By Pinehas Nakaziko
WINDHOEK-Namibian Reggae and Shambo artist, Jackson Wahengo is launching his debut 14-track album titled Akutu Hewa next Friday at the Warehouse Theatre.
In exclusive interview with time out, Jackson Wahengo says live music lovers will can a bombastic, deep jiving, thick and energizing show. “It is going to be one of those moments keeping you on the dancing floor,” he promises. The song Akutu Hewa is his favourite because it’s personal to him as he reflects on colonialism in Namibia and all the roads of struggling to independence. “This is a single song on the album with only guitar, voices and calabash. The song talks about Namibian struggle and those families who went into exile,” he says.
Wahengo grew up in Angola until the age of 11 years old, in 1989 before Namibia’s independence, like many other Namibians at the time, he travelled to his native land for the very first time. He grew up singing freedom songs from an early stage, but it was not until the age of 17 years old that he picked up the guitar and started with live band music. His music is heavily rooted in the African tradition, blended with contemporary urban sounds and has influences of Rumba, Zouk and Reggae.
On the night of his album launch, he will be accompanied by six of the finest session musicians such as Kally Kasinda on keyboard, Jacus Krige on saxophone, Tayo Kasinda on bass, Piu Paulus on drums and with Joaqui Paulus and Romancia Shoonga – of Fu Jazz fame – as backing vocalists. Sensational singer Tequila, who formed part of Wahengo’s Eengaanga band in 2008 – before she went solo, will features as guest artist.
The launch will start at half past eight (20h30). Tickets cost N$ 70 in advance and N$ 90 at the door apiece and they are available at the Warehouse Theatre.