Reflecting on a decade in music

• PINEHAS NAKAZIKOCONTROVERSIAL singer Frederick Shitana, known in music circles as L T Shitana, believes he has attained a lot as a musician over the decade he’s been in the business of entertainment.

Reflecting on his growth, Shitana points out that he was able to buy three cars through sheer hard work.

“I also managed to set up a mini-market in the north, to assist me financially and fund my career,” he says.

Most important to him though, is the admiration from his fans in the community, both young and old, who love his singing talents.

“This just means all ages love me. Whenever I release an album, it’s always sold out in the first month, and I am talking about more than 1 000 CDs.”

He regards being an independent, working musician as a remarkable achievement and says he has no plans to quit the music industry any time soon. Instead he aims to continue doing what he does best.

“I have to fulfil the duty I was created for by God,” he says.

Building on the momentum of the last decade, Shitana plans to release his 10th album, titled ‘Oshimpwiyu’ on 5 November.

The album consists of 12 songs which delve into the role he’s played in Namibian music and also encourages unemployed people not to give up.

“What is special about this upcoming album is that it’s very emotional, and motivates people to believe that this pandemic, which has affected many talents, will soon end,” he says.

The new album is quite different from his previous offerings, he says, because it showcases all the experience he has gathered in terms of crafting a high quality, unique sound with the best vocals. He worked with Bantu, D-Kandjafa, Lock Sound and Brown Sugar Girl on the multi-genre album.

Songs like ‘Oshikando’ reflect on his move to the city in search of greener pastors, while ‘New Jeep’ is all about a girl putting her boyfriend under pressure and demanding fancy things.

“Every time I enter the studio to record a song, I always get something new from the producer, fellow musicians, music directors and individuals, especially when such a person has more experience in terms of business through the music industry,” he says.

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