Alpheus Hoantami Axaro (!Naruseb) last year dropped a mostly Khoekhoegowab hip-hop album, because singing in his native language keeps his culture alive, he says.
Hoantami, who has become the father of a second child three weeks ago, says his name means “all people are saying” in Khoekhoegowab.
“It’s my mother tongue and a reflection of who I am. I’m a real guy who makes music about real life. Saying it in my vernacular is just natural for me,” he says.
“People support what they feel represents them best, so doing music in your native language should do more good than bad ,” he says.
Hoantami says singing in a native language is a way to address a certain group of people directly.
He chooses to use his real name as a stage name, because “my music is an expression of myself, the people around me and my real-life personal experiences, so it only makes sense to use my real name”.
Hoantami grew up with two siblings in a house that was constantly filled with music, he says.
Listening to Eminem’s ‘The Slim Shady LP’ around 1999 attracted him to hip-hop, he says.
His debut 14-track album was titled ‘Based On Talent’, or ‘B.o.T’, and was released under his own label, C_tip Entertainment.
The album is a mix of conscious lyrics on trap beats, g-funk hooks and catchy melodies, with some songs featuring the king of hip-hop, Jericho.
“People should support and listen to what makes sense to them. Hear me out, and if I happen to make sense to you, by all means support me, but if not, there’s no love lost,” Hoantami says.
Fans can this year expect a sophomore album he has been hard at work on.
Hoantami has previously worked with other hip-hop heavyweights like Djay, Jblack and Dozza.
“They’re all bangers, bro. Do yourself a favour and listen to them all,” he says of the tracks on ‘B.o.T’.
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