Windhoek
One of the Namibian Gospel singers, Absalom Salom, popularly known as VM, is no new to the local and even international music scene.
Despite having been in the limelight for quite sometimes, having been sharing the stage with prominent international Gospel artists such as Zara, Khumo, Suggie Fisher and Patrick Kethsabile for the past years, VM may not be well known by many locals. Yet he is one of the best and top selling artists in the country.
This has been revealed by the Antonio’s Art local Top Ten Weekly selling album competition for 2016, when VM’s second offering, I am Comforted, released earlier this year, made it to second position in the competition, for more than three consecutive months.
The 32-year-old singer who was born in Omuthiya, Oshikoto region, moved to Windhoek in 2001 to purse his music career. He decided to follow his passion for music and pursue a career as a Gospel singer to pass the message of God through his music. In 2014, VM released his first album titled, Soul Healer, which sold close to 7000 copies. His first single, My Way, made loud noise through the radio airwaves and it is a popular song that he is mostly known by, and has been highly appreciated by his fans who have been requesting it on local radio stations.
In the 2015, VM was a nominee in the Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) for “Best gospel artist of the year” category. VM also had the privilege to represent Namibia on an international platform when he performed in South Africa and Botswana recently. He also performed at the “My year of dance Music Festival”, held this January in Ghana. VM has not only performed abroad but has also performed at local events such as “Discover your calling” crusade this April which was organised by the Joy of Salvation Ministry in Windhoek; The legacy of Praise and Worship Concert, organised by the AGS Windhoek last November; Walk in the Light of God against Gender Based Violence in Namibia, featuring South African Gospel singer, Dumi Mkokstad in 2014, just to mention a few.
Over the latter years, VM has been involved in community work together with, Sarah Elago, founder of Turning Point Namibia, who was encouraged to invite him on board who after listening to the powerful messages in his music, realised that even most of the ex-convicts that were at the Turning Point Namibia farm, loved and enjoyed his music .
VM’s involvement in this project thus far has been to visit prisoners across the country. The Oluno Correctional Centre has been one of the places that he visited last year and earlier this year, sharing his testimony, in which he narrated how God has transformed him and why to trust God even when there seem to be no hope at the end of the tunnel. VM believes his involvement in this project and sharing his life testimony is a way for him to speak life and love into God’s children, which is aimed at encouraging and motivating the prisoners into a hopeful mindset and preparing them emotionally, and spiritually to embrace their return into society after doing time.
Currently, VM is working on his third album, yet to be titled, for release this December. He promises this not to be just another ordinary album but one to touch the brokenhearted, restore homes and return souls that have gone astray from God.
“Many people are afraid to confidently and openly declare their love for Jesus because they fear how they will be labeled by society, but in this third album I intend to open up mouths, hearts and minds to the power of God and help share the love of Jesus through his music by the grace of the Holy Spirit,” he says .