Musicians Should Lead And Not Just Follow

ALLOW me to make my contribution to the discussion steered by the Gazza-Dogg article in December 2005.

The writer of the article touched some very important and valuable points which should be discussed more in public. My own wishes and advice to all new upcoming and aspiring artists for 2006 is to keep your message clean, avoiding swear words which only insult your own race and diminish yourself and those who fought for the respect of values we enjoy today.Keep looking and listening to the real pioneers of African music like Franco, Sam Mangwana, Papa Wemba, Tabu Ley etc from central Africa as well as the younger stars like Youssou Ndour, Salif Keita, and others from Senegal and Mali, or artists from Cameroon like Koto Bass; and closer to Namibia you have Matshikos and the late Brenda Fassie, the late African Jazz Pioneers, Hugh Masekela and many more inspiring artists.They all had to struggle and were mostly from poor urban backgrounds, but managed to play one or more instruments and to be part of a real music group.All have been post-independence stars but managed to keep the message positive and constructive.Even in a war-torn country like Angola the artists tried to remain positive because they know the consequences of violence (unlike the new Namibian youth).Let’s go further to the Caribbean islands, the cradle and close relative of so many African music genres like salsa, rumba, reggae, zouk, meringue, and have a look at Bob Marley.He wasn’t a passive guy, but his lyrics were intelligent, full of messages and he did not incite people to violence and crime, or promise the youth to get quick cash and maliva.On the contrary, he was known as a peace mediator.Even in Namibia, Ras Sheemana and Dr Victor showed you the way forward.So why rely on USA and RSA gangster rap? What role models are you following: do our kids need to worship Puff Daddy and Tupac, notorious drug dealers who died doing their dirty business? Wake up, upcoming Namibian artists, use an instrument and play music don’t just plug in a computer sound card and sing – music is more than that.You have a big responsibility and music is a medium that can influence thousands for good or for the worse.Don’t be limited to USA gangster rap but look out to the Cuban rumba and the African Diaspora rhythms and mix them with your own cultural elements.Respect yourself and your parents in your songs and don’t use slang or diminishing language.Even rap can be constructive.And please don’t show us any more cheap videos in front of a car wash with shiny cars.What message do you carry here? Is your standing limited to the colour of your car? What about the social problems of this country and the corruption, why don’t you sing about these or the beauty of your people? I appeal to the Ministry of Broadcasting and Information to screen some of the local music before allowing it on air and giving it free publicity.Let’s give honest and hardworking people priority.Music is creating the generation of tomorrow and tomorrow is made from yesterday’s generation, so never underestimate the role you have in society.Patrick RunduMy own wishes and advice to all new upcoming and aspiring artists for 2006 is to keep your message clean, avoiding swear words which only insult your own race and diminish yourself and those who fought for the respect of values we enjoy today.Keep looking and listening to the real pioneers of African music like Franco, Sam Mangwana, Papa Wemba, Tabu Ley etc from central Africa as well as the younger stars like Youssou Ndour, Salif Keita, and others from Senegal and Mali, or artists from Cameroon like Koto Bass; and closer to Namibia you have Matshikos and the late Brenda Fassie, the late African Jazz Pioneers, Hugh Masekela and many more inspiring artists.They all had to struggle and were mostly from poor urban backgrounds, but managed to play one or more instruments and to be part of a real music group.All have been post-independence stars but managed to keep the message positive and constructive.Even in a war-torn country like Angola the artists tried to remain positive because they know the consequences of violence (unlike the new Namibian youth).Let’s go further to the Caribbean islands, the cradle and close relative of so many African music genres like salsa, rumba, reggae, zouk, meringue, and have a look at Bob Marley.He wasn’t a passive guy, but his lyrics were intelligent, full of messages and he did not incite people to violence and crime, or promise the youth to get quick cash and maliva.On the contrary, he was known as a peace mediator.Even in Namibia, Ras Sheemana and Dr Victor showed you the way forward.So why rely on USA and RSA gangster rap? What role models are you following: do our kids need to worship Puff Daddy and Tupac, notorious drug dealers who died doing their dirty business? Wake up, upcoming Namibian artists, use an instrument and play music don’t just plug in a computer sound card and sing – music is more than that.You have a big responsibility and music is a medium that can influence thousands for good or for the worse.Don’t be limited to USA gangster rap but look out to the Cuban rumba and the African Diaspora rhythms and mix them with your own cultural elements.Respect yourself and your parents in your songs and don’t use slang or diminishing language.Even rap can be constructive.And please don’t show us any more cheap videos in front of a car wash with shiny cars.What message do you carry here? Is your standing limited to the colour of your car? What about the social problems of this country and the corruption, why don’t you sing about these or the beauty of your people? I appeal to the Ministry of Broadcasting and Information to screen some of the local music before allowing it on air and giving it free publicity.Let’s give honest and hardworking people priority.Music is creating the generation of tomorrow and tomorrow is made from yesterday’s generation, so never underestimate the role you have in society.Patrick Rundu