Vikta Juiceboy Drops a Banger

The first time you hear Vikta Juiceboy sing, you’ll see a particular quality in him that lets you know he’s going to be around for a while.

The boy has skill: He dances, sings, raps and now he has dropped his first album, ‘Bless Up’.

The entertainment industry in Namibia is growing fast and new voices keep popping up, but not all of them have the star power 20-year-old Victor Moses seems to possess.

With his first commercial album, he is proving his voice will not be forgotten. ‘Bless Up’ is an ensemble work of upbeat music that speaks to the ear, hips and dancing feet.

He gave it that title to convey his gratitude for the gift of life. He says he spent the last year recording singles for the album, ultimately creating 47 prospects to choose from.

The 18 which made the cut dropped on 30 April and have been making waves, having already been bought by big names like King Tee Dee, if his Instagram (@Vikta_official) is anything to go by.

The first track on the album, ‘Olye’, is a kwaito rendition on which the young musician introduces himself with a local, Namibian sound. Just like on ‘Atweende’, which features Exit and Neslow, he shows he can stand in the ring with some of Namibian music’s heavyweights – and hold his own.

Once we move to ‘These Beats’, a collaboration with vocalist ML, we see a softer side to Vikta. Here he prays for wisdom and power. This gentle and more sentimental sound is welcome in contrast to his deep, hoarse vocals.

He also brings this out on ‘Lights Up’ and ‘Loco Loco’, a fun love song featuring singer King Elegant and a sample of Shakira’s ‘Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)’.

Elegant is also featured on ‘It Is What It Is’, an Afro-pop collaboration of sensual vocals.

When we hear his more up-tempo songs, like ‘Go Down’ featuring Slime and TK The Rapper, which might actually break the stage if his performances are evidence enough; ‘Meriam Kaxuxwena’ – an ode to the Namibian model and socialite – as well as ‘Ghost Rider’– a trap song about his need to ask God to answer his prayers – we get a taste of the club feel which will have you on you feet.

Any club DJ who doesn’t have these songs on their playlist yet is doing a great disservice to everyone who likes to break it down on the dance floor.

Other songs to look out for on ‘Bless Up’ are ‘Voetsek’, a reminder not to mess with the young man; ‘Why?’ featuring Odie The Poet, and ‘Hallelujah’ – a house track with a gospel feel featuring K-Dio and C-Square.

If you are a rap fan and want to hear his unmatched flow, listen to ‘Appreciate’ with Princelou Faragama and Kay Rock as well as ‘Dream’.

Vikta’s personal favourite on the album, ‘Been There’, is an African song with a lot to say about what he has been through to become the star he is.

The project comes together well, though 18 songs may be too many.

One can’t help but be impressed with the quality of production and how well he tells his stories. There is maturity in the singer’s voice, but he still has a long way to go in terms of discovering his style. It’s going to be an interesting journey.

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