KNOWN for giving life to the chants and songs sung during the liberation struggle, Jackson Wahengo has kept music lovers in touch with the sounds that kept his forefathers not only entertained, but also encouraged them to stay true to the struggle.
Having been born in exile, the musician grew up listening to the chants and songs of motivation, hope and promise. He fell in love with the music then and held onto it, vowing to keep the historical stories and sounds alive in the modern music industry.
His recent remake of the song ‘Eeloli Da SWANLA’ sung by the internationally acclaimed and now late Meme Nanghili Nashima, has been well received with the new generation of music lovers, who particularly enjoy the upgraded beat, as well as the older generation, who relate to the deeply historical nostalgia of the lyrics.
He says that he is very pleased with the music he has to offer his listeners as he has spent sufficient time working on them, as well as doing the necessary research to ensure the best product is delivered with his first full length album, ‘Akutu Hewa’.
“I studied Tate Quella, who does the type of music I do, for five years and I managed to get so much closer to what he does. Most of the recording was done here and the mixing and mastering was done in Geneva,” Wahengo said.
Wahengo who now lives in Geneva, Switzerland with his family, says that although he was part of a reggae band, he has always been drawn to old-fashioned, tale-inspired music and is now back in the country to perform some of his new work for his Namibian fans at the launch of ‘Akutu Hewa’.
“The last time I played in the country was about two years ago and I always make it a point to come and perform when I get home,” Wahengo said.
True to his nature, with ‘Akutu Hewa’, Wahengo offers the audience a unique fusion of northern Namibian Shambo sounds and contemporary Western styles as well as Jazz.
The show will take place at The Warehouse Theatre on Friday, 25 April from 20h00. Tickets cost N$70 in advance and N$90 at the door.
For any further information, contact at 061 402253.
Wahengo’s music can be found on iTunes, hard copies are available at all Spar outlets around the country and copies of the new album will be sold at the show.
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