Music that stood the test of time
After three decades of freedom and independence, we take a look back at music history. Do your homework, born-frees!
Compiling this list was challenging because we didn't want to overlook anyone's success, but after various consultations with industry experts, here are tjil's 30 most impactful musicians of the last 30 years.
Jackson Kaujeua
The liberation musician's contribution to the Namibian music industry cannot be denied. Kaujeua paved the way for so many artists, despite the scene having significantly fewer platforms during his era. For his contribution, the late Kaujeua was honoured with the first-ever Namibian Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sanlam NBC Music Awards in 2002. His music lives on and continues to inspire the nation.
Tate Buti
With 17 albums to his name, Tate Buti has been in top form since his first body of work.
Every album he has put out has spawned multiple hits. He carved out a genre for himself called kwiku and has inspired so many artists to borrow from his sound.
In his own words on Happy Day, he is still very nice and focused. Last year, he embarked on a journey of scouting talent around the country with his brainchild, Visible Talent Namibia. “Visible Talent Namibia is a talent search show set to turn any act into a lucrative career for any dreamer,” Tate Buti told tjil last year
.
Gazza
Gazza has been holding it down for what is considered the new school of music in Namibia since the early 2000s.
His music has been serving as the voice of the people on a commercial level. He is Namibia's musical ambassador to the world and his music, coupled with his impressive work ethic and business acumen, has helped him bring continental awards home. Last year, he became the first Namibian artist to reach a million views on YouTube with his hit song Chelete. Salute to the GOAT in Namibia
King Tee Dee
Formerly known as The Dogg, King Tee Dee is one of the most celebrated Namibian artists. He burst onto the scene with his first offering Shimaliw' Ostatana in 2004 and hasn't looked back since.
His music is celebrated beyond Namibian borders and his fan base, or cult following rather, continue to hold him down. King Tee Dee is one of the artists who continues staying relevant without having to release new music yearly. Not many artists have that privilege. Besides music, King Tee Dee is also a successful businessman.
He has created the blueprint for so many artists, not just musically but in business too. Before rebranding to King Tee Dee, he released 10 solo albums as well as collaborative albums with Gazza, Elvo and Pablo, and Qonja.
Gal Level
Made up of Oteya and Frieda, Gal Level is a former duo who made a fusion of rhythm and blues, Afro-pop and dancehall.
At their peak, the duo was so successful that their hit music catapulted them into the African market, earning them multiple Channel O awards. Gal Level was also nominated in the best female group southern Africa category at the Kora Awards. They've since embarked on solo journeys but still continue to contribute to and shape the Namibian sound immensely.
Here are 25 other impactful artists whose music we have enjoyed over the last 30 years:
Big Ben
Killa B
People's Choice
Welwitchia Crew (Phura, Stanley, Stella and Allen Jonathan)
Pablo
Patricia Ochurus
Capitol K
Lady May
Stanley Mubiana
Jericho
Sunny Boy
Ndilimani Cultural Troupe
Exit & Mushe
Sally Boss Madam
Berthold Mbinda
Eric Mahe
PDK
Shikololo
Kanibal
Ongoro no mundu
Erna Chimu
Matongo Family
Tate Kwela
Ras Sheehama
Qonja
Special mentions
Impactus 4
Axali Doeseb
Axue
Ees
Boli Mootseng
Jackson Kaujeua
The liberation musician's contribution to the Namibian music industry cannot be denied. Kaujeua paved the way for so many artists, despite the scene having significantly fewer platforms during his era. For his contribution, the late Kaujeua was honoured with the first-ever Namibian Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sanlam NBC Music Awards in 2002. His music lives on and continues to inspire the nation.
Tate Buti
With 17 albums to his name, Tate Buti has been in top form since his first body of work.
Every album he has put out has spawned multiple hits. He carved out a genre for himself called kwiku and has inspired so many artists to borrow from his sound.
In his own words on Happy Day, he is still very nice and focused. Last year, he embarked on a journey of scouting talent around the country with his brainchild, Visible Talent Namibia. “Visible Talent Namibia is a talent search show set to turn any act into a lucrative career for any dreamer,” Tate Buti told tjil last year
.
Gazza
Gazza has been holding it down for what is considered the new school of music in Namibia since the early 2000s.
His music has been serving as the voice of the people on a commercial level. He is Namibia's musical ambassador to the world and his music, coupled with his impressive work ethic and business acumen, has helped him bring continental awards home. Last year, he became the first Namibian artist to reach a million views on YouTube with his hit song Chelete. Salute to the GOAT in Namibia
King Tee Dee
Formerly known as The Dogg, King Tee Dee is one of the most celebrated Namibian artists. He burst onto the scene with his first offering Shimaliw' Ostatana in 2004 and hasn't looked back since.
His music is celebrated beyond Namibian borders and his fan base, or cult following rather, continue to hold him down. King Tee Dee is one of the artists who continues staying relevant without having to release new music yearly. Not many artists have that privilege. Besides music, King Tee Dee is also a successful businessman.
He has created the blueprint for so many artists, not just musically but in business too. Before rebranding to King Tee Dee, he released 10 solo albums as well as collaborative albums with Gazza, Elvo and Pablo, and Qonja.
Gal Level
Made up of Oteya and Frieda, Gal Level is a former duo who made a fusion of rhythm and blues, Afro-pop and dancehall.
At their peak, the duo was so successful that their hit music catapulted them into the African market, earning them multiple Channel O awards. Gal Level was also nominated in the best female group southern Africa category at the Kora Awards. They've since embarked on solo journeys but still continue to contribute to and shape the Namibian sound immensely.
Here are 25 other impactful artists whose music we have enjoyed over the last 30 years:
Big Ben
Killa B
People's Choice
Welwitchia Crew (Phura, Stanley, Stella and Allen Jonathan)
Pablo
Patricia Ochurus
Capitol K
Lady May
Stanley Mubiana
Jericho
Sunny Boy
Ndilimani Cultural Troupe
Exit & Mushe
Sally Boss Madam
Berthold Mbinda
Eric Mahe
PDK
Shikololo
Kanibal
Ongoro no mundu
Erna Chimu
Matongo Family
Tate Kwela
Ras Sheehama
Qonja
Special mentions
Impactus 4
Axali Doeseb
Axue
Ees
Boli Mootseng
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