Musique de Namibia

Brève histoire

Young Musicians Early 2000s

RistoMystic (real name Risto Negumbo) is a Namibian singer-songwriter, rapper and producer known for blending Afro-pop, R&B and hip-hop elements to reflect Namibian urban narratives. Based in Windhoek, he has released a number of singles and EPs under his stage name, and built a strong artist-profile both in Namibia and across the region. With themes of personal empowerment, culture and social change, RistoMystic has become one of the emerging voices representing a new generation of Namibian popular music.

The kwaito genre is the most popular and successful music genre in Namibia. It's believed to be the biggest industry in Namibia's music and the only that is heavily supported by the youth. This is so because of socio-economic issues, as many artists enter the music industry with hopes of strengthening self-employment and making a living out of it. Namibian kwaito has been strengthened and directly influenced by the South African kwaito style. However, over the years Namibia introduced a different type of kwaito, which makes it slightly different from the South African tradition.

Musique populaire

Popular music

Popular styles of music in Namibia include hip hop, R&B, Soul, reggae, afro-pop, house and kwaito. Upon Namibia's independence Jackson Kaujeua and Ras Sheehama were the most outstanding Namibian performers. Kaujeua had been performing since the 1970s; he performed a mix of Namibia's traditional genres with afro-pop/gospel sounds. Sheehama performed reggae, in footsteps of reggae late legends Bob Marley and Lucky Dube. Sheehama performed in Jamaica, Cuba, UK, Switzerland and the Czech Republic. Other early Namibian musicians include a Setswana band called People's Choice, that was popular between 1996 and 1998 for their hit single "Don't Look Back (Siwelewele)", a kwaito trio called Matongo Family, Boli Mootseng, X-Plode with members (Jaicee James, Lizell Swarts & Christi Nomath Warner Warner Christi), oshiwambo indigenous rapper Shikololo and R&B turn-producer Big Ben.