Namibian musician Elemotho is returning to the local stage after a period away from performing in the country, describing his comeback as a homecoming and calling on local artists to take greater responsibility for building sustainable careers.
The internationally recognised artist said he had been on a sabbatical of sorts since 2022, particularly during the years following the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It has always been my intention from the beginning to make sure my music is known at home, way back when I started travelling globally before I became a professional musician,” Elemotho said.
“Coming back to Namibia to perform is a big deal for me, as I have been on a sabbatical of sorts since 2022 and for most of the post-Covid years. This is like a homecoming and I look forward to creating new memories with my fans and people alike.”
Elemotho has spent decades taking Namibian music to international audiences, incorporating Namibian languages, Kalahari influences and social commentary into his work.
He believes local artists need to understand their cultural roots while continuing to respond to the society in which they live.
“No one can do you better than yourself,” he said. “For Namibia to export its sounds or artistic heritage, it’s important for artists to acknowledge or at least study their roots, the past, as well as try to hold up a mirror to the times and society we are living in.”
For Elemotho, cultural identity remains important as Namibian musicians seek audiences beyond the country’s borders.
He said artists hoping to build international careers need self-belief, determination and patience, while also making use of opportunities outside Namibia.
“Like anything in life, it starts with self-belief and determination. Work smart, not only hard. Network with other people in the industry and bide your time and be patient,” he said.
“There is a lot more going on in the world, so look for opportunities beyond the physical borders of your land or people. Karma is real, so make sure to treat others right, be efficient, punctual and respectful to yourself and those you work with,” said the musician.
Elemotho’s comments come as discussions around Namibia’s creative economy continue to grow, particularly around the potential of the arts to create employment and income opportunities. While welcoming the discussion, he said funding alone would not resolve the challenges facing musicians.
“I am glad there is a discussion going on regarding the arts in Namibia, especially in a global environment where YouTubers and influencers are making money from their creative endeavours,” Elemotho said.
He pointed to the need for greater arts education and industry knowledge, arguing that artists need to understand how the creative sector operates and how to make informed decisions about their careers.
“I would, however, say that there has been assistance given before from the National Arts Fund, and we as musicians need to use the resources allocated to us with care and proper planning,” he said. “More than anything, beyond funding there is a need for arts education and industry knowledge, so as to not have a situation where the blind are leading the blind.”
According to Elemotho, musicians must also be prepared to learn from setbacks as they develop their careers.
“We have to be willing to learn and be willing to risk, fail and try again. Nothing worthy comes easy,” he said. Looking back on his own career, Elemotho said he is proud of the music he has recorded and hopes it will remain as a record of his contribution to Namibian music.
“I am very proud of the music I have recorded, as a living memory that will live on long after I am gone,” he said.
“I hope I have influenced some younger generations to take up the banner of live music and to continue it for generations to come.”
Elemotho describes himself as a modern nomad and global citizen, an outlook that has influenced both his music and his career.
For the future of Namibia’s music industry, he wants to see stronger platforms that support the arts and enable artists to become financially independent.
“I hope platforms can be set up to support the arts in its entirety and that Namibian artists can become financially independent and successful beyond Namibia,” he said.
He believes achieving that will require more than financial assistance.
“It will require work, knowledge and skills, which will mean responsibility, not just rights, hard work and not just handouts,” Elemotho said.
As he prepares to reconnect with Namibian audiences, Elemotho’s return comes with both a sense of homecoming and a wider message about the responsibility of artists to develop their skills, understand their industry and take their work beyond Namibia.
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