Namibian Tales - Kalahari Encounters (2017)

Many worlds flow smoothly together in the unconventional music of Shishani & the Namibian Tales. The group was founded by Sjahin During in Amsterdam, 2015. Vocalist, songwriter and guitarist Shishani combines the little known but rich tradition of her native Namibia with such western influences as soul and jazz. Debby Korfmacher may have been born in Germany, but she went mad about the sound of the African mbira (thumb piano) and then took up the kora (lute-bridge-harp). Cellist Bence Huszar hails from a renowned family of Hungarian musicians but explores the sonic potential of his instrument far beyond traditional boundaries. His pulsating, driving improvisations also land him a part-time job in the rhythm section alongside percussionist Sjahin During. During can draw on a wealth of experience in the widest variety of traditions, from Afro-Cuban via Turkish to Indian and jazz for his dynamic style of playing. Traditional music from Namibia and other African regions forms the starting point for Shishani’s compositions. She sings her lyrics both in English and Oshiwambo, her mother’s native tongue. Rooted in deep traditions, though partly thanks to unexpected harmonies and rhythms the music of Shishani & the Namibian Tales sounds surprisingly contemporary and refreshing.

Shishani is a talented singer-songwriter loved for her smooth and powerful voice. Her roots are Namibian and Belgian in origin, but her upbringing is Dutch.
Her style is influenced by black American music traditions, giving her a truly unique sound. Her music is comforting and has a thread of strong social consciousness running through it.
Her song “Minority” garnered two nominations at the Namibian Annual Music Awards. She has also been credited with a host of awards, both locally and internationally. In 2014, she was a finalist in the prestigious Radio France International Discovery Awards.
During her career, Shishani has performed in the Netherlands, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Ireland, Greece, Malawi, Morocco, South Africa, and her twin homes, Belgium and Namibia.
Shishani has also spearheaded various arts initiatives in Namibia focusing on social upliftment. Shishani means ‘crown’ in Oshiwambo.

Tracklist:

01 - Imamba
02 - Tree Shade
03 - Namibia O
04 - Nhomansland
05 - Osima
06 - San Dance
07 - Elephant's Oracle
08 - Aga Who
09 - Choco