WINDHOEK-One of the Namibian best female artists, Esmeralda Katjikuru popularly known as Esme, is a singer, composer, conductor and a song writer who sings jazz, gospel, blues and soul music.
Esme describes herself as people’s person who loves meeting new people, making friends and socialising. Born and raised in Southern Namibia in the town of Maltahöhe, Esme says being the last born of three girls from her health worker and nurse ‘Mom’ Clementine, holds the best childhood memories. Her passion for music started at a tender age of six years. Growing up with a love for music, Esme have performed at various platforms in Windhoek such as the /Ae//gams Festival, Miss Namibia, Miss Tourism, Namibian Music Awards (NAMAs), Windhoek Jazz Festival, Sistah Thang and the Last Band Standing. Currently she is the Master of Ceremony for Joyful Sounds Choir Competition.
“As a musician, I don’t choose to only listen or follow a specific genre or style of music. I love any type of music I fall in love with at that moment. Whitney Houston, Cece Winans, George Benson, Yolanda Adams and Luther Vandross are my favourites artists and my inspirations too,” says Esme. She adds that she would describe her style of music as Jazzy, soulful, groovy, modern and afro type of style flavoured with absolute African gospel. “In simple terms, it would be Jazz according to Gospel,” she says. Her debut album titled Perfect Plan was released in 2009. The 12-track album contains several genres and was welcomed by many local music fans. Esme says she is currently busy with her second album to be released early next year.
“My extensive knowledge of interpreting music and text by using voice production, harmony and melody has majorly matured and groomed my style of music. There is a musical growth taking place. I am learning every time and every day I perform. My main inspiration for my lyrics is God and then my life experiences as a young woman facing a lot of challenges. I believe in speaking to the listener’s soul and to give a clear message,” concludes Esme.