By Clemence Tashaya
EENHANA – When life offers you lemons, you make lemonade. So they say. One of the finest believers of this adage is none other than Quzza, an aspiring Namibian Afro Pop, Dancehall and Kwaito artists.
Born and bred in the village Onekwaya East in the Ohangwena region, the 24- year-old had a humble beginning. The third born in a family of six, Quzza, born Julius Kamhulu, turned to his passion, and other sources of income to see fellow in the family through to school. It was at school that he took to music, especially Afro Pop and Dancehall seriously emulating other African and international stars like Naeto, a rapper from Nigeria, before he started making his own music. By 2013, he started making his own music and released his debut album.
The 17 track album, Double Tot has been raving the airwaves of the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation ( NBC)’s Oshiwambo Language Service and Ohangwena Community Radio (OCR) here in the northern regions as well as and roosting night clubs and shebeens. Other notable songs on his debut album are track number 8 titled Tsosti featuring Gallo 9 and track number 10 titled Summer Time. Quzza has been one of the musicians here in the north who has been on the road opening acts for notable musicians like Black Sheep and Satlam’s CD launch in Ongwediva and at the Oshikango Country Lodge. As an entrepreneur, he has also done shows with other upcoming artists in the north to raise funds for orphans and street children in Oshikango.
“I was a curtain raiser for Black Sheep’s Exodus CD launch and Satlam’s My Fan My Blood and I would like to use music to transform our society positively,” Quzza says. He looks forward to working with other renowned Afro Pop and Dancehall musicians such as Qonja, Exitand Black Sheep,if all goes well.
Other songs on his 17-track debut album include So in love, Zopa featuring Jomo, Fanekaft Kavax, Hendrina, Secilia featuring Jomo, Kendabala,Tekamosha, Tsotsi featuring Gallo 9, Summer Time featuring DJ Quality.
Being a businessperson, owning Quzza Investments cc, his line of trade is construction, renewable energy and a clothing line. With regards to renewable energy, he is busy installing some home solar systems, solar water heaters and solar water pipes. “Apart from that, I have won a tender for cleaning service in Ohangwena region. I have also plans to establish my own pre-school in the near future. Music is another business but l don’t want to be a cry baby when l am not invited to go perform in Business Expos and trade fairs hence in other equally important businesses,” he says. One of the daunting challenges he faces are opportunists who take advantage of fresh and emerging talents. He says that balancing business and music has not been easy, because both need quite a lot of personal attention. However, the recording artist advises the Namibian youths not to despise jobs.“Don’t look down upon any job, it might take you places. Even when I feel am struggling to make it, it is way better than wasting my time lazing around,” he says
According to Quzza, his will soon unleash two music videos and his second album will also be released in August. “Of course, the title will remain a secret and will come as a surprise to my beloved fans,” he says. Quzza adds that he is proud at the rate at which the entertainment industry is growing. “Truly speaking, our music industry is growing at a fast rate and with tight competition. We are reaching the greatest heights and we have for instance musicians like Gazza, The Dogg, Elemotho, Lady May and Tunakie who have reached international standards. This is definitely motivating us as upcoming musicians and we shall work hard. Look at the NAMAs, the event was classy and the musicians showcased their rich talent. As an upcoming musician, I liked it because 50 percent of the nominees were upcoming musicians. Let’s not be jealous to our established musicians, it all comes with hard work,” he concludes. For shows and other events in the north, Quzza can be reached on 081 873 0656.