“I’M inspired by life because I grew up in an area where music played an important role.”
These are the words of kwaito artist Snouu who recently released his debut album ‘Iita’, meaning ‘war’. Sharing his story, he says that his love for writing music began many years ago when he’d watch his cousin write music and felt eager to try as well.
Combining both kwaito and Afro-pop, ‘Iita’ is a summary of Snouu’s life, from where he started to where he is today. Walking many kilometres every day to go to school as a young boy, learning how to protect yourself in the hood, and embracing your roots are just some of the things Snouu talks about on his album.
‘Footsteps’ is all about the path that Snouu has taken in life and attempts to relate to his listeners. Unfortunately the song is not memorable, unlike ‘Tanauka’ which has a much more catchy chorus and beat. It can definitely be classified as one of the best, if not the biggest hit on the album.
“I want my beats to be danceable,” the artist said of the album, also claiming his favourite song is ‘Let The Kids Play’, which has a video online, as well as ‘Natango’. “The tune (‘Let The Kids Play’) is more African and for young children,” he said.
On where his name came from, Snouu said that “snow is white and white is peace,” therefore he would like to “resemble peace”.
Playing with metaphors, as the title track suggests war, Snouu had this to say: “It’s a war of life. Even if you have to drink sugar water to survive until the next day, I want to share what happens in life with the listeners.”
Working with producer Elvo was a good experience he said, and added that the album was made in a short time. “I finished my album in a month. My main aim was to enter the Namibia Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) this year,” he said.
With over 18 tracks on the album, and two instrumentals – in case people want to jam to the music alone, Snouu also added two remixes of ‘Ek Se Snouu’ and ‘Popyeni’. Mastered by Elvo and Nel D from D-Style Recordz, the album may be a good starter, but hopefully the next one will offer much more.
For more information on where to get a copy, call 0813718744.
