Multi-talented kwaito superstar Albert Mushe Uulenga has come a very long way from the days he was part of R&B duet Two Type Production (2TP) in 2005 to become a two-time artist of the year at the Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs).
Popularly known by his stage name Mushe, the award-winning singer-cum-dancer discovered his talent for music during his time at Immanuel Shifidi Secondary School in Katutura, where he used to participate at school events.
“My love for music started way back in 2005. It was at Immanuel Shifidi after I moved to Windhoek with my family. I used to sing and dance at school events and talent shows until I later teamed up with my old friend Names to start an R&B group, 2TP,” Mushe says.
“We lasted for a few years and eventually decided to go our own ways. I met David Exit Shikalepo and our common love for music led to starting a kwaito group, Exit & Mushe. We took the Namibian music scene by storm and gained lots of popularity with the fans.”
While they gained recognition for their unique sound and energetic performances, often performing at events and music festivals, their hit ‘Okastyla’ became a street anthem, especially in Katutura and the northern parts of Namibia.
The two artists grew hugely in stature and decided to go their separate ways in 2009, which saw both artists carving successful solo careers that elevated them to star status.
Mushe, who dropped his first album in 2010, is currently halfway done with his eighth studio album.
“Making music has been very good to me. I have actually received more than I have ever dreamed about as a musician. I can look you straight in the face and tell you that I have succeeded as a musician. I have won over six music awards,” the singer says.
“I have started winning awards right from the very start of my solo career. I clinched the best single with my hit ‘Omunangeshefa’, while I was also crowned artist of the year in 2011. Now that is the dream of every musician. Getting that was way out of my wildest dreams.”
Mushe also received six awards, including another artist of the year award with his second album, ‘Letter From The President’ in 2012.
Apart from his music, Mushe is also an entrepreneur and owns a bar in the Greenwell Matongo area, while he farms with goats and chickens as well.
Says Mushe: “Omunangeshefa Bar is in Eveline Street, on the outskirts of Windhoek, and it is quite popular with the youth. The farm is in the Okongo area in the Ohangwena region and I am currently breeding goats, while I’m farming with chickens and egg-laying chickens.”
“Business is not easy and there are ups and downs, but the worst is when your staff steals from you. There are currently two former employees jailed for theft. My business interest was inspired by influential and progressive people I met in the music industry.”
Mushe says this could definitely be his last album as he wishes to concentrate fully on his businesses. He promises to make this a memorable album with about 16 songs.
The popular musician is encouraging other young people to go into business and to stop blaming the government for the unemployment situation.
“They say God helps those who help themselves. What have you done or tried to do to uplift yourself as a person before you blame the government for being jobless? People should put their creative minds at work and apply for SME loans. I am sure they can get help.”
Mushe, who says he grew up listening to the music of Big Ben and ‘Kinikini’ hitmaker Killa-B, is also doing what most artists are doing, selling his branded T-shirts.
Mushe, who was also a useful football team defender at Shifidi before the music bug bit him, performed on some of the biggest stages in the country, like at the NAMAs, /Ae//Gams Festival, Ongwediva Trade Fair and the Copper Festival, while he also had gigs in the United Kingdom, United States, South Africa and Angola.
The father of 15 children also has some advice for upcoming artists: “Stay humble as you chase your dream. Talent alone is not enough, you have to work very hard to perfect your craft. Make sure there is always a relevant message in your music.
“Be dedicated to your work and try your own style and never try to do what other artists are doing because they are doing what fits their own profile. Remember, music is also known as edu-tainment, meaning that you have to entertain audiences while educating them.”
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