Sean Kamati Sings His Way Abroad

Windhoek-born Sean Kamati belongs to a breed of Namibian singers who can call themselves real artists.

Now based overseas, Sean K – as he is known – made history when he performed on X-Factor Malta.

Whether it was singing in church or winning awards in gymnastics and athletics during his school years, Sean was always a performer.

“I have always been a performer, a lover of family, friends and relationships but in essence a true artist. It is one of the greatest expressions of love and having grown up in a family with so much love, it’s only natural that I found I was gifted to share it with the world,” he says.

“I joined the church choir, however, at that time in life I never thought it would be something I would want to do or even be doing now. I found a passion for dancing. While I was studying law, I ended up spending most of my time in dance class.”

Sean was one of the founding members of First Rain Dance Theatre. During that time he met fellow creatives in the industry like Lize Ehlers.

“There was a Christmas party at her home after we had done a project together. A gathering of singers, dancers and thespians. I happened to get up and sing for fun and everyone was like, really? Lize then took it upon herself to take me under her wing,” he says.

“She then in the following year started ‘Song Night’, a space for amateur singers to sing and showcase their talents. I was one of the first singers that ended up making my own music. It was the platform that inspired me to pursue music seriously.”

Sean grew up listening to soul, funk and jazz music, a love he acquired thanks to his parents. Naturally, he started singing the same type of music.

“That music also inspired me to make my own music along with a very good friend of mine, Andrew Maher,” he says.

“We created my first and only album up to date, called ‘Status Update’. So, yes, it has always been very much R&B, soul, funk, jazz and rock-inspired music.”

Sean has been performing quite a bit since he left home, especially in the United Kingdom and Malta, where he is based.

The Namibian star, who has been nominated for a few awards, is currently working on an EP with friend and colleague Dom Darmanin, as well as singles with other artists.

He considers his performance at the Namibian Annual Music Awards as his first major gig, has opened for Joss Stone and highly values his solo performance at the Windhoek Jazz Festival.

Sean names ‘Ain’t No Way’ by Aretha Franklin as his favourite song, and Stevie Wonder as his favourite musician growing up and his favourite singer today.

“It was and will always be Stevie Wonder. I remember growing up my dad would always play his music and other greats on his hi-fi and Stevie was the one he would play most. Hence why I always sing his super hit ‘Superstition’ in my sets as that is the first song I ever remember hearing.”

The singer, who says he is trying to play the piano, says there was never a moment he doubted his singing ability.

“Never the ability but rather doubted myself as an artist. The main reason I chose to leave Namibia – I just felt my music, although appreciated by a few people, was not appreciated enough for me to grow and express myself as an artist to be successful,” Sean notes.

“I am inspired to sing by my personal philosophy about music. I always want to make people feel the way I feel when I sing, which is happy and even if there is one person in the crowd who can feel that, then I have done my job. I want to share music with the world that is within me.”

Sean believes Namibia has a lot of talent, from singers and producers, to compete with the rest of the world – if only they had the support to allow them to do so.

“Namibia has so much talent to be cultivated and supported. I believe more money and effort need to be invested and directed towards the arts and music in particular,” he says.

“Many people are struggling with talent that will never be heard of because there is absolutely no support for them to be able to get their talent to the next level.”

He highlights the sad reality for some legends in the Namibian music industry, noting that Jackson Kaujeua Sr contributed so much but died a poor man. He also brings up the death of another legend, Ras Sheehama, a week ago.

His advice to young and aspiring musicians?

“You are the creator and author of your destiny. As much as you would love it to be, there is no one who will come and save you. You need to work hard and push through. Move with the times and get yourself out there.

“Unfortunately, talent alone does not cut it in the world we live in anymore, but don’t give up. If one way does not work out for you, try something else.”

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