Dalene Kooper

KEETMANSHOOP – Having reached the finals of the ‘Next Ma/Gaisa Star Search’ competition, which airs on Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) television, Outjo youth and resident Oley Olsen, known by his stage name ‘Oley’, is determined to continue pursuing his dream of becoming a successful Ma/Gaisa star.

Oley Olsen said he could not be more grateful for the opportunity to participate in the competition. Although his mixed ethnicity includes Baster, Nama, Tswana and Herero roots, this has not stopped him from pursuing his dream of making music for a largely Damara fan base.

He hailed the show as a platform that promotes Damara culture and language, while keeping the flag of Ma/Gaisa music flying high. “It is where we showcase our talent and culture and promote ourselves as artists,” Oley said.

Oley said the Khoekhoegowab language is on the brink of dying out and that music competitions like this provide opportunities to celebrate it. “Just as there is a decline in language teachers in the country, more people are also showing less interest in their native languages. Music is where we can do the storytelling,” Oley said.

He said today’s musicians are different from the old legends, who gave meaningful messages through their songs. “People used to send messages through songs. These days, people disrespect and criticise each other through their songs,” the musician said.

He praised local Ma/gaisa giants, T-Bozz and Staika, for continuing the legacy of storytelling through their music. “Like T-Bozz and Staika, they are doi

Oley has garnered fans through his music and appearance in the competition. He said he moved through the competition with ease, adding that making music and performing required little preparation or effort on his part. “It did not feel like a competition to me. After making it that far, I was there to make sure I did not embarrass myself,” he said.

As the competition progressed, his fellow participants began to withdraw and grow discouraged. Oley acted as a mentor to his competitors. “Some participants struggled to perform live with a band. I had to guide some of my fellow contestants and help them adapt to different styles of performing,” the musician said.

Despite the competition offering a spotlight to new talent, participants still had to show up, prepare and take care of themselves throughout the competition. For Oley, who isn’t a resident of Windhoek, it was tough getting and paying for accommodation, transport and food. “Some of us thought we would be assisted with, or provided with, accommodation during the competition. However, it was up to us to get to practices and performances on our own,” he said. 

Despite these challenges, Oley believes in music and its power to bring people together. He said the competition helped him learn and realise more about himself as a Ma/Gaisa artist.

“It takes you somewhere; you learn to compete with yourself. We became family; we learned to carry each other,” he said.

As for opportunities after the competition, Oley said it is up to each artist to build their craft from there. “It is important to engage with other artists and take advice from them. Older artists are also building their careers in music. They cannot take you on as an artist; they can only expose you. They are also struggling as artists,” Oley said.

Oley is currently unemployed and creates music from his home studio. “I am working on new music. I have quite a number of songs out there, and people are showing love on social media,” he said.

The Ma/Gaisa artist also uses his studio to earn a small income by allowing others to record and produce their music there. Oley is determined to make it big as an artist, and giving up music is not something that has ever crossed his mind.

“I grew up singing in choirs, playing instruments and all. I can perform anywhere and in front of anyone,” Oley said. 

He has cemented his star status in Outjo, where he performs at various government events, shows and music ceremonies.

He acknowledged that it is hard to get his songs played on the radio; however, he remains confident and consistent in his craft.

“My new songs are hip, and people will love them,” Oley assured.

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