Hambiya the rising star of Namibian Kwaito

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Hambiya the rising star of Namibian Kwaito

Simon Hambiya has been making waves in the music industry since 2015, driven by a passion ignited by renowned producer MJ DrumKick. 

Drawing inspiration from the sounds of Exit Rockaz, Hambiya embarked on his musical journey, quickly establishing himself as a versatile music producer with a unique flair for Namibian Kwaito and Afro-pop.

A musician too, his latest album; ‘KaWanandjokwe’ shows his dedication to the genres, which are not only currently popular, but also resonate deeply with his audience. 

“The messages I delivered through this album encourage people to work hard, focus on their skills, and appreciate life. My music is for everyone, regardless of age, as the themes are universal and timeless,” he said.

‘KaWanandjokwe’, meaning “Wanandjokwe’s child” (Selma’s child) is a personal and professional growth delivery. Produced under his own label Zyco Beats Productions, the album features collaborations from a host of talented artists.

These are E Jay, Dares Comfo, Scooby-Dee, DJ Artist, Malyenge, Shetu, T-Jay, King Khalie and Tate Zetta. Each track is infused with the rich, rhythmic sounds of Namibian kwaito and the infectious beats of Afro-pop, making it a must-listen for music lovers.

His journey in music production started growing in 2017. Despite not being affiliated with any major music label, he has successfully produced for various artists like E Jay, Kaboy Kamakili, Scooby-Dee and Lucky Kwela. His commitment to the craft and ability to adapt to different musical styles has earned him a respected place in the industry.

However, the path to success has not been without its challenges.

“As musicians, we often face obstacles like a lack of listeners, being ignored and receiving zero support, especially when it comes to selling CDs. Connections are expensive; collaborating with big artists requires significant financial investment,” he said.  Despite the hurdles, he remains optimistic, and encourages Namibians to support local music.

“Listening to our songs helps us get recognised and gain financial support. My music can heal stress, alleviate mood swings  and help listeners positively face daily life challenges. In other words, my music can be your therapy,” he said. 

-priscillamukokobi@gmail.com