Teqla Finds Her Way Back

Much-loved Namibian songstress Teqla – formerly known as TeQuila – has remained largely absent from the entertainment spotlight since the release of her last album five years ago.

Taking time out to focus on herself, the chart-topper is ago at it and making waves with new material and an upcoming album. Just a few weeks ago, she released the track ” (missing you/miss me), which she dedicated to her late father, and this week she dropped the single ‘Let’s Be Together’. Both tracks form part of Teqla’s new album, ”,which the singer says will be very different from her previous work.

“It features more producers. I added a new style. The album certainly brings a more mature me and carries a lot of healing from a lot of personal pain. In the end it really celebrates life,” the award-winning artist said.

Teqla said she was not focused on her music career during her hiatus, but needed to take time for herself.

“After my separation and the loss of my father, I struggled with depression. It was not easy for me. My head and heart were in a difficult space. I could not express the music.”

The road back to herself was hard, said the 34-year-old, but she now feels ready to pick up the pieces again.

“At this moment, I feel that I have been through the worst of it. I feel renewed and so inspired. I really wanted to express all the emotions I had and it shows strongly in new songs. My story is about hope even in your darkest hour.”

Besides overcoming personal issues, the artist, who’s known as one of Namibia’s top female vocalists, said that it took time to produce the album alongside the GMP team.

“We are a whole team of people and all their input really proved worthwhile. I am happy with it,” she said.

Teqla said the decision to rebrand was integral to her transformation.

“For me it feels that I have not been TeQuila for some years now. I feel like a different person. I have gone through so much and it has changed me. I am not the same woman any more. I am much stronger, bolder and more aware. Thus we decided to totally change a lot of things including my artist name. It feels like a new beginning for me.”

“Yes, I know I might have taken longer than others to heal. My road might not be the same as others. My time to heal might not be the same as others, but I am glad that I am here now. I am happy and excited to share my music.”

Born in Kwanza Sul, Angola, Tekla Iita (as she was christened) was a ‘struggle kid’, and her mother was a nurse in the camps. The ‘Will You Be There’ hitmaker describes her friends and family as the fuel to her rocket, adding that her favourite inspirational mantra is ‘always believe in yourself, even more than others believe in you’.

The former Namibia Annual Music Award female artist of the year advises those enduring hardships and challenges to always believe that the sun is still out there shining even when it rains.

“One day you will be over your hardships, through hope, strength and support. Always remember that the positive devotions you make today will greatly affect your tomorrows. It is not easy, trust me, but it gets better,” she said.

Teqla believes that another great help for her during the dark times were the ‘angels’ surrounding her.

“I was blessed with angels in my life. They would come just to make me laugh, make me forget. I am thankful for them, truly. I bathed in their love and encouragement.”

Through it all, Teqla believes her journey can inspire others.

“Music is powerful. It can change hearts and mindsets. It can encourage. Finding hope, faith, strength and happiness is my story and I want to tell my story. I know it will help someone out there and that’s enough for me.”

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