector term at NUST. Among these artists, Amazonkies is making a name in the music space one album at a time.
Hungry, inspired and currently promoting their second album, Lose Control, the trio show no sign of slowing down any time soon.
Consisting of Tommy, Ferry and Starking, Amazonkies told tjil they are content with how the market has received Lose Control, but acknowledged that more work has to be put in to market the album so that it reaches the masses. It is for this reason that they are kicking off their album tour today at Okahandja. The tour will also include Windhoek, the coast and Rundu. “We are excited to be going on tour. Our album is still fresh on the market and this tour will give us a nice platform to share and engage with our fans,” Ferry said.
The trio released a music video last week in efforts to promote their latest offering. “The Money music video is another way of us ensuring that people understand what this album is about,” Starking added.
Being based at Ongwediva, Tommy shared they encounter a lot of challenges in pushing their music nationally. He emphasised that the music scene in the north isn't exactly latent, but opportunities are mainly found in Windhoek. “It is for this reason that we travel to Windhoek a lot so that we do not get left behind,” he said.
Another approach they have taken to ensure they remain relevant is fostering fruitful partnerships and collaborations with other artists. Lose Control features Ees, Don Kamati, Hilifa94, Sunny Boy, Araffat, KapteinTswazi and Ama Daz-Floor. “We are open to working with anyone, as long as the artist is serious about creating music with us and the energy is right.
“We look forward to working with more artists in the future.”
Amazonkies work closely with Ees. When asked whether they are signed to his label, Nam Flava Music, the trio said they aren't, but have a professional working relationship with Ees.
“He is one of the people who see potential in us and thus he helps us in marketing our music for it to get out there,” Starking said.
They attribute their success to hard work, dedication, talent as well as being consistent in putting out visuals, not just in the form of music videos but photos as well. “We have entrusted Racio Media to do most of our photo shoots and we sort of act as Racio Media's brand ambassadors,” Tommy shared.
Lose Control is available countrywide and online. “Our album is just N$100 because, for us, it's not about making money, but being heard.
“So go out there get a copy and tell us what you think of the album. Such information will help in determining which songs to shoot music videos for or to perform when we are booked for gigs,” said Tommy.
MICHAEL KAYUNDE
It's one thing to put pressure on yourself to achieve your dreams; it's a completely different ball game to carry the responsibility of representing your region.
Such is the position of Ongwediva-based trio Amazonkies. Yes, headlines referencing the northern towns usually involve witty shots taken at their seemingly everlasting social problems. What they don't tell you is that the north has the highest number of artists, and secondly (which shouldn't be surprising considering the previous fact), the line of talented artists there spans longer than Tjama Tjivijua's rector term at NUST. Among these artists, Amazonkies is making a name in the music space one album at a time.
Hungry, inspired and currently promoting their second album, Lose Control, the trio show no sign of slowing down any time soon.
Consisting of Tommy, Ferry and Starking, Amazonkies told tjil they are content with how the market has received Lose Control, but acknowledged that more work has to be put in to market the album so that it reaches the masses. It is for this reason that they are kicking off their album tour today at Okahandja. The tour will also include Windhoek, the coast and Rundu. “We are excited to be going on tour. Our album is still fresh on the market and this tour will give us a nice platform to share and engage with our fans,” Ferry said.
The trio released a music video last week in efforts to promote their latest offering. “The Money music video is another way of us ensuring that people understand what this album is about,” Starking added.
Being based at Ongwediva, Tommy shared they encounter a lot of challenges in pushing their music nationally. He emphasised that the music scene in the north isn't exactly latent, but opportunities are mainly found in Windhoek. “It is for this reason that we travel to Windhoek a lot so that we do not get left behind,” he said.
Another approach they have taken to ensure they remain relevant is fostering fruitful partnerships and collaborations with other artists. Lose Control features Ees, Don Kamati, Hilifa94, Sunny Boy, Araffat, KapteinTswazi and Ama Daz-Floor. “We are open to working with anyone, as long as the artist is serious about creating music with us and the energy is right.
“We look forward to working with more artists in the future.”
Amazonkies work closely with Ees. When asked whether they are signed to his label, Nam Flava Music, the trio said they aren't, but have a professional working relationship with Ees.
“He is one of the people who see potential in us and thus he helps us in marketing our music for it to get out there,” Starking said.
They attribute their success to hard work, dedication, talent as well as being consistent in putting out visuals, not just in the form of music videos but photos as well. “We have entrusted Racio Media to do most of our photo shoots and we sort of act as Racio Media's brand ambassadors,” Tommy shared.
Lose Control is available countrywide and online. “Our album is just N$100 because, for us, it's not about making money, but being heard.
“So go out there get a copy and tell us what you think of the album. Such information will help in determining which songs to shoot music videos for or to perform when we are booked for gigs,” said Tommy.
MICHAEL KAYUNDE
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