With Carlos Kambaekwa
The much-sought-after Martin Luther High (MLH) School in the Erongo region is not only known for producing an array of good heads and astute politicians but the highly rated learning institution has also played its part in delivering a hosts of highly gifted musicians who have gone on to make a name for themselves in the music industry of the country over the years.
Apart from the Ugly Creatures, another noted musical ensemble from MLH was the popular coastal pop band, M-Connection, brought to life by former MLH students Chicky Hoeb (drums) and pianist Maneckey Khoe-Aob. The duo masterminded the establishment of M-Connection after being inspired by the musical artistry of American band T-Connection, and roped in bassist, Andreas Gaweseb, to compliment the lineup of the 3-piece band. “In the beginning, we did sporadic gigs in Arandis, and nearby towns, Swakopmund and Usakos but we somehow struggled to draw decent crowds to our gigs. Nevertheless, our main focus was to act as a back-up band for the Church Choir in Arandis,” recalls multi talented muso, and noted keyboardist, Manneckey.
Three years later, reinforcement was needed after the band relocated to the coastal town of Swakopmund. Bassist Abilas //Gaseb replaced Gaweseb on the four strings while husky voiced vocalist, Gerson “Mengo” Hangula, shifted behind the microphone to be assisted by John /Narib in the harmony department. Armed with a new set of instruments, M-Connection started to make serious inroads in the local musical industry with gigs coming in thick and fast. The band’s repertoire was strengthened by the arrival of young bassist, Andrew Gaseb, paving the way for Abilas to assume the challenge of twisting the 6-strings (lead guitar).
With a complete lineup, M-Connection embarked on a lot of cover versions ranging from Brenda Fassie, London Beat, Commodores and Sipho “Hot Stix” Mabuse, among a variety of the band’s newly found repertoire. With time passing by, another keyboardist was added to their sound in the form of Friedel /Garoeb, to spice up the band’s already rich repertoire but the latter soon left and was replaced by Axies Gowaseb. However, it was not until 1990 when the band released its hit single /Gamdisi lui la, which was to be the title name for their subsequent first album, featuring hit songs Pantsula and //Oreba lu. Local music revelers started to take serious note of the fired up coastal pop band.
Now in heavy demand, it was only fitting that M-Connection would be among a galaxy of musical stars, performing at the integration of Walvis Bay into Namibia celebrations at a packed to rafters Kuisebmond Stadium in the harbour town.
It’s not everyday that locals get the chance to share the same stage and parade their God- given talents with internationally acclaimed artists in the mould of Johnny Clegg, Mango Groove, Brenda Fasie, Lucky Dube, Kofi Olomide, Cheek to Cheek and Dr Victor. But M-Connection certainly seized the moment and made their presence known on that particular day.
M-Connection’s absolute catchy display earned them a well-deserved invitation to perform at the six-week SADC Musical Festival in Harare, Zimbabwe in 1995, alongside local compatriots Peter-Joseph Auchab, Reho Combo and the Ndilimani Cultural Troupe.
The lineup included leading bands from neigbouring Malawi, South Africa and Botswana led by legendary folk singer, Oliver Mtumkudzi, Bayete featuring Jabu Kanyile, Thomas Mafumo and Afro Sunshine Band, among others.
M-Connection celebrated its 5th Anniversary with a sold out show in their native town, Swakopmund, featuring the late folk singer, Jackson Kaujeua and his backing band Mukorob. The band also prominently featured at the popular Local Band Stand show on the NBC Television in the intervening years. As fate would dictate, the fairytale run of M-Connection came to an abrupt end when bandleader, Manneckey took up new employment at the Navachab Mine near Karibib, while other members got married and started a new life – a scenario that restricted their customary commitment from doing what they did best – rehearsing vigorously.