Ayce Flame Turns Pain Into Purpose Through Music

Rapper and songwriter Ayce Flame, born Mpo Shakanda, says his journey into music began in the most unexpected of places – a military training ground in 2015.

Born on 22 March 1992 at Muyako village in the Zambezi region, Shakanda recalls being ordered, along with fellow recruits, to perform original songs to distract from the cold. His decision to step forward not only earned him a reprieve, it also set him on a path that would define his life.

“That night, I realised music wasn’t just survival, rather it was my purpose,” Flame says.

Today, Flame performs under the slogan ‘Legends Reincarnated’ – a phrase he says reflects his determination to defy trends and reshape Namibia’s soundscape.

“Rap, Afrobeat, jazz, reggae and riddim all show up in my catalogue, but always with a vocal-heavy touch that makes my tracks undeniable,” he explains.

Flame released his debut album, ‘Pull Da Trigga’, in 2021, available across digital platforms, and is currently preparing for his next release on 23 November. CDs and digital editions will be released simultaneously, while a music video for the single ‘Musohe’ is set for mid-September.

For Flame, music is more than entertainment. He says every track must be rooted in honesty and emotion. “Each song should feel like an experience, not just a track,” he says.

While he draws inspiration from global icons like Whitney Houston and Michael Bolton, he stresses that his greatest influence is resilience. “What really shaped me is not fame or flash, it’s survival. Years of domestic abuse under a violent stepfather taught me grit, and my music reflects that,” he says.

That resilience also informs his lyrical style, which he describes as “storytelling with intention”. He insists his focus is empowerment over escapism. “Whether I am writing for myself or penning hits for others, my focus is always clarity, impact and purpose,” he adds.

Flame’s work already includes collaborations with Sean Blizzy and Waka, and videos such as ‘Olusomi’ and ‘KSS’.

But he believes his next breakthrough depends on stronger backing. “What I need now isn’t hype, it’s infrastructure. A real manager who understands development, not just short-term wins,” he says.

His vision for live performances is equally ambitious. “I don’t want polished playback. I want a raw band, vibing with the crowd, letting the emotion stretch the music into something new,” he says.

A 2022 performance with the Namibian Police Force Brass Band remains one of his proudest moments.

“I am not chasing trends, I am building a legacy. My music isn’t just art; it’s a testimony, therapy and ambition rolled into one,” Flame says.

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