Singer, songwriter and producer Shishani has released a new contemporary classic song, called ‘Forget to Remember’.
Speaking from Amsterdam, where she is currently based, the artist shares more insight on her latest offering.
She says the track is a powerful song of resistance.
The award-winning and internationally touring artist says amid shocking human rights violations around the world and the rise of laws targeting the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and other (LGBTQI+) community globally, her song calls for solidarity.
Shishani says the main message signals that we are all human and deserve safety, peace, dignity and love.
“My main concern is the way people dehumanise others, which leads to discrimination and even death. I hope we can grow to collectively understand that different types of oppression are linked to each other.
“The oppression of women and LGBTQI+ people is linked to the oppression of people of colour. This ‘anti-gay’ rhethoric is a colonial product, this is not my personal opinion, but has been proven.
“We have forgotten our own histories due to the erasure that happened during colonialism,” she says.
Shishani says queer and trans people have always existed, and used to have special roles in societies around the world.
“Currently we are used as scapegoats to blame in our society when the real pressing issues, like corruption, unemployment, gender-based violence, poverty, a lack of proper housing, healthcare and education facilitation for all are not receiving the nationwide attention and uproar they should.
These are the real issues we should be fighting for as a society, not the attack of individuals for simply being themselves,” she says.
The music video for ‘Forget to Remember’ was created in both Namibia and The Netherlands, with human rights activists from around the world.
Shishani says the video showcases diversity and solidarity among different groups of people.
“We filmed human rights activists from all over the globe in both Namibia and The Netherlands to highlight the need to stand together against any form of oppression.
“The styling and use of fashion to tell a story is unique in comparison to my earlier work. There are many symbolic references to Aawambo culture, my heritage from my mother’s side, highlighting not to forget where we are from,” she says.
Shisani says she is currently working on a new album called ‘Whispers’.
She plans to release this at Bimhuis in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, in September.
The upcoming album is about learning to listen to your inner voice, and focuses on the fear of change, loss, forgiveness and remaining kind to yourself despite hardships.
“The album is a personal journey inwards. Musically, it’s a mix of intimate, soulful songs that merge folk and indie-soul with tasteful string and horn arrangements.
“Hip-hop’s influence is ever-present, yet subtly translated into acoustic percussion-driven beats. My music is rooted in both Africa and Europe, and I’m constantly creating new ways to bring these worlds together. My work blends genres and cultures into songs that always carry depth and closeness,” she says.
Shisani’s last album, ‘Miss Catharsis’, was released in 2022.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
