Some of Namibia’s unsung sport stars, photographers, videographers and entertainment personalities get two thumbs up from Lize Ehlers and DJ Alu in ‘Kudos’. A feel-good Afro-electronic single and music video by DJ Alu with lyrics and vocals by Ehlers in association with Red Bull Namibia.
Produced by DJ Alu who was inspired to approach Ehlers to sing on his beat after pouring through her SoundCloud and being amazed by the diversity of her discography, the popular young DJ simply tried his luck and was thrilled that the NAMA award-winning actress obliged.
Featuring documentary style footage of Namibian achievers ranging from rally driver and drifter Richard Slamet to Motocross star Mark Sternagel intercut with the familiar faces of actress Odile Gertze, international model Behati Prinsloo and photographer Martin Amushendje each shining bright in their respective element, the video is about celebrating Namibians who never give up on their dreams and has the sole purpose of inspiring more to do the same.
“I’ve always been a dreamer, and I’ve always been inspired by Hollywood stars and people abroad, but the more I’ve grown, the more I’ve found inspiration right here around me,” says DJ Alu who came up with the concept which was ultimately recorded at Swakopmund by Nautilus Studios and shot by Prostudios.
“People coming from the same place as me, regardless of certain limitations, have pushed for their dreams and have achieved amazing things. So I feel like this video is a tribute to only a fraction of them.”
Inspired by Red Bull Namibia’s support of athletes and sport, the video goes beyond entertainment, lifestyle and fashion icons while its message of “kudos to those who never give up” is for everyone.
“We wanted to show various unsung heroes especially in the sport industry to show the kind of diversity in heroes Namibia actually has to offer,” says Ehlers, who channels her oracle and mother of Song Night persona in a video that includes the likes of Johanna Benson, Michelle McLean and the Gondwana Collection.
“We salute every Namibian who has championed through various barriers and obstacles to stand where they are today.”
Both encouraging of creative and particularly musical collaborations for their ability to foster growth and inventiveness, the song also introduces DJ Alu to the public as a producer.
“I hope this song inspires other DJs to make the jump from DJ to artist and put their music out there because it is possible,” he says, thrilled at how well ‘Kudos’ manages to fuse musical genres and disparate personalities.
“Namibia is a well of talents, energies and vision, “says Ehlers. “And if more Namibians collaborate, Namibia will become an international icon as a country of achievers!”
Giving kudos to Namibia’s achievers and encouraging far more collaboration, the video which can be viewed on YouTube is presented with some serious ambition.
“Our hopes for the video are to get a million views across the globe and inspire various Namibians to never give up on their dreams,” says Ehlers.
“We also hope to win Best Video at the NAMAs 2018, for this to be the starting block of an album by DJ Alu and Lize Ehlers and for ‘Kudos’ to be the Christmas and new year anthem for all Namibians!”
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