Jaenique Swartz
Two-time award-winning Afrikaans artist, S-Man recently premiered his latest single ‘Bier’ on social media, and it was met with a significant number of mixed reviews, with observers claiming it is a copy and paste of Tate Buti’s ‘There Is No Beer In Heaven’.
S-Man emphasised how exciting it is to see his fanbase and controversy grow as he prepares to release his latest single. “The response to Bier has been a fascinating mix of positivity and criticism, despite the challenges of dealing with cyber bullies on social media, the growing numbers and followers speak volumes about the song’s impact,” the rapper said.
Contrary to popular belief, the Tate Buti classic derives from Zambia boasting over five remixes. “While embracing the humility in the comparison, it is crucial to note the distinctiveness of the creative art infused into the Afrikaans rendition. Namibian music like ‘Bier’ showcases a unique flavour that sets it apart from other genres.” ‘Bier’ has been viewed over 19 000 times since its preview and has seen a mix of emotions with one commenter on Facebook advising Tate Buti to sue the ‘Bier’ creator for stealing his song, another reading, “People are hypocritical, they dance to Tate Buti’s version but break their heads over something so simple, you keep doing you. You will never be everyone’s cup of tea but don’t let that stop you from being who you are.” The creative does not allow himself to be veered off his path, noting his drive for music will always be in gear, “I keep going because my music brings joy to thousands in Namibia. I focus on my family’s love, I am a two-time award-winning artist with loyal fans, I am blessed. Family and friends matter most, the rest is just noise,” S-Man noted.
S-Man shared that he will keep working hard and focus on his craft as he aspires for fellow Namibians to push their creativity and strive towards their goals without caring so much about outside influence.
“Namibian artists undeniably have ample room for creativity, making significant strides in the music scene. The diversity in styles, evidenced by the success of Afrikaans music and rap reflects the depth of talent. Despite our small population, the impact is monumental with millions of views on platforms like YouTube. Namibia’s music stands proudly as a creative force in Africa, fostering a culture of inspiration and growth,” he emphasised.
-jaeniqueswartz@icloud.com