Jaenique Swartz
Sean Kamati is a singer and songwriter who has captivated audiences with his engrossing voice. Presently, the young talent is competing in Malta, southeastern Europe, for season four of X Factor.
Kamati describes his journey thus far as amazing and scary after being invited to audition for the talent competition by one of the show’s producers.
“I am no stranger to singing in front of many people, but this has been different for me. I believe it is because it is a competition, and I need to show people what I am capable of, not simply entertain them. It has been a learning experience for me as well, as it is about catering to the crowd watching on their screens as well as the audience in front of me while performing,” he said.
He added that his father has been guiding him throughout his journey.
“You always need people around you, who are not necessarily impressed with you, but people who can help you be better while knowing how great you are,” are some of the sentiments Kamati`s father would share with him.
Though his journey is unique, he expressed a desire for Namibia to create additional opportunities for fellow Namibians to showcase their abilities. “Namibia has so much talent, and it’s a shame that most people do not have the opportunity to showcase it to a wider audience on such a large platform. Yes, we have social media and numerous gigs, but the industry does not solely focus on it. It’s a combination of luck and money that allows people to reach a broader audience,” he said.
Talent alone would not suffice, added Kamati, who believes that support and investment in the creative industry are required to enable aspiring artists to achieve their ambitions.
He described how, throughout the Covid pandemic, individuals turned to various art forms to keep themselves sane in the face of the global catastrophe.
“Those things did not fall from the sky; it all came from creatives who were brave enough to put their work out there. We need to stop thinking of art as just a ‘hobby’; stop asking artists of any kind for cheaper prices, and support them. At the end of the day, art really makes up a lot of our society,” he noted.
His favourite memories from his time on the X Factor stage include meeting so many people who share his passion for music.
“It has truly been a great experience, even for me to learn how television works, and to prepare one for possible future work in the industry. It sounds corny, but don’t give up. If you want to do something, you must work for it. Try your hardest without losing yourself. Surround yourself with people who will push you forward and care about your well-being,” he urged.
He emphasised the importance of perseverance and hard work during difficult times for artists, and advised artists of all disciplines to study the industry. “It is not just about your talent; study what artists you admire are doing. However, keep in mind that there is more than one way to get where you want to go,” stated Kamati.
His mother, Petrina Kamati, was delighted about sharing her son’s story, and said she knew he had it in him to reach greater heights.
“I am overjoyed that Malta recognised him and his talent. We are very proud of him as a family, and I hope he goes all the way and wins because he deserves it, and it will also be a big win for Namibia,” she told New Era yesterday.
-jaeniqueswartz@icloud.com