NAMIBIAN musical trio PDK, comprised of Patrick Mwashindange, Dion Auala and Kamtonyo Andreas, held an exclusive listening party for their upcoming album ‘Grateful’ on Tuesday.
Taking place at Solani Glo’s studio, where many hits have been crafted, it was an intimate glimpse into the creative minds of the three music-makers to a room full of industry peers and friends. Guests included Sunny Boy, Top Cheri, King Elegant, Adora, DJ Ambizzy, Tjuna Kauapirura and other industry professionals.
‘Grateful’ is the group’s 12th studio album, with 15 songs of varying tempos and topics. It features songs like ‘Ondeya’, which has naughty undertones and samples Marvin Gaye’s ‘Sexual Healing’; ‘Nobody’, a song about being in control of one’s own life, and ‘Inihala’, with its old school traditional sound and Tate Kwela feel.
‘Wanna Love You’ is a pop-inspired song featuring producer Brown Klaxxic and powerful vocalist Blossom which would fit right in on the playlist of a club in Ibiza, while ‘Peace’ features vocals by Solani Glo on a slow song that begs for reconciliation and unity in a world of violence.
The features on the album are quite impressive. ‘Golf’ has BlvcBoxx’s Tesh Lavo and Dion going back and forth with fun innuendos; ‘Saka’ features three other BlvcBoxx artists – Top Cheri, Athawise and King Elegant – on an energetic song that beckons everyone to the dance floor, while Mulberry is on the first song on the album, ‘Tambuleni’. Another feature to look out for is Eddy K on ‘Party’.
Guests were able to offer their own interpretations and commentary on the album, which was the reason PDK decided on the listening party – to receive feedback in an intimate setting from music advisors in whom they placed their trust.
Solani Glo, the main producer of the album, said working on the project was an amazing experience.
“I loved the interaction and the disagreements we had. It was hectic, but we still managed to put it all together.”
He added that he was glad to have all those people in his studio, lending their ears to something they all put so much work into.
Some tracks were also produced by Andreas under the name K Ketu.
PDK has released a variety of music over the span of their 14-year career, and their latest offering sports an eclectic mix of Afro-pop and dancehall with some hip-hop, gospel and disco elements.
Mwashindange said although they always try to push the envelope and be different, this particular project was more personal in an attempt to redefine the PDK brand.
“We want people to just enjoy the music, laugh with us and hopefully get through tough times,” he said, pointing to ‘Omnhu Woye’, ‘Hambelela’ and ‘Opo’ as his favourite tracks.
‘Grateful’ will drop on Monday, 13 May, and will be available online and at local music stores and Engen service stations countrywide.
