Afropop, kwasa-kwasa and dancehall star Bashir Fauz, known in Namibian music circles as Chunga Macho, Moto or Faizel MC, is the epitome of hard work, determination and perseverance.
The talented singer, who came to Namibia in 1999 – a time when the country’s music was in the ascendance – arrived in the country with liveliness. He quickly won over the love and admiration of music fans with his energetic live shows.
Spotting dreadlocks at the time, Faizel MC hit the ground running as he first collaborated with some of the top acts in the country, before he embarked on what can be termed a successful solo career.
“I am a Kenyan born but officially Ugandan and lived most of my life in Namibia. Namibia is my home. Music has always been my love […] when I first moved to Namibia I released my first group album with the Dungeon Family in 2000.
“Then later an EP with Boli Mootseng. That’s when I relaxed. I needed a breakthrough with my solo career and officially released ‘Senorita’ and ‘Chunga Macho’ in 2002. I am the musical general and music has always been in me as I have been in it,” Faizel MC says.
The singer went on to charm his fans with hits like ‘Kamata’, ‘Ekse’, ‘So In Love’, ‘Back Again’ and ‘Moto’. He has also collaborated with some of the finest local stars, like Gazza on ‘Flossin’, Gal Level on ‘Mama’ and with The Dogg and Sunny Boy on ‘Best of Both Worlds.’
“I have previously released four albums in Namibia before I decided to take my music global, since 2009. I released another six albums in Germany before I decided to follow the current international trends by releasing just a few singles per month.
“My music is still in demand and I believe in the expression that hard work always pays off. I don’t make music to compete against anyone, but I have received a lot of nominations for my art like at the Namibian Annual Music Awards, Palm Awards [Uganda] and the Berlin Afro Awards,” he says.
Faizel MC, who grew up listening to the music of Beenie Man, Buju Banton and Ismael from South Africa, is now a proud fan of Davido and Diamond Platnumz. He says they have taken what those artists represented and made it bigger than ever.
“I moved to Berlin, Germany, where I now live with my wife, Deena, also known as Sabrina. We have been blessed with one baby girl. But I also have a son and daughter back in Namibia and a son in Norway, who I love to the moon and back,” says Faizel.
“I still perform in Europe on many platforms. We first entertained the southern African territory. Now I am out in the world keeping the dream. I have graced the Uefa Fabrik concerts, Summer Jam and Afro Berliner gigs.”
“I have worked with many Namibian artists that you now see as the prominent ones and others were literally made and discovered by me. I am very proud to have been part of their journeys to fame as I have always been fighting for the Namibian music industry to rise to another level.”
The musician, who now focuses on Afrobeat music, has many other commitments, including properties and businesses in Namibia, Uganda and Germany.
He says he has worked many big gigs, with his first one having been the Coca-Cola promotional show around Namibia in 2003. He also performed at the historic UB40 concert at Hage Geingob Stadium.
Although he now lives in Germany, Faizel MC says he still follows the local music scene and he is familiar with some of the new talent on the market.
“Namibian singers still have a long journey to compete in the world of music, but they are good. The problem is that they release music for a small pool of fans in Namibia and don’t look at going big. Also, some artists are still sounding the same, they must reinvent.
“Anything is possible. They just have to put more fire into their craft. When they get a small opportunity to do a gig abroad or just go promote their music, they should not just think about money; money comes after you have grown your outside fan bases,” he says.
He advises upcoming artists to be patient and to learn how to cope with fame. He suggests they get counselling on how to manage their brand once they achieve success.
“Think about the public when writing songs and avoid writing all your songs for yourself to avoid repetition. Work hard to improve and, most importantly, stay humble no matter what,” he adds.
“Choose the right friends carefully, people that will raise your dream to upper heights. Then you will reach where those you admire are. Life is good when you reach up here. Invest well into your music and all shall fall in place.”
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
