''Omalaeti O'Swapo'' was the only album released by the
Namibia
Namibia, officially the Republic of Namibia, is a country on the west coast of Southern Africa. Its borders include the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Angola and Zambia to the north, Botswana to the east and South Africa to the south; in the no ...
n political
kwaito
Kwaito is a music genre that emerged in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa, between the late 1980s and 1990s. It is a sound that features the use of African sounds and samples. Kwaito songs occur at a slower tempo range than other styles of h ...
group Omalaeti O'Swapo (meaning:
Swapo
The South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO ; , SWAVO; , SWAVO), officially known as the SWAPO Party of Namibia, is a political party and former independence movement in Namibia (formerly South West Africa). Founded in 1960, it has been ...
juniors).
The group included four musicians – Pablo,
The Dogg
Martin Morocky (born 31 March 1983), known by his stage name as The Dogg (or King TeeDee), is a Namibian musician. Considered a Kwaito artist, his debut album, '' Shimaliw' Osatana'', was released in 2004 to mixed reviews. The Dogg was part of ...
,
Gazza and
Elvo
Hellenic Vehicle Industry (ELVO, also spelled in English as ELBO) is a Greek manufacturer of civilian and military vehicles based in Thessaloniki, Greece.
History
The Hellenic Vehicle Industry started business as ''Steyr Hellas S.A.'' assem ...
– who were among the most popular musicians in Namibia at the time of the group's formation. However, the group was actually formed by the
SWAPO party
The South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO ; , SWAVO; , SWAVO), officially known as the SWAPO Party of Namibia, is a political party and former independence movement in Namibia (formerly South West Africa). Founded in 1960, it has been ...
. Elvo handled the production duties, and John Walenga handled management and promotion under the supervision of SWAPO.
The album sold well, especially among SWAPO veterans and supporters, but was not critically successful due to its political influence. After the release of the album, each member went back to their respective solo careers, rarely speaking about Omalaeti O'Swapo.
Political background
The album's objective was to promote Namibian's
2004 presidential elections.
President Hifikepunye Pohamba was the SWAPO presidential candidate after former
President Sam Nujoma stepped down. Omalaeti O'Swapo used the album to encourage young people and the Namibian nation at large to take part in the election.
The album's first track, "Presidential Call", is a remake of Gazza's song "Shidolodolo". It features an encouraging speech from both presidents.
Establishment of Omalaeti Music
After the release and success of the album, its executive John Walenga established a music company,
Omalaeti Music. Today, this is one of Namibia's biggest labels and is home to successful selling artists such as
Tate But, PDK and
DJ Kboz.
Track listing
album track listings at omalaeti site
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See also
*SWAPO
The South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO ; , SWAVO; , SWAVO), officially known as the SWAPO Party of Namibia, is a political party and former independence movement in Namibia (formerly South West Africa). Founded in 1960, it has been ...
References
External links
Omalaeti MusicGazzaThe Dogg
{{Authority control
2004 albums
The Dogg albums
Gazza (musician) albums
Albums produced by Elvo
SWAPO
Music of Namibia