Jaenique Swartz
David Herculano is a self-taught music producer, choral performer and film composer who is keen to establish himself in Namibia’s creative scene.
The 22-year-old tells Youth Corner his journey has not been an easy one, but it has pivoted him into the creative space, where he can truly make a difference.
He has persisted through the highs and lows of his turbulent journey, honing the acoustic waves around him, as well as the symphony of his own resilience.
Herculano, who feels he was born with a passion for sound and creation, noted that he has always had an affinity for learning the craft of making music and arousing emotions in his audience by watching films and spending endless hours on YouTube watching composition tutorials.
FL Studio is a digital audio workstation used for sound and music production, and the application he uses to bring forth his composition mixes.
“I remember wanting to join the school choir back in high school, but never found the courage to do so alone, until my friends and I encouraged one another to join. I think that is truly when the journey started, and now I am a baritone singer for the Ae//gams Vocal Ensemble.”
His passion has put him as the head of the music department for an upcoming film titled ‘Grieve’, set to be released soon by Desert Samurai, a film production company which aims to provide a platform to aspiring Namibian storytellers to share their stories.
The young man is motivated to tell gripping stories. Herculano said he draws inspiration from his contemporaries in the arts who are committed to breaking barriers and creating trends in a field where artists are rarely given the chance to show off their skills. The likes of Eslon Hindundu and Osmond Owoseb are some of his local inspirations.
“I admire them because of the work they do in orchestral music, where I spend ample time studying their work and picking up on small changes I can add to my own craft.”
”Since society does not view a profession in the arts as legitimate in Namibia, it can be challenging to go forward, and can cause self-doubt. However, at the end of the day, I find solace in the knowledge that this is what I was intending to do. I get up and move forward because I want to do this,” he beamed.
He takes pleasure in the knowledge that his efforts will soon be rewarded, allowing him to give back to his community; particularly those in the creative industry, and enjoy financial success. Herculano said at his lowest point, music brought him comfort, and that he often daydreamed about how others may find solace in his compositions one day.
The young man faces many obstacles in life, yet he doesn’t give up, acknowledging that giving up would mean letting go of the most important aspect of who he is. The muso said the only thing he could advise his peers on is to let go of their fears, and take the initial step to live the life they yearn for.
“The first step is the most challenging, and while the second won’t get any easier, it won’t be as bad as the first. To make your ambitions come true, believe in yourself and take decisive action,” he urged.
– jaeniqueswartz@icloud.com