NSK

You know neh… Namibians are sometimes just aspres people! No, for reals. I recently stumbled across a post that read: “I can’t wait for Namibian rappers to start sounding Namibian”. Allow me to contextualise why I am saying that as a people, as Namibians – we can be unnecessarily aspres!  

If you were to google “double standards Industry Loop”, you will probably find a ka-zillion hits! Why? Because I have highlighted a million times how we as a people, as Namibians, are the masters of doubling up on standards! The same MF who speaks about Namibian rappers not sounding “Namibian enough” is the same MF who worships Nasty C, Drake and Cardi B! But all of a sudden, when it hits home, Namibian rappers need to sound “Namibian”. Wtf does that even mean in today’s ever evolving times?

Also, if we are really to explore the merits of the notion that Namibian rappers need to sound “Namibian”, why are Namibians not bombarding rappers like Nga-I, John Gregorious, Ixa and other Namibian rappers who could possibly fit what a “Namibian rapper” is supposed to sound like notion... with the numbers? Why are Namibians not bombarding rappers like Nga-I, John Gregorious, Ixa and others with album/single sales? Why are Namibians not bombarding rappers like Nga-I, John Gregorious, Ixa and others with endless tweets, hashtags and fan love? I mean, that is as close as you can get with the “Namibian sound”, right? 

FOH man! Hip Hop is an international craft! Hip Hop is art! Hip Hop is expressive. Let who ever and whatever express themselves however way they feel like it. It all comes down to three things... Research and development, the actual product and the marketing plan. As Namibians, we need to stop this nonsense of placing different standards when it comes to Namibian art and entertainment but seemingly worship similar sounds from other markets like South Africa and the US. 

Stop with the damn double standards. It’s annoying – and no, Namibian rappers do not have to sound “Namibian”. They just need to make good Hip Hop and market that sh*t! No rapper should feel pressured into sounding “Namibian”. The world is ours, fam! If a Namibian does not want to understand that, bro, we move!  

Until the next Loop, we say #GMTM

Need an MC? Contact NSK for a quote at naobebsekind@gmail.com 

@naobebsekind (twitter)