‘Fill up the tables, count the empties . . .’

Namibian artists remember Manqoba ‘Istokvel’ Ntombela

In 1994, a song that would eventually become a recognised anthem, was released on the African music scene.

It was the sound that blasted from sitting rooms and cuca shops from South Africa’s Soweto township to Windhoek’s shebeens.

South African legendary artist Manqoba Ntombela’s song ‘Istokvel’ received tremendous support in Namibia and became one of the most played songs at weddings and birthday parties.

Perhaps the most familiar line in this anthem was: “Fill-up the tables, count the empties . . .”, as the late Ntombela commanded his drinking mates seated around tables to join him while he moved around energetically.

Namibian music lovers were met by the sad news of Ntombela’s death on Friday.

The artist, who ran a spaza shop and other small businesses, was killed outside his home at Ratanda in Heidelberg, about 50km south-east of Johannesburg, allegedly by ‘spaza shop mafia’, enca.com reports.

The Namibian spoke to a few local musicians and music lovers about the artist’s impact.

Isack Hamata is mostly known for his football expertise, but those close to him will tell you that the Lüderitz-born spokesperson of the Namibia Football Association is also passionate about music, particularly pantsula music.

Hamata saw Ntombela perform ‘Istokvel’ with Woza Africa at the Windhoek Showgrounds in the early 1990s.

“The hit ‘Istokvel’ was just released and it served as the main attraction for revellers. It was quite something for me at that time to see on TV, occasionally. I remember it being a cold summer night, but Ntombela provided the kind of entertainment that really warmed the atmosphere.

“We danced until we dropped. Ntombela’s music reverberated all across southern Africa and possibly across our continent. As a keen pantsula music lover, I followed Ntombela and Woza Africa closely as I do other artists in that genre.

“His death, particularly how it occurred, is very sad.”

Music critic and former journalist Esau Nowaseb says: “The song was obviously a huge hit. I must say it was kind of a new, innovative, refreshing sound in the South African music domain.

“This song was a new kind of approach in South African musical style dominated by mbaqanga and township jives. ‘Istokvel’ was quite exciting to listen to.”

Ma /gaisa and South African old-school music guru Bennetus Kheimseb speaks fondly of ‘Istokvel’ – also known as ‘Lomshini Uyakhuluma’.

He says it is “a fun and irresistible song that makes you want to jump up and dance.”

“Even if you were just sitting there knocked out by the effects of the beer, there was no way you could just sit still when ‘Istokvel’ was played. It is still a popular party song you just can’t forget.”

Local artist DJ Punjati says he only has “wonderful” memories around ‘Istokvel’.

The song served as a real inspiration during his days as DJ and young man growing up in Namibia.

“It was one of the most requested songs during my DJing days,” says the former Club Fantasy resident DJ.

“Songs like ‘Istokvel’ and bands like Woza Africa played a very important role when we were growing up. Namibia did not have a lot of musicians then, and we could only find solace in music by the South Africans and the American old-school stars.

“For a person like myself, mbaqanga music was like gospel. It brought a lot of joy to our troubled minds, because growing up those years under apartheid was not easy. People couldn’t get enough of the song in night clubs and at parties.”

Professional drumming coach Salomon ‘Salex’ Haraseb says: “I used to play ‘Istokvel’ with my band MOJ’s way back in the 1990s at Independence Restaurant at Okuryangava, which was under Ole’s management at the time.

“That place had a nice vibe and was very popular with premier league footballers.

“If I must say, ‘Istokvel’ was really a peaceful song, a song of love. I mean, to have all the players from Katutura’s top clubs like African Stars, Black Africa, and Orlando Pirates under one roof in a peaceful environment was just beautiful.

“There was no quarrelling, that’s how enjoyable the song was.”

Ntombela’s voice may have been silenced in the most barbaric way, but the melody of ‘Istokvel’ will continue to echo in the homes, bars and cars of Namibia.

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