Local music empires
Record labels are instrumental in the development of artists; tjil took some time out to speak to a few Namibian records labels to inquire what they have been up to and what they've got brewing.
Yaziza Entertainment
Started in 2008, it was initially called Green House Entertainment and was founded by Hikwa Pioneer Sunny Boy. Sunny Boy shared that there are a few artists the label is considering signing. “I cannot officially mention those names so at the moment the label only houses me, but in the past, we had artists like Chipolopolo and Kamasutra who have since left the label due to work commitments in different towns, but they are still family,” said Sunny Boy. The label's motto is discovering new talent, nurturing and grooming them into successful artists. “We believe in artists who are talented, passionate, creative, and open minded.
“After my album drops we plan on going on tour, dropping music videos, pushing our clothing range Hikwa and we also plan on venturing into film. This year we will probably shoot a short film,” said Sunny boy.
Gazza Music Production (GMP)
Speaking to tjil, GMP founder Gazza said that the label was officially registered in 2001. Over the years GMP has released albums for artists including Street Kidz, D-Jay, Roger, Naka Blacksheep and Gazza himself. “GMP is probably only independent music stable in Namibia that has released self-funded albums. We have released over 20 albums since we started,” said Gazza. Gazza mentioned that the label is currently going through a restructuring process and will soon be run by a board of directors.
The artists currently signed to GMP include Jeiyo, DJ Shoza, Teqla and Sam-Lee Jones. “This year GMP will release DJ Shoza and Teqla's albums, so look out for those,” said Gazza.
Blvc Boxx Entertainment
Fairly new in the business, Blvc Boxx has managed to achieve so much and has signed some of the currently most trending artists. Blvc Boxx Entertainment's roster include Tesh, King Elegant, Top Cheri, Princelou Faragama, Athawise and Slime. The label's public relations practitioner Anne Hambuda told tjil that their artists are very talented, so the music spreads very easily. “I also think the fact that we are a large crew that moves around together and is always ready for a good time helps us. A lot of people see us and wonder what we are always so excited about because it's always lit wherever we are. And lastly, we as management are a good combination of people who have been pushing the culture in the industry for a while in different ways,” said Hambuda.
The label is throwing a big music concert tomorrow at Zoo Park called BoxxThrive. “BoxxThrive won't die. We will have more. We are celebrating our third birthday with a huge party in August. We are dropping King Elegant's album. We are dropping new and cool merchandise.
“As a label we will also keep learning and growing. Our goal for this year is to continue to conquer the music industry and capture the hearts of all lovers of art,” added Hambuda.
Deal Done Records
Known as the label that produces award-winning artists, Deal Done Records was established in 2007 by Dragan Djokic popularly known as Antonio. The first artist signed to the label was Fishman. “Before launching Deal Done Records I was just doing merchandise for artists and my affiliates advised me to take it to another level by managing artists, and the rest is history,” said Antonio. So far the label has hosted 16 artists. At the moment Deal Done Records signees include Misho, D-Jay, D-Kandjafa and Bella. Revealing his secret for launching successful music careers, Antonio said: “Music is team work. I always have a good team from production to marketing. Whenever I decide to sign artists they first go for evaluation with my trusted producers Araffath Muhuure and Glo, when they approve then I can invest in the artist.”
Other highly notable music labels shifting the music culture in Namibia include; Mshasho, Boss Madam Productions, Ogopa Butterfly, Rockaz, Omalaeti, and more.
MICHAEL KAYUNDE
Started in 2008, it was initially called Green House Entertainment and was founded by Hikwa Pioneer Sunny Boy. Sunny Boy shared that there are a few artists the label is considering signing. “I cannot officially mention those names so at the moment the label only houses me, but in the past, we had artists like Chipolopolo and Kamasutra who have since left the label due to work commitments in different towns, but they are still family,” said Sunny Boy. The label's motto is discovering new talent, nurturing and grooming them into successful artists. “We believe in artists who are talented, passionate, creative, and open minded.
“After my album drops we plan on going on tour, dropping music videos, pushing our clothing range Hikwa and we also plan on venturing into film. This year we will probably shoot a short film,” said Sunny boy.
Gazza Music Production (GMP)
Speaking to tjil, GMP founder Gazza said that the label was officially registered in 2001. Over the years GMP has released albums for artists including Street Kidz, D-Jay, Roger, Naka Blacksheep and Gazza himself. “GMP is probably only independent music stable in Namibia that has released self-funded albums. We have released over 20 albums since we started,” said Gazza. Gazza mentioned that the label is currently going through a restructuring process and will soon be run by a board of directors.
The artists currently signed to GMP include Jeiyo, DJ Shoza, Teqla and Sam-Lee Jones. “This year GMP will release DJ Shoza and Teqla's albums, so look out for those,” said Gazza.
Blvc Boxx Entertainment
Fairly new in the business, Blvc Boxx has managed to achieve so much and has signed some of the currently most trending artists. Blvc Boxx Entertainment's roster include Tesh, King Elegant, Top Cheri, Princelou Faragama, Athawise and Slime. The label's public relations practitioner Anne Hambuda told tjil that their artists are very talented, so the music spreads very easily. “I also think the fact that we are a large crew that moves around together and is always ready for a good time helps us. A lot of people see us and wonder what we are always so excited about because it's always lit wherever we are. And lastly, we as management are a good combination of people who have been pushing the culture in the industry for a while in different ways,” said Hambuda.
The label is throwing a big music concert tomorrow at Zoo Park called BoxxThrive. “BoxxThrive won't die. We will have more. We are celebrating our third birthday with a huge party in August. We are dropping King Elegant's album. We are dropping new and cool merchandise.
“As a label we will also keep learning and growing. Our goal for this year is to continue to conquer the music industry and capture the hearts of all lovers of art,” added Hambuda.
Deal Done Records
Known as the label that produces award-winning artists, Deal Done Records was established in 2007 by Dragan Djokic popularly known as Antonio. The first artist signed to the label was Fishman. “Before launching Deal Done Records I was just doing merchandise for artists and my affiliates advised me to take it to another level by managing artists, and the rest is history,” said Antonio. So far the label has hosted 16 artists. At the moment Deal Done Records signees include Misho, D-Jay, D-Kandjafa and Bella. Revealing his secret for launching successful music careers, Antonio said: “Music is team work. I always have a good team from production to marketing. Whenever I decide to sign artists they first go for evaluation with my trusted producers Araffath Muhuure and Glo, when they approve then I can invest in the artist.”
Other highly notable music labels shifting the music culture in Namibia include; Mshasho, Boss Madam Productions, Ogopa Butterfly, Rockaz, Omalaeti, and more.
MICHAEL KAYUNDE
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