Celebrated singer/songwriter and queen of Shambo music Maria Lisa Immanuel, popularly known as ML, has once again captivated audiences with the release of her seventh studio album, ‘Healer’.
The album is a masterpiece that consists of 13 soul-stirring tracks that showcase ML’s musical evolution and artistic prowess.
‘Healer’ boasts a harmonious blend of traditional Shambo rhythms and contemporary sounds, creating a musical journey that transcends genres and resonates with a diverse audience.
ML’s distinctive voice and emotive lyrics invite listeners into a world of cultural richness and musical innovation.
“Even though music is in me, it is always a different journey with each album. It was the first time I recorded in my house, and it was quite interesting. I realised that recording in your creative space allows you more freedom to create freely and without rushing,” she said.
ML taps into contemporary sounds like Amapiano and House to deliver a showstopping project just in time for the December holiday festivities.
‘Healer’ features exciting collaborations with Namibian talents, including Top Cheri, Sweety Namibia and Zomblam.
A true global citizen, ML once again features international collaborations – this time with the incredible Simon Bane from the Czech Republic and Tanzanian hitmaker Gnako.
Simon Bane lends his vocal abilities to the album’s first single, delivering a powerful performance that sets the tone for the entire musical experience.
ML also features Nigerian producer DJ Nobody, who worked on track number eight, ‘Kwatange’.
“Sometimes, I have an idea of people I want to work with, but it doesn’t always happen immediately. Simon Bale and I met when he visited Namibia with a friend. He visited my place, and we just clicked over our shared love of music. The Tanzanian artist (Gnako) was referred to me by a Tanzanian friend and producer I’ve worked with before. We gave it a try, and the rest, as they say, is history,” she said.
ML’s ‘Healer’ is not just an album; it is a testament to her dedication to pushing artistic boundaries and staying true to her cultural roots.
Each track is a carefully crafted piece of art that showcases ML’s ability to seamlessly fuse tradition with modernity, creating an immersive sonic experience for fans worldwide.
This dedication to artistic expression is further depicted in the choice of art for the album cover, a poignant portrait of ML by Swedish-based Namibian visual artist Inotila Nghaamwa.
As the Queen of Shambo music, ML continues to be a trailblazer in the Namibian music scene, and ‘Healer’ is a testament to her enduring impact and influence.
“I hope to still work with Namibian artists like Lioness and One Blood, but the timing must be right. You can’t rush these things,” she concluded.
The album is now available on all major streaming platforms, and fans are encouraged to experience the magic of ‘Healer’ for themselves.
Physical copies of the album are available as of today.