The debut offering of the Windhoek based, popular percussion ensemble, Ongoma, can probably be considered Namibia’s first definitive world music album.
In the relatively short time that the group has been based in Windhoek (since 2006), the group has carved itself a niche in the country’s vibrant and highly competitive music market, attracting an ever increasing following of music aficionados. Known for their diverse repertoire, professional service and engaging performance style, Ongoma’s young but talented performers have by now enthralled and involved audiences throughout Namibia with their unique sound, broadly classified as ‘world music’. However, even this all encompassing classification does not do justice to Ongoma’s artistic blend of typical Namibian traditional and township beats skillfully combined with violin, guitar and didgeridoo.
Local audiences as well as listeners from abroad have been full of praise for the musical originality and the talented presentation of Ongoma’s show, probably representing at this point in time one of Namibia’s only world music performance groups, with the talent and dedication to establish popular appeal both locally as well as internationally.
Against this background Ongoma approached well-known international musician and producer Barry Van Zyl to facilitate the production of Ongoma’s album. Barry, who has been following the exciting development of Ongoma over the last two years, enthusiastically consented to produce the group’s album, assisted by Cape Town-based funk-jazz drummer and producer, Brian De Goede.
While the album’s musical composition can be considered a tribute to Namibia’s diverse cultures, it is particularly the R&B/Hip-Hop cross-over tracks “Onele Yomapenda” “Shebeen 107” and “Oyuni owo Omsamane” which captivate listeners with their accomplished arrangement and original scores.
“Proudly original – proudly Namibian!’’
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