Adolf Kaure
Award-winning rapper Diogene Ochs, popularly known as D-Jay, compiled 23 years of hits into a ‘Greatest Hits’ double album.
Volume 1 of the project was released on 26 January, while Volume 2 was released today.
“It goes as far as the days where we didn’t have studios and had to use earphones as microphones to record my first track, ‘Go D-Jay” the iconic artist said.
“This album isn’t just an album. This album is my legacy. It’s everything I want to be remembered for, and it has a timeless sound that isn’t just following current trends.”
Every song of the timeless collection is sure to evoke emotions among fans and has also taken the lyricist down memory lane.
Award-winning songs like ‘Listen to your heart’ and ‘Girl like mine’ are trademarks of the rap legend’s contribution to the industry, which have cemented him in Namibian hip hop history.
“There are too many memories. It’s about five albums, two mixtapes, and singles released. Every song has a story to tell from the age I was 16 until now, at the age of 38,” he noted
“My track ‘Champion’ was written in the hospital after our car accident, ‘Girl like mine’ took six hours to record the hook. The late producer, Eclipse, loved the song so much that he decided to perfect it.”
He added, “My track ‘Money’ was recorded at Jesus Centre when my house was broken into and I lost everything. ‘Listen to your heart’ was recorded when I visited my dad’s house and met a few people who aren’t doing too well in life.” According to him, Xolisa is a depiction of him giving up being a player and sticking with one girl.
Apart from his timeless classics, the hip hop mastermind recorded up to four new songs with sound engineer Elvo Diergaardt, which fans can anticipate on the Greatest Hits project.
D-Jay attributes his longevity in the hip-hop industry to being in the right place at the right time with the right people.
“I always loved the spotlight, but I was more into learning the game and how to master my rapping skills, so I did a lot of research, moved with artists or record labels. I was 16 years old, moving around with Kanibal, Catty Catt, and the Blackmarket team. They taught me how to freestyle, metaphors, and punchlines. Then I went to Eclipse and studied a bit of sound engineering, so I know my levels, sound, and frequency,” he shared.
“I traveled the country with GMP and learned what being on tour is like. Infinity Records taught me how to have fun and collaborate with many artists. Deal Done Records taught me the business side of music. Just being a student of the game and learning from the best, I guess,” he said.
D-Jay’s first radio song was 23 years ago. His biggest highlight was performing in Europe and travelling to see how beautiful Namibia is.
“I’m blessed enough to say that I’ve seen this whole country because of music, right after my 2019 album ‘Champion: The Gift and the Curse’, my son was born, and a year after, my second son was born. Those two guys changed everything,” he said.
The albums will not be for sale; they are a tribute to his fans for their support over the years.
“They are the reason we write these songs. A lot of fans become friends, advisors, or just people who also come up with different ideas that will help you grow as an artist. I really appreciate the love I get every day,” he said.
Moving forward, the “Favourite Rapper” hit maker aims to shoot more music videos and promote his clothing line, ‘Cookie Monster’, this year. D-Jay has also won two Sanlam NBC Music Awards for Best Hip Hop in 2008 and 2009.
-akaure@nepc.com.na
