Zebaldt Ngaruka

GOBABIS – Musician Jan Langman, known by the stage name ‘Popzen Ehete’, said music can help address poverty among the San community by creating economic opportunities. 

Langman of San heritage shared with VIBEZ! that music can change lives and serves as an information tool that can reach faraway places. 

“My fellow unemployed San youth and school dropouts, it is not the end of the world for you. Join the music industry, learn how to create music, and expose yourself to the nation and worldwide. You can put food on the table and take care of your loved ones,” he said.

Langman’s interest in music began during his primary school days in the classroom, where he and his two friends formed a music group called J.T.K, which stands for Jan, Kethlopiwe and Thato.

“We just sang whatever came to mind, and the class enjoyed it. We didn’t realise the talent was there until we made our own song one day,” he remembered.

The musician recalled that the classmates were singing along, which impressed their class teacher, whom he remembered as Mrs Totong.

“We did not know that the talent was there until we made our own song one day. Our class teacher was very happy and proud of us, and he told the school principal, Mr Dos Ramos, about our group,” he said.

The Gobabis-based group released its first song, called ‘GMC’, which was a main feature at the school and was performed during school ceremonies. 

“I had that energy of music in me,” he confidently said.

When asked who influenced him in music, the 28-year-old mentioned prominent artists like The Dogg (King Tee Dee), Exit & Mushe and The Street Kids, who were GMP at that time.

“I used to sing their songs, and that is how I learned to create my flows and melodies,” he remembered.

So far, the musician has produced three albums: Ju’n/housi, Rise of the San and Greatest of All, which were the second, third and fourth, respectively.

Langman is not signed to any record label. He hopes for sponsorship from companies or individuals to support him financially.

“It is not easy to build something when finance is not there. I hope to acquire assistance and continue with my dream in music,” he said.

The upcoming artist is busy working on his new album and is seeking collaborations with talented artists from Tsumkwe.

“I hope to drop it in August next year. So far, I am still an emerging artist, and I have released three albums and some singles,” he said.

Langman said artists need funding to develop in music, as lack of financial support hampers talent.  “It is very hard for some artists to pay for studios, but if the government intervenes, work will be easier for us,” he said.

-zngaruka@yahoo.com