Let Them Hear Your Heartbeat – Erna Chimu

Award-winning singer Erna Chimu says she aims to inspire people to walk away from toxic relationships and overcome personal challenges.

Born at Ondekaremba, a farm 40 kilometres east of Windhoek, the artist specialises in traditional music, folk, Afro-jazz and fusion.

She grew up at a farm deep in the Kunene region, and her musical career finally took off in 2007.

In 2008, she was one of the Namibian artists who appeared at the internationally acclaimed annual Old Mutual Jazz Encounters in South Africa.

The 2014 Namibian Annual Music Awards woman artist of the year says: “I come from a family of singers and musicians. I was already accompanying my mom to family choirs on tours from the age of eight. I guess the singing was always there.

“However, my aspirations to become a singer myself were inspired by people like Miriam Makeba, Busi Mhlongo, Youssou N’Dour, Salif Keita and Angelique Kidjo. I was so amazed by how they sang in a language people don’t understand, yet they were able to make the listener relate to their music.”

Chimu says she realised she was going to sing in her mother tongue, and that’s how her star was born.

“I sing to inspire someone to walk away from toxic, abusive relationships. I sing about faith, but most importantly, I sing about the day-to-day challenges of life and how to overcome them, and I sing about love,” she says.

‘PROMOTING MY LANGUAGE’

“The best part is that I’m promoting my language, culture and the Khoekhoegowab. I’m still basking in the success of my album ‘/Nanu’ [meaning ‘rain’], which inspired my last tour to Congo [Brazzaville]. I have received so much love from that country, and this is my way of saying thank you.”

Chimu, who used seasoned producers like the late Christian Polloni and Arafat Muhuure, as well as Sam Batola and Manneckey Khoe-Aob, says the album has a groovy feel.

She did collaborations with Mamadou Siso from Gambia on ‘Kora’, and a host of Namibian artists, like Bollie Mootseng on a track titled ‘Besu’, Patricia Ochurus on ‘Ores’ and ‘/Nororo’, Setson Wahengo on ‘Arusa Dubure’, Sam Batola on ‘Aros’, and Gerson Berend Doeseb on ‘/Nanu’.

“It’s a mixture of traditional music, smooth jazz, rumba, shambo and African music that makes you want to dance. It’s very difficult to pick out my favourite, because I value all my work highly, but my personal favourite is ‘Ruku’. It has a vibe I can’t put my finger on.

“That is my third studio album. Recording live music can be both strenuous and costly. It requires that you have a very solid band of truly gifted musicians to back you up,” she says.

Her last big gig was on European Union Day last year, she says.

The songstress is currently working towards releasing her EP, titled ‘Mama Africa’.

“The Ambassadors, who are the producers, are a legendary Namibian group. Their production skills are top notch. The vibe of the EP is more traditional contemporary, and a fusion of styles,” she says.

Chimu says she is also busy with rehearsals for Namibia’s upcoming Independence Day celebrations.

“My next appearance will be at the Pre-Independence Music Bash tonight [20 March]. I will also perform at the Magic in May Music Festival on 8 and 9 May.”

Chimu says she grew up idolising Beninese singer and actress Angelique Kidjo, but is currently captivated by the electrifying Dobet Gnahore from Ivory Coast, who also thrilled a Zoo Park audience in Windhoek in 2010.

“Music is my life, I’m a full-time musician. I’m not a rookie to international stages either, as I’ve performed in Shanghai in China, Yaounde in Cameroon, Leicester City in the United Kingdom [UK], Sweden, Finland and Congo [Brazzaville],” she says.

Chimu says the biggest stages she has performed on were in the UK and Congo.

‘PEOPLE WERE CRYING’

“I haven’t seen so many people in one place to watch me perform and cheer me on. I sincerely felt the love and also saw people crying during my performance.”

The artist believes Namibian artists are making waves and will continue to rise with the right support.

“Our artists will continue to improve provided they get a boost from non-government organisations and other sponsors to participate in various festivals abroad. I got signed in Cameroon to a South Africa-based publisher,” she reveals.

“The industry is growing but needs the media and all the arts to steer artists in the right direction to compete, not just to win awards and then disappearing from the scene.”

To grow the local industry, a music union should be established, she says.

\“To boost local content and to support Namibian artists. A union, relevant music and the arts ministry should own up and fix this mess the industry is in. It is a shame that after 36 years of independence Namibian music or arts don’t get the recognition to function like it should,” she says.

Chimu says the government should help advocate more local airplay on radio and television stations.

It should also organise shows and festivals for local artists and create opportunities for them to earn an income.

Chimu also won an award for best traditional song and best instrumental jazz at the 2024 NAMAs.

Her advice to aspiring musicians is: “You’ve watched your favourite artist a thousand times over the years. Now it’s your time to tell your story through music.

“Let the audiences hear your heartbeat and always strive to be original.

“The last thing you want to be is to be a copycat.”

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