Ghetto Ballerina’s On Her ‘Grind’

Rapper Esmeralda Garus-oas, better known as Ghetto Ballerina in music circles, says since she was a child, she knew that the entertainment industry was meant for her.

Her love for music was innate, having grown up in a home surrounded by those with a similar passion.

“By just looking at my parents’ love for music, I always knew that music would eventually find me. My dad enjoys playing the trumpet, while my mother always sings at home and everywhere she goes. She was the lead singer in her high school days at Augustineum Secondary School in Windhoek. I always say that genetics never lie,” she says.

After 14 years of classical ballet training, the young rapper’s music career kicked off in Moscow, Russia, in 2010.

“As I was dancing ballet, one day I realised that I was not only meant to dance, but also to let my voice be heard. At a freestyling concert in Moscow, someone suddenly passed me the mic. I did not hesitate to show everyone my talent. I definitely gave the heat and people liked me. The next thing I knew, I was in studio recording – and the rest is history,” she recalls.

The 31-year-old refers to music as a beautiful form of expression which allows her to paint a picture and the rest of the world can join in with their imagination.

Known for hits such as ‘About Him,’ ‘Miss Rose’, ‘Sipping on a Jack’,
’8 O’Clock’ and ‘So Good’, the themes in her music vary from contemporary social issues and love to money and having a good time with friends.

Besides her dedication to her music career, Ghetto Ballerina has a full-time commitment in her day job as a veterinarian.

“All of my life, I have been surrounded by animals. I have big love for animals. For me, it is magic to be able to help others. In Africa, many in the arts industry struggle to make a decent living from their craft, so I am a doctor by day and an artist by night,” she says.

Speaking about one of her biggest achievements in the music industry thus far, the hip-hop artist refers to having some of her music recently played on Trace Africa, one of Africa’s biggest music channels.

“They came to me by surprise. My latest visuals, ‘Grind’, made its debut on the channel and the feedback I’ve been getting is so overwhelming.”

The track also made it onto the top 20 lists at some local radio stations.

“’Grind’ is taken from my upcoming project entitled ‘COGB – Chronicles of Ghetto Ballerina’. It took me a while to decide on a debut single, because I like all of the songs. This one specifically spoke the loudest to me, because of the message,” she says.

“It explains the different phases of my life: Being the boss, the doctor and the rapper. The song is also close to my heart because it emphasises female empowerment. I wanted to bring out the message to show others that you can be great in different aspects if your life.”

For the past two years, Ghetto Ballerina has been hard at work trying to finalise her debut album, which is dedicated to the youth.

“It is now safe to say that I am almost done. I am mainly doing music so I can strive to enlighten youngsters for their future. When it comes to my craft, I always try to leave a word of encouragement, to inspire individuals to be better versions of themselves,” says the artist, who’s inspired by American rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer J Cole.

Something that really upsets her about the local music industry, she says, is the fact that most upcoming artists struggle to get platforms to showcase their talent.

“It can get frustrating when the line-ups at music events, festivals and concerts are often the same artists. Art is a form of expression, so I believe everyone should get a platform. I would advise artists to be strong and always be ready to dust themselves off and try again. Never ever fall and stay there,” she says.

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