ELEMOTHO
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ELEMOTHO

Windhoek, Khomas, Namibia | INDIE

Windhoek, Khomas, Namibia | INDIE
Band World Singer/Songwriter

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"Elemotho Wows Fans with His Blend"

WINDHOEK – I am by no means a newcomer to the music of Elemotho. Keeping a safe distance, from the joking system, I must nevertheless say I have been one of his fans. Not an ardent one I must admit.

Somehow the name has been a household name to me. But strangely I have never been close to him and his music. Though now and then we have been rubbing shoulders. My first proper impression of him was through an advert by a local brewer. There and then I decided that he is one of the jewels of the Namibian music if not the jewel. I could not place his music. Of course, who would with a character that Gaalelekwe is. Perhaps only the joke of the system can place him. By the way, this is a title of his first recording.

On Wednesday Elemotho launched his latest offering, Human. Tired of my self-imposed deprivation by keeping a distance from his music, I decided not to this time around. The writing of his latest offering has been all the time on the wall. Firstly, the fact that one could listen to his music on the Internet, followed, of course, by an announcement of the launch of the CD. I decided that I could no longer ignore this calling. And late on Wednesday I was destined not to continue to ignore this call as a good friend reminded me of the launch. Not that I have not been for the umpteenth time by so and so.

There was no mistaking who this unassuming artist is on the approach of the venue on Wednesday. There was hardly any parking space left and for about 20 minutes I had to navigate for a niche around the Warehouse. I must say take it axiomatic that Namibia is so much endowed with the brethrens and sisters of the pink pigmentation that I take it for granted that they are there in this Land of the Brave. But on Wednesday I could no longer take their being for granted. I would liken their presence to the recent Barack Obama effect on them in the US.

Hats off to Elemotho for being so effective in bringing them out in such big numbers. One would have thought that other races, whoever they may be, do not exist in Namibia. Is it the effect of the System is a Joke? Yes, but not solely. The message in the music aside, the infectiousness of the beat is inescapable. It has an addictive effect. Once you listen to it you keep asking for more, and keep on coming back turning Elemotho into a favourite musical hunting trophy.

Within a space of only about an hour or two, the audience was taken through various rhythms in what would resemble a musical trance. African beat, jazz, blues, afropop, reggae, name any genre, are all stuff Elemotho is made of in an amazing ease of blend. Dare I say more? If, like me, you have been keeping a distance from the brother’s music, you are not aware of your musical deprivation. Namibia definitely has come of age. The only wonder is how and why the Namibian corporate world does not seem largely on board, opting instead for foreign celebrities to market their products. Yes, the System is a Joke! To find more about it, go and get your copy of Elemotho’s latest offer. Certainly you cannot be disappointed

- New Era


"Elemotho plays tomorrow’s music today"

THE Life ‘Frica festival at the Warehouse picked momentum Saturday with Elemotho’s brilliant and inspiring performance that saw him churn out 12 songs in a two-hour gig.
Big Ben opened the weekend’s shows on Friday while Afrodisiac’s Sunday performance was hit hard by light attendance.
Elemotho’s music can best be described as the music of the future making waves today.
His music is a fusion of almost every African beat: Jabu Kanyile (South Africa); Oliver Mtukudzi (Zimbabwe); Salif Keita (Senegal); Eric Wainaina (Kenya); Koffi Olomide (DRC) and Fela Anikulapo Kuti (Nigeria).
This does not in any way make Elemotho who performed at the Warehouse Saturday last week as part of the Life ‘Frica programme a copycat, but one who fits snugly into the pan-Africanist jacket.
His music is mature, long lasting and can appeal to any one any where any time because of its hybridity and themes.
The fact that he is most probably one of the very few young Namibian musicians who has had the opportunity of playing to an international audience makes Elemotho see the world differently. He has performed in Hanover, Germany; Platform Concert in Elverum, Norway; Norwegian National Day, Harmar, Norway; Awesome Africa Music in SA; Café Concerto, Vienna; at several venues in Spain including Tarifa, Sevilla, Jaen, Andujar, Valencia and Madrid; and Zanzibar.
Later this month, Elemotho will play in Uganda and then in Swaziland next month.
His Warehouse performance was like a warm-up for the forthcoming African tours. Clad in his trade mark white attire and barefooted, Elemotho performed 12 songs whose themes cut across what is happening or has happened on the African continent.
The racially mixed audience responded warmly to Elemotho’s beat and they erupted as the music warmed its way into their systems.
His song popularly known as Ganja from Okahandja had the whole house onto its feet and singing along.
If anything, Elemotho’s performances and music show that languages come from a common base and when sung well, people understand the message.
He is probably one of the very few musicians who can sing and dance while playing their guitars.


- Informante


"Elemotho Shines"

An inspiring craftman that makes you want to smile, cry and dance all at once – his songs stir your mind and charms your spirit. The audience listens to sounds of the acoustic guitar next to the resonance of his voice as he sings in different Namibian languages. He explores the intensity of the human spirit.
“We need to up our game…there is a lot happening in the world, maybe local artists should think of the quality of their performance” are the words of Namibian born instrumentalist, music composer and entertainer – Elemotho G.R. Mosimane.
Recently having been selected from a group of global musicians, to perform at the 50th anniversary of automobile manufacturer Volkswagen in Germany, Elemotho responds in tribute – “It’s an honour and privilege to have VW Foundation pick me to celebrate their 50th Anniversary. I am also selected from a group of musicians globally”.
Elemotho wants to keep tradition alive by passing it on to the next generations through music and story-telling.
“ I have said it and I say it again…we need to tell our own stories…..of social relations…culture and tradition. I hope my son understands that he comes from the country with the oldest desert…but that he can also speak his father -tongue…..because that’s what we have…the beauty of our heritage and roots.”
He entertains on such a level that makes his audience want to get onto stage themselves. He feels that the voice is nothing without the ears. And that a good live performance…means good energy from the crowd!
Elemotho will be headed for the Desert Tavern in Swakopmund, on Saturday the 3rd of March @ 19h00, before they shoot off to Europe.
- Confidente Newspaper


"In the wake of Tiken Jah Fakoly and Amadou et Mariam, Namibian singer Elemotho wins RFI/France 24 discovery award. With a great smile that never leaves his face, he shares inspired and generous music."

Elemotho and his band win the RFI discovery award among 500 musicians from Africa, Asia and Oceania. For his 3rd album, Ke Nako, he will tour from Dakar to Johanesburg, sponsored by RFI/ France 24. RFI has been for more than 30 years searching for new talents across the globe in order to provide support to their project. More than a new talent, Namibian ambassador in France, Mrs. Nangula Frieda ITHETE considers Elemotho as a ‘national pride’ for Namibian culture that’s welcomed in New Morning, a parisian show-room. By remaining simple, he mixes traditionnal vibes with folk, and a great majority of his music stems from his family culture. When joining a band in university where he studied african philosophy and psychology, he started to share the message that his ancestors passed on from generation to generation. So no surprises that ubuntu, this ancient knowledge from sub-saharian culture, flows out his music. Its principal concept, interconnectedness of all beings, advocated by Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela, drives his lyrics and melodies. Bred in Kalahari, where the soil is red and sky infinite, he tries to stay connected as much as he can to his nature. No pointless music, for an apartheid-grown child that’s looking for what people have in common rather than to look at discrepancies. And his very band illustrates this concept : multicultural, with a special comment on a flutist from Siberia. This band radiates such good vibes that any style can find room in a melting-pot-like creation. The flute mingles perfectly with tribal vibes. Share the message, flute and drums work together, Siberia and Africa as well. Just need to understand and speak the same language, and look beyond differences. That’s what Elemotho and his band do with music that spreads pure energy, ready for a bright sun-shinny day. - toutelaculture


"Elemotho « sur un petit nuage »"

Le lauréat 2012 du "Prix Découvertes RFI-France 24" nous vient tout droit de la Namibie. Elemotho ou la révélation d’un artiste hors du commun.

Cinq jours après la remise du "Prix Découvertes RFI-France 24" à Dakar, Elemotho a assisté à la cérémonie bis de l’hexagone mercredi soir au New Morning. La salle de concert, marquée par les passages historiques et jazzi d’artistes tels que Art Blakey, George Russell ou encore Stan Getz, se remplit doucement mais sûrement pour découvrir le lauréat de l’année 2012. L’ambiance est chaleureuse. On remarque la présence de l’ambassadrice de Namibie en France, accompagnée de sa délégation. La présidente de l’Audiovisuel extérieur de la France (AEF), Marie-Christine Saragosse, est également de la partie.
Extinction des lumières, projecteurs rivés vers la scène. Ce n’est pas Elemotho mais l’animateur TV et radio Claudy Siar, venu animer la soirée, qui s’approche du micro, rejoint par la journaliste Musiques du Monde chez RFI, Laurence Aloir. Tous deux racontent l’histoire du chanteur namibien. Une véritable découverte, un coup de cœur RFI-France 24.
Un brin de folie rythme l’animation de la soirée, à commencer par le « baiser pour tous » entre les deux présentateurs. Quand Elemotho entre sur scène, ce sont « deux blondes », comme dirait Laurence Aloir en référence à Marie-Christine Saragosse et à la directrice de l’information de RFI, qui sont appelées pour remettre le prix au lauréat 2012. Claudy Siar reprend la parole, un peu trop vite car il commet un lapsus en invitant « l’ambassadrice du Zimbabwe » plutôt que « l’ambassadrice de la Namibie » à les rejoindre sur scène. Mais l’entrée joviale, en cris (surtout) et drapeau namibien aux mains de l’ambassadrice, laisse à imaginer que l’incident diplomatique est évité.
Elemotho est quant à lui « sur un petit nuage ». Les 10 000 euros offerts par RFI et France 24 vont lui permettre, avec son groupe, de voyager tranquillement dans les 25 pays où il est attendu dans ces trois prochains mois, confie le chanteur à Afrik.com. « Les billets d’avion coûtent chers. Cette somme va beaucoup nous aider dans l’exercice de notre métier. Ce n’est qu’un début, c’est génial et je suis ravi de pouvoir aller dans une direction que j’aime », poursuit-il.

Elemotho (Ph : Laurence ALOIR/RFI pour Afrik.com)
Le New Morning au rythme namibien
La scène se vide. Le groupe d’Elemotho, lui, s’y installe. Les premières notes raisonnent, silence dans le club. Elemotho et ses musiciens enchaînent dix merveilles de leur composition. Un mélange entre douceur et punch rythmé par le timbre rock d’une guitare électrique. Le son du tam-tam et des maracas rappelle toutefois l’Afrique. Mais ce qui fait la différence dans cette variété d’instruments est inévitablement la présence d’une flûte traversière jouée par cette musicienne venue tout droit de Sibérie. Une touche polaire qui se marie parfaitement aux couleurs chaudes du groupe.

(Ph : Laurence ALOIR/RFI pour Afrik.com)
Et lorsqu’il se met à chanter, Elemotho impressionne. Envoûte. Sa voix transcende la scène, la salle, le public. Une envolée musicale appuyée par les voix apaisantes de ses deux choristes. Le groupe, très accessible, dégage une joie de vivre sur scène. Le genre d’artistes qui parvient tout aussi bien à vous donner envie de danser que de vous allonger et de se laisser emporter par l’imaginaire.
Ce petit bout d’artiste namibien a su conquérir le cœur du New Morning et aussi et surtout celui d’un public d’Afrique et d’ailleurs. Après la découverte de Sia Tolno en 2011, le cru 2012 semble être une réussite.
- Afrik.com


"Elemotho, roaming bushman"

01/11/2012 -
With his diverting yet deep songs that give food for thought, Elemotho, winner of the 2012 RFI-France 24 Discoveries awards, has been building a reputation beyond the borders of his homeland Namibia for several years. His third album, Ke Nako, out in a few weeks, was co-produced by a French musician living in Windhoek.
After studying philosophy at university, Elemotho spent three months travelling the United States with his guitar, then two years in Norway teaching art. Each year, he goes to Spain, where his wife comes from. He has played at the Sauti sa Busara Festival in Zanzibar, in South Africa, and even at the Avignon Festival in 2001, as part of cultural exchange programme.

Elemotho’s home base, though, is to the east of Namibia – the vast arid zone known as the Kalahari Desert. "Lots of sand. Lots of camel thorns. A huge blue sky. And everywhere the landscape stretches for miles,” he says. The isolation and silence envelop everything. “When you grow up on a farm, you have to learn to entertain yourself, with the sky and the stars. There’s no electricity. You need to talk to yourself all the time because there’s no one to talk to. I like thinking. Thinking is my thing. Sometimes I think too much!”.

Words and ideas flow fast from the thirty-something singer’s lips. He throws them out, catches them again or lets them bounce away, animated by his playful, deep mind. He spent his childhood listening to stories told by the fireside, in which the legends that featured animals or told the story of his own people transmitted messages. “My grandmother always used to ask me: ‘What did that teach you?’ That’s what I remember from those stories and what I like about them. I like the stories behind the stories. The why and the how. Music is like a sound track of what I have to say. But the songs I write are not just about where I come from, they’re about where I want to go. It’s my perception of the world.”

During apartheid, he used to listen to the radios of Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana, then r’n’b and rap when he went to college. He talks of the Americans Nas and Tupac. Namibia was going through deep changes at the time: the end of Black-White separatism, independence, and the ubiquitous United Nations soldiers from Cuba and the Czech Republic.

For Elemotho, it was the period when he arrived in town and started learning English (the country’s official language), which he threw himself into, devouring any book he could get hold of. It was the time his mother died too. After starting out as a musician in a university band at the end of the 1990s, Elemotho decided to set off on his own, feeding his questions and his taste for liberty and discovery.

Three albums and the RFI-France 24 Découvertes award

That state of mind comes across in his first two albums, The System Is A Joke and Human in 2008. He sees them as a pair, with one focusing on “what we feel” and the other on “what we are”. Both follow the same live process, and were recorded in the same place with the same sound engineer.



He took a different approach on his third collection, Ke Nako (which means “the time has come”), which he’s due to start commercialising on 1st December. Studio work plays a bigger role this time round, and although he had already devised the songs, he wanted to see how they could develop and take shape.

Working beside him on the project is Christian Polloni. The French guitarist has been living in Windhoek for some time and produced a combination entitled A Hand-full of Namibians in 2004. "A few years ago, he said to me: ‘It would be good to work together’. But at the time, I told him that I was trying to follow my own path,” Elemotho reminisces.

"Then I ended up saying to him: 'OK, let’s give it a go.’ In the meantime, we’d worked together on other projects. He knows his stuff. He’s not just a studio producer, he’s performed with people like Youssou N’Dour and Alpha Blondy… He’s played with a lot of artists. What I like and respect about him is that live touch.” With the RFI-France 24 Découvertes award, which he was allotted on 3 October by a jury presided by Angélique Kidjo from Benin, the Namibian knows that he has a new arrow in his bow. “It changes everything!” he says. “Now I can reach more people, because the door is open. Before, I had to break the window.”


Translation: AM Harper
- Radio France International (RFI)


Discography

2003, The system is a joke
2008, HUMAN
2012, Ke Nako
2013, My Africa (Arc Music distribution), its compilation of the other 3 cd's with 16 tracks.

Photos

Bio

Elemotho is the first Namibian musician to win the RFI-France 24 Discoveries Awards- 2012, among a list of more than 500 artists. This artist hailing from the Kalahari desert plays acoustic guitar as well as sings in his mother-tongue Setswana, English and other Namibian languages. From rural boy to modern lyricist, Elemotho stands-out from your usual commercial sounds by using experimental ideas where reality is amplified through his vision of music: “I grew up with storytelling around the fire and that inspired me to create something that could make you dance as well as listen, smile as well as cry, find peace as well as wisdom”.