By Lize Kubersky WINDHOEK Previously known as ‘Breath of Truth’, music group ‘Vocal Motion Six’ (VM6) changed its name in 2000 when it identified the group’s genre as contemporary gospel with a jazz nature. The five Namibians – Pieter Chizyuka, Marc Chizyuka, Jones Mario, Vasco Mario and Thomas Mario – all residents of Windhoek, have been praising God with passion since they established themselves in 1999 by using only their voices as instruments. “We have been singing all our lives, but became part of the industry to prove what dedication to talent means, by performing in diverse environments, including Baby Heaven where we inspired the orphans to hold on to their dreams, as well as on promotional evenings for corporate companies such as Oxygen Communications,” said Pieter Chizyuka, founding member and music coordinator. With dreams to capture the attention of Namibians and the world at large, their first album ‘Back on stage’ is to be released in March this year. “One song explains the search for the deepest part in all of us. We want our music to penetrate the minds of old and young,” Pieter Chizyuka asserted during an Art/Life interview this week after a quality presentation on Friday at Okahandja as part of a welcoming ceremony of 63 American volunteers. According to him, ‘Back on Stage’ is produced by the group themselves in conjunction with Sondrew Studio, and three songs have been finalized. Negotiations for distribution are in progress with a South African company, Sheer Music. Highlights of the group’s careers include two awards at the Music Makers Competition in 1999. Vocal Motion Six took gold in the Best Vocal category, as well as overall winners as Music Makers of the Year. In 2001 and 2002 the sensational singing group officially appeared at a reception at the National Assembly. Other accomplishments include the crown of the !Ai Gams Festival, sponsored by the City of Windhoek in 2002 and 2003, as best vocal group. “In 2000 our music changed drastically when we collaborated with Black Voices, a group of singers from America who performed in Namibia under the auspices of the British Council,” Peter said. Performances took place at NTN and the Warehouse, where the group was introduced to the elements and criteria in the local music industry such as passion, pride, persistence and patience. “Since we incorporated this methodology into our work, our structure and output have increased drastically for the better,” the group leader said.