Renowned Namibian music producer Elvo Diergaardt, who last year opened up about the tough times he was experiencing, is now on a path of self-introspection and recovery.
The man, who shaped many of the country’s leading musical acts, has been picking up the pieces to move forward and re-establish his presence in his once-glorified music career.
VIBEZ! recently caught up with Elvo, as he is affectionately known, to learn about his current state of well-being and progress since our last conversation in November last year when we found him living in dire conditions in a small shack dwelling in Otjomuise 8ste Laan in Windhoek with his wife Cornè Brendell and four children.
He fell on tough times, and his situation was a stark contrast to the many lavish houses he used to rent in his heyday, including a five-bedroom house some 10 years ago. At the time, Elvo decided not to suffer in silence, and invited New Era’s Industry Loop podcast crew into his humble abode to put an end to the façade that some celebrities put up that all is well.
Apart from him revealing that he considered suicide a couple of times, also striking from that interview was when he said: “I don’t need nothing when I die. If I can get help now, then I can sort myself out when I die. I’m supposed to sort myself and my kids before I die so that my family can be sorted out. Right now is the problem. I’m sitting in a problem right now”.
Doing pretty well
Today, Elvo was pleased to report that he was doing pretty well overall, given the circumstances.
“I thought I would never recover from the low I was experiencing, but by the grace of God, I have recovered mentally, and am well on my way to building a solid future and re-establishing my identity in this industry,” he said.
Dr Mavovo, as he is known in music circles, frankly told this reporter about the trials and tribulations he had to endure.
“It completely changed my outlook and perspective on life, made me numb, and I started to lose interest and passion for the things I loved and what made me. To be honest, I started to notice it affecting my work and life in general. I prayed for change. I truly did – and change came about suddenly. Since we last spoke, I managed to break away from that life. I moved to my hometown, Rehoboth, and I am really doing good.”
Elvo has since January joined Risen Rose Records (RRR) Studios, an opportunity for which he is grateful during such a dark period in his life.
At the same time, he got a manager to take care of his affairs. He is now also producing and teaching music production for Empire Productions and Sound Training cc, based in Rehoboth.
“I am re-building my brand as the doctor of sound in Namibia. I forgot who I am for a bit, but I’m back now, and ready to take this industry by storm. Apart from producing top-quality music, I have also started training students online. However, my classes are available in person as well,” he added. On the tribute show organised last year in honour of producers, namely himself, the late Araffath Muhuure and Solani Glo, he said it was an eye-opener to him, confirming the art industry and the nation regard him as one of the best.
“That was greatly appreciated. A mere thank you seems too small of a token of appreciation. Therefore, I have vowed to myself not to let myself or the industry down, and strive to go bigger and better still.”
He advised others who want to follow in his footsteps to always have faith and passion for the art they want to follow.
“The most important aspect in production, and music in general, is that you must have a passion for the work you do. If music is in you, you will automatically push yourself. You must believe in yourself first and foremost. Always make sure that you can be proud of the work you do.”
Elvo’s journey of self-introspection and resilience indeed serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of perseverance and personal growth in the face of adversity. -slunyangwe@nepc.com.na