By John Ekongo
WINDHOEK
Godfather to some, granddad to Namibian music or iconic Namibian singer, Jackson Kaujeua can easily be accorded any of the sumptuous titles, but he simply prefers to go by JK.
In his mid-fifties, Kaujeua has seen it all in a country whose musicians are less than an averaged-sized village population. To say the least he has kept his head above the water.
On competition he says, “It is not about competition but it is about the works, the sound, the quality and the beat.”
Famed for his hit songs Winds of Change and !Gnubu !Nubus hits that did well at independence, his mission is still at hand, if the words of the guitar and folklore singer are anything to go by.
Soon the old geezer of Namibian music will be off to Europe for a feasted line-up of gigs all over the continent at the invitation of the Permanent Namibian Mission in Austria, which availed itself to host the artist on an all expenses paid trip to the EU, in return for a few strings and hoarse-voiced melodies.
JK jets off on Sunday, for his scheduled performance in Vienna, Austria, on Tuesday at the behest of the Namibian Mission in Austria.
The next day he performs in Berlin, Germany.
A performance at a small concert is next in the offing when the soulful singer jets a few miles further to the British Isles, and set foot in Ireland on Friday for another rendition.
His last stop will be the Scandinavian states of Norway and Sweden, where JK has a biblical following, on March 24 and 26.
JK’s son, Bohemian music singer, Jackson Kaujeua Jr, and another Jackson affectionately known as Mbwayakalola Wahengo join him and three Jacksons are expected to snare strings and chant the Europeans.
Not wanting to reveal much, JK says some time this year, his works will be out this time.
“It took me five years, but I know once it is out there it’s quality – few surprises in between. But I can’t sit under a tree and cry, hoping something will fall from heaven,” he says.
JK believes that “every Namibian should get a piece of the music”, hence he sings in a number of languages.
“This makes me a bridge-builder who does not judge people by the colour of their skin. I deal with people’s characters. If we do not agree as Hereros then I will find someone, who understands me,” he says.
Despite living a hand-to-mouth lifestyle, Kaujeua says he is content with what he has done for Namibia’s music industry and that although things are not perfect, those imperfect moments should not keep him down.