Windhoek
The recently introduced NamJam series at the Hilton Hotel’s Kalabar on Fridays is certainly becoming a popular knockout ‘Live music’ free entry event.
It is giving the very best of Namibian talents including upcoming musicians a chance to showcase what they are all about. So far it has been nothing but great sounds and vibes. “RR Kally”, that is Raymond Pande and Romancia Shoonga on vocals and Kally Kassinda on keyboards, opened the first act with up-tempo covers stretching from Daft Punk’s “(Up all Night to) Get Lucky” to Zahara’s “Lengoma”. For two weeks in the row, the Done Deal recording label ladies took on the show with the small but enthusiastic revellers applauding the ear-snagging pop melodies.
A week after followed Annastasia Linus better known as Ann Singer, newly signed at Done Deal Records, and a promising artist with heaps of talent, who admitted to being nervous when she walked on stage. Ann has once again proved that her impressive rich voice can certainly hold a note. The singer performed original tunes as well as several cover hits of Beyoncé, Brandy and Toni Braxton, in front of less than 50 patrons.
The crowd might have been little and discouraging but that did not stop this young lady from delivering an awesome performance. Her deep voice and calm manner gave Ann an energetic sophistication. Combine that with her musical ability and you’ve got the making of a star.
It’s always overwhelming to hear such simplicity weaved into a song so smoothly. There are songs that are simply sung and then there are the ones you sing that makes everything comes alive and Ann’s cover song of Brandy’s Camouflage was one such example.
One thing about Ann is her voice speaks to the listener’s soul and she evokes emotions which is just out of this world. She just keeps getting better and better. She sings wonderfully, purely, graciously, with full emotion in her live performances. Antonio Dragan, Deal Done Records owner, couldn’t have chosen a better star to add flavour to the label.
Cleanly offering a perfect live performance was the second acts, Muni Hoveka and Breanna Kandanga, the two young ladies behind the acronym ‘Stardust’ accompanied by The Rush. They offered a beautiful and matured performance, with smooth harmonies one can only get from a corresponding duo.
Stars: Stardust performing at the Hilton Kalabar.
This two girls voices combined gives you a certain feeling. They performed the house track titled Lights, Make your Move, In Your Arms as well as a cover song of Beyoncé’s Drunk in love among others. Stardust wowed everyone with their incredible range. They delivered a must-see performance with emotional delivery and not a single misstep throughout. This duo is pack with so much glamour and they sound just like the studio version of their songs, very raw, real and unedited.
Last but not least, The Rush, a newly band of three young males and one female is about more than just melodies. The band brings an extra level of senses-blasting awesomeness on stage. The lead singer’s voice has this rich tone that’s just hard to ignore while the rapper did a real knock out job. Overall the energy was intense and the atmosphere was perfect.