WINDHOEK– Not every band in the world can boast a ten year relationship, let alone a tenth anniversary celebration.
But local boys, Penilane, did just that when they put on a solid performance at the Warehouse Theatre recently, to an appreciative fan-filled audience, weaving, bopping and singing out loud to their music. Much has been written and said about the four-boy Windhoek based rock band, which has been going since 2004. And original they are, much like their own brand of music which they call ‘progressive sweaty nuts rock’ – a home grown Namibian brew of all original songs.
The four piece band of Roy-Lee Kitt (lead vocals and guitar), Anesh Morar (drums), Mike Ott (bass guitar) and Raimond Seefeldt (back up vocalist and guitar), have produced a distinctive sound, which is always rounded off by the easy and melodious vocals of Roy-Lee who never falters behind the mike.
Penilane are a tight knit band, with their musical chemistry and camaraderie as close on stage as it is off, and their music is evidence of that. On the stage Penilane is an act that has no frills, smoke screens and wild outfits. They get on and play with music designed for the people with an understanding for the arts. They are serious about delivering the best they can play, and are meticulous about sound, performance and song choice.
On the night the boys pulled out a full spectrum of songs from the beginning of their journey to the latest unreleased work. Over the decade they have released four music videos, and produced their debut CD, Wear It Well ,in 2012.
Over the span of their career, Penilane has shared the stage with the legendary UB40 in Windhoek, and toured Mozambique twice, as part of the annual STRAB festival in May. They have also shared the stage with a number of big names in the South African music industry: The Parlotones, Prime Circle, Jo Day, Arno Carstens, Van Coke Kartel, aKing, Fokofpolisiekar, The Narrow, WONDERboom, Southern Gypsey Queen, Johnny Clegg, Kurt Darren, PJ Powers and Steve Hofmeyr to name a few.
By Donna Collins
Spokesperson, Mike Ott, who also runs The Warehouse, says the band is doing what they enjoy doing and that is playing music. He also adds that the biggest challenge they have faced over the years has been a lack of venues to play at in Namibia.
With that said, Ott launched the biggest rock festival in Namibia ‘Namrock’, which is also celebrating its 10th anniversary on a farm near Gobabis in October. “This year we are planning on having fireworks – literally,” he said, and is looking forward to some 29 live bands performing over two the two day music fest.
CAPTION: Penilane , Namibia’s home grown rock act, just celebrated their tenth anniversary with a live show The Warehouse Theatre.
Picture: Penilane