Though Jazz was born in America in the early 20th century among African- American populations, the evolution of Jazz music keeps spinning into new styles, yet turns back at different times towards the its roots. Time Out’s Selma Neshiko looks at the genre in Namibia.
Jazz music is appreciated in some countries; In Namibia Jazz is a type of genre which is confined to a limited exclusive audience. Namibian jazz is made up of a series of extensive influences which have been urbanised into a unique sound, commonly referred to as township or traditional jazz with genius jazz muso’s like Erna Chimu, Dennis Eiseb, Suzy Eises, Jackson Wahengo, The Fu Jazz band and Sharon van Rooi just to mention a few who epitomises jazz.
It is believed that what made jazz what it is, or rather what it used to be, was its individuality. In jazz whether you are the singer, saxophonist, trumpeter, pianist, double bassist, or drummer, every sound is unique and as much in touching the soul. Afro Jazz singer, Erna, defines Jazz as a genre that is smooth and that allows one’s imaginations to run wild. “You don’t need to understand it, it takes you places,” she excites. Having shared the stage with fellow stars from around the world including Lira, Hugh Masekela, Salif Keita, Vusi Madlasela and Jonathan Butler, Erna says she does not get the recognition she deserves. “Jazz artists are a handful in Namibia and seasoned artists become overnight jazz artist just because of the festivals, namely the Windhoek Jazz festival. I take part in it every second or third year to give the upcoming artists a chance to get the selection list to showcase their talents,” says she.
The country hosts only one prominent jazz festival once in a year and countable concerts or jazz nights like Hilton’s Thursday Jazz Etcetera shows that jazz is no longer in the same abundance as it was in the early 20 century. It might not be in the forefront but it’s still going strong.
“At this moment those leading Namibian Jazz acts are those with an album. At this moment I might have numerous awards behind my name and travelled the world to represent Namibia and performed alongside… I still need to do auditions?” Erna questions, adding that there is a place for this genre, for those with a sensitive ear and mature mind that are open to embrace it.”
Lize Ehlers who won Best Live Performer Award at the recent Namibian Annual Music Award’s for her performance at last year’s jazz festival and is currently on a performance roster at Hilton’s Thursday Jazz Etcetera, says Jazz is a huge genre in Namibia, although not as popular as Afro Pop and Kwaito. But there is an entire Jazz Community that is hungry for the good stuff.
“Jazz has so much to do with easy essences that fold in Jazz chords, improvisation and the right silences. Jazz is an inspiring genre that embraces hearts and minds. It has a huge place in Namibia and I am adamant that we need a Jazz club with a double bass and where patrons have to wear hats to get in,” says Ehlers letting out her plans to get to the Cape Town Jazz Festival.
Music follower, Edgar Mapani says the genre is still very much alive in Namibia but just needs more appreciation. He adds that the genre eases him and he wishes there were more opportunities in the country for Jazz musicians to perform and show people how real music sounds like. “For me, jazz relieves stress and I sometimes rely on this music to lead the motions of my day. Jazz greats like Abdullah Ibrahim, Jonas Gwangwa, Hugh Masikela and Miriam Makeba defined jazz in Africa and we got great musicians and bands in Namibia taking this genre to another level”
“Jazz is an awesome, original genre of highly sophisticated music which many Namibians don’t understand. Our musicians should just learn to stick to one genre like jazz instead doing multiple genres and confusing themselves and that happens a lot and that’s why Jazz in Namibia is losing its direction,” Mapani opines.
Namibia like any other country, with Jazz supporters with an endless hunger for live shows, are looking forward to the Windhoek Jazz Festival. It has become a highlight of the year for many and contributes immensely to the elevation of the City’s status, both culturally and entertainingly. It also gives local musicians the chance to share the stage with some of the biggest stars and legends in Jazz history.
The answer to whether jazz has a place in the local music industry is, Yes, but that can only be shaped when people can understand the beauty of it and the sensation it crafts.