In Conversation With Page

In the realm of music, there are few artists who possess the ability to transform mere words into captivating lyrical masterpieces.

The talented Page from Ethnix has emerged as a lyrical genius on Namibia’s music scene. With his latest hit single, ‘Benefit’, featuring Champion League DJz, Page has solidified his position as a sophisticated wordsmith capable of delving into profound depths within a concise framework.

In an exclusive interview with unWrap.online, Page opens up about the inspirations behind his scintillating lyrics and reveals plans for an upcoming EP release later this year.

Tell us a bit about yourself and when exactly the music bug bit you?

My name is Julius Hamwele, born and raised in Katutura, Windhoek. I am an information practitioner at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust). The music bug bit me at a young age and from there on I did covers and performed at school events, and eventually, I started recording.

How did you know music was something you simply had to pursue?

I have always loved music and had a strong passion for it ever since I was a kid. When you are an artist, you just know it.

Tell us about your musical journey?

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My music path has been a crazy one. When I was Grade 8, I joined a group called Dream City. We used to dance and eventually we decided to do music as we wanted to expand our music and venture into rap. We eventually started recording with producer K-Boz and the late Arafath, who scouted me from the group and mentored me from there on. He took me under his wing and signed me under the Triple Seven label in 2017, and from there on it was foot on neck. After signing me, we continued pushing the music thing and never stopped until we started looking for someone to be a duo with. It all started with the likes of Young T and he later on moved on to doing his own thing, then we had Treza, Don Kamati, until we came across Etjo and we started doing good music together as Ethnix. Our breakthrough came in 2014 to 2016, when we performed at the Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) for the first time.

Being a lyrical genius, what inspires your lyrics?

My lyrics are inspired by everything around me and some of the things I have experienced.

Who are some of the musicians you have worked with before?
I worked with Black Diamond, Murumba Pitch, Kalo Beats and many other amazing artists. Locally, I worked with the big dogs like King Tee Dee, Gazza, TopCheri and so many artists I can’t mention them all at once.

How do you remain relevant in an industry highly dominated by genres such as amapiano?

I stay relevant by not trying to be relevant but making music that resonates with the people. I do timeless music that people can enjoy 50 years from now.

What are some of your musical career highlights?

Being able to travel the world, being invited by big companies to parties in Durban, being invited by Black Diamond. Stepping into big studios in South Africa, where big artists have worked and I got to get my voice heard in those studios. As well as winning an award at the NAMAs.

Tell us about featuring on King Tee Dee’s single recently?

It was mind-blowing because these are the people we grew up listening to. They have been dominating the industry for years! It was a privilege, and he is a very fun guy with a chilled vibe. People would be like ‘no he is this’, but he is just a whole vibe, man.

What do you think is the trick to remaining relevant?

Stay out of drama or controversial stuff. Even if they say bad publicity is also publicity, I don’t agree. Stay out of it and your doors will remain open and you will remain blessed.

What are you currently working on?

I’m thinking of releasing an EP but that is something I still I need to discuss with my partner, Etjo.

When you are not in the studio, what does Page get up to?

When I am not doing music, I am at work, or at ‘The Beat’, which I currently co-own with Andrew On the Beat and Imms, or being a graphic designer, or chilling, I am very outgoing.

Let’s say you are stuck on a boat with Dice, Etjo and Mo, and you need to throw one person out to save yourself and those remaining. Who would throw out and why?

I would throw Dice out because he is a guy, Etjo is my sister, no way! Mo is an artist that I am trying to manage. We come a long way, we grew up together so, Dice has got to go!

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