Erna Chimu scoops Akademia award
Go-getter Erna Chimu speaks to tjil about how she seizes every opportunity that comes her way. With this mindset, the jazz artist managed to win herself an honorary award at the Akademia awards.
Jazz fusion artist Erna Chimu seems to have the Midas touch as she keeps winning both locally and globally. The artist recently shared the thrilling news with her fans on social media about the latest award she bagged from the Akademia Music Awards.
“The award means more hard work and always keeping my music original and genuine. I never thought I stood a chance. Over five billion songs, my song ended up among the top 15 000 and later to the top 10. I’m reaching for the number-one spot,” said the excited artist.
The awards are dedicated to identifying and developing top musical talent from across the globe and were established in 2008. According to the website, winning an Akademia Award is a career milestone that immediately pulls one out of the crowd and distinguishes one’s achievements. The Akademia Music Awards provides the opportunity for artists to embark on a full promotional campaign through radio, press, video, retailers, and licensing and live event channels.
Chimu says the importance of such awards is the fact that people are exposed to the artist’s music and one can easily get invited to various festivals selling artists to the world. She encourages other artists to explore whatever platforms are available online and to share their music.
“You’ve got nothing to lose. We can’t and won’t grow as a nation if we don't support and appreciate our music and culture. These are our roots and this is what makes us unique to stand out against the rest of the world,” she said.
The winning song, “Telewaniba” (San version) which means nothing is impossible when one has God on your side is taken from her first album “Imamakunguwen” released in 2009. Chimu says the song keeps opening doors for her as it won her, her first NAMA award for best traditional song 2010, got her signed to South African-based company, Sheer Publishers and it got her on the compilation album of Salon International “Musique Africane” (Sima) in Cameroon.
“You've been watching other people’s ideas in movies, reading their stories, listening and singing to their music. Where are your ideas? When will the world hear your story,” she asked.
June Shimuoshili
“The award means more hard work and always keeping my music original and genuine. I never thought I stood a chance. Over five billion songs, my song ended up among the top 15 000 and later to the top 10. I’m reaching for the number-one spot,” said the excited artist.
The awards are dedicated to identifying and developing top musical talent from across the globe and were established in 2008. According to the website, winning an Akademia Award is a career milestone that immediately pulls one out of the crowd and distinguishes one’s achievements. The Akademia Music Awards provides the opportunity for artists to embark on a full promotional campaign through radio, press, video, retailers, and licensing and live event channels.
Chimu says the importance of such awards is the fact that people are exposed to the artist’s music and one can easily get invited to various festivals selling artists to the world. She encourages other artists to explore whatever platforms are available online and to share their music.
“You’ve got nothing to lose. We can’t and won’t grow as a nation if we don't support and appreciate our music and culture. These are our roots and this is what makes us unique to stand out against the rest of the world,” she said.
The winning song, “Telewaniba” (San version) which means nothing is impossible when one has God on your side is taken from her first album “Imamakunguwen” released in 2009. Chimu says the song keeps opening doors for her as it won her, her first NAMA award for best traditional song 2010, got her signed to South African-based company, Sheer Publishers and it got her on the compilation album of Salon International “Musique Africane” (Sima) in Cameroon.
“You've been watching other people’s ideas in movies, reading their stories, listening and singing to their music. Where are your ideas? When will the world hear your story,” she asked.
June Shimuoshili
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article