Veteran dancer Stanley Mareka has been on the entertainment scene for about 17 years, mainly working as a choreographer for musicians. This year, the founder of Equipped Dance Academy has decided to kick it up a notch by launching his music career as a singer and theatrical live stage performer named African Cobra.
He is a respected artist in the dance community and has represented Namibia in various dance championships around the world. “I have dedicated my life to helping other people in the industry but I have always had the love for making my own music and after so many years in the game, I think it is the right time for me to start a new chapter – being a musician.”
He told The Weekender that his love for music stems from being a choir conductor for various schools, including Centaurus High School, Jan Jonker Afrikaner High School and St Paul’s College, in the past.
“Singing is not entirely new for me, I just decided to press the pause button on my singing capabilities because I noticed when I was coming up that not many people concentrated on dance.”
His first performance as African Cobra was at the recent City of Windhoek New Year’s bash where he shared the stage with some of Namibia’s top recording artists. He loved the response he received after that gig, which has boosted his confidence in his singing ability.
“It came as a shocker for a lot of people, even the people who booked me did not know what to expect but I am just glad it turned out good for me and I did not disappoint them.”
African Cobra has already recorded eight songs and will be releasing his first official single, ‘Dancing Mic’, soon. “The single is technically out already as it has been circulating on WhatsApp, but very soon radio stations will have it and people can request it.”
He’s in no rush to start working with other artists as he is first honing his skills and finding his identity. “I know collaborations are important but I am not in a hurry for that. I am a performer first and foremost so it is important that when I do start working with other artists, they must add value to what I do.”
Equipped Dance Academy’s DJ Saakie Deep told The Weekender that African Cobra’s decision to launch his music career is big. “He has been around for a long time and has worked with different artists already so I am positive he will do well because he has soaked up so much experience. It is time now to make use of all he has learnt over the years.”
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