Hishishi Papa and Wa Afrika on Pan-African collaboration

LOCAL visual artists and musician Hishishi Papa recently linked up with South African award winning journalist and musician Mzilikazi wa Afrika to record a collaboration titled ‘Omthigululwakalo’ for Wa Afrika’s upcoming album.

Featuring other African artists like Brenda Mtambo of Joyous Celebration, an elderly Khoisan singer Khashivi Andre and Salif Keita on his latest EP ‘Afrika Remembers’, Wa Afrika told The Namibian that he saw it fitting to also feature a Namibian artist.

“I am featuring a number of musicians across the continent and I started asking around for some of the best artists from the SADC region and listened to the music and from Namibia, I fell in love with Hishishi Papa’s voice especially since he sings in his native language and I prefer my music in different African languages,” he said.

After their recording session, which took place last Thursday, Wa Afrika said that the minute they stepped into the studio they immediately connected and fed off each other’s energy to record the track.

Apart from Hishishi Papa’s sound, Wa Afrika also said that he looked forward to working with the Namibian artist because of the Pan-Africanism principles they share.

“We are both passionate about our African pride and culture.”

Hishishi Papa, who was approached by Wa Afrika after a referral, said that he did some research on the journalist and musician after wa Afrika approached him and was convinced that he should work with him.

“He is a Pan-Africanist just like me. When he told about the big names he worked with, I knew that I had to do it for Namibia and also be part of the project,” Hishishi Papa said.

‘Omthigululwakalo’, which translates to tradition, sends a message of respecting and loving tradition. The track was recorded at local producer Araffath’s 777 Recording Studio.

“In the song, we are calling all Africans to come and sip from the cow which will help us in bettering Africa for ourselves,” Hishishi Papa said.

He added that wa Afrika’s collaboration with not only him but also all the other African artists is a great way of sending the message to stop xenophobia. “With these collaborations, we are telling the people of Africa to dig a hole and bury xenophobia in our motherland.”

Wa Afrika’s album, which, according to him, is highly anticipated in South Africa, will be launched on 4 August and he has indicated that Hishishi Papa will be in South Africa for the launch.

“I came to Namibia to not only build business connections, but friendships. We got what we wanted when we recorded and this is definitely the beginning of a great friendship,” Wa Afrika said.

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