Pollen Eixab
Namibian Annual Music Awards-nominated gospel singer Yvonne Hangara can now add author to her resume with the release of her new book, ‘The State of Today’s Church’.
This “pure Namibian”, as she describes herself, said her appreciation for music and her faith have been part of her life from the tender age of 12.
Proficient in piano, guitar and the mbira (an instrument bespoke to the Shona people of Zimbabwe), Hangara started her music career by completing a diploma in ethnomusicology at the Zimbabwe College of Music in Harare.
She went on to further her studies at Unam, graduating with an honours degree in history and music as well as a master’s in education at IUM.
Initially, Hangara found the process of writing a book to be difficult, and ultimately felt an unending sense of responsibility towards her community to see it through.
“I never saw myself as a writer,” she said. “I am a singer, an academic and a teacher but I kept asking myself what can I do for my country? I wanted to enlighten and educate the vulnerable,” she told VIBEZ!
Considering herself a religious activist, Hangara started writing the book simply by sharing her views on identifying cults and false prophets on her Facebook page by questioning and challenging the wave of false teachings by religious leaders that leave many of their followers in uncomfortable positions.
In doing so, she realised that many people shared in her sentiments and saw a need for the message she was sharing to be out there in a more meaningful way.
The book was released on 30 April at Protea Hotel to a great turnout.
“It was a beautiful feeling seeing my words on paper. I felt accomplished.”
Queried on the future and what it holds for her, Hangara said her studies and working a full-time job have her put music on the backburner, but would like to explore more of that side of her life.
“I would like to do a live recording in the near future,” she said, adding she would also like to collaborate with artists like Yolanda Adams and Rebecca Malope; artists who have inspired and shaped who she is today.
Last month, she released a single titled ‘Your fast drive’ to create awareness on road safety.
To purchase her book, you can personally contact her on her Facebook page:
Yvonne Yvy Loretha.
- polleneixab@gmail.com