''Shimaliw' Osatana'' is the debut album by
Namibian
kwaito master
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 ...
, released in February 2004 through RC-Ghetto Records. ''Shimaliw' Osatana'' was the first full length kwaito album released in Namibia. The album was immediately hailed as a
masterpiece
A masterpiece, ''magnum opus'' (), or ''chef-d’œuvre'' (; ; ) in modern use is a creation that has been given much critical praise, especially one that is considered the greatest work of a person's career or a work of outstanding creativity, ...
by several critics, and is today one of the most celebrated and influential albums in Namibia. ''Shimaliw' Osatana'' (in
Oshiwambo; ''Money Is Evil''), established The Dogg as one of the most profound lyricists in Namibia, introducing his signature rough attitude style.
Overview
''Shimaliw' Osatana'' combines hardcore hitting kwaito with socially meaningful lyrics. It was released at a time when Namibia was lacking potential musician. The album represents one of the most influential kwaito albums of Namibia, and is considered an archetypal album of
Namibia's kwaito genre. The album won the best album award, best kwaito song, and artist of the year at the 2004
Sanlam-NBC Music Awards. It gave Dogg his second chance to win the artist of the year award. ''Shimaliw' Osatana'' is also consider as Dogg's best album by several critics. The album also earned
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 ...
comparison to
Mandoza and
DMX
Earl Simmons (December 18, 1970 – April 9, 2021), known professionally as DMX, was an American rapper and actor. He began rapping in the early 1990s and released his debut album ''It's Dark and Hell Is Hot'' in 1998, to both critical acclaim ...
, due to his rough voice.
Production and guest
The album was produced by Elvo and Big Ben. Big Ben produced two songs while Elvo produced the rest. There are no guest appearances on the album. Although
Gazza contributes background chorus supporting-vocals on ''"Mamma"'', he was not credited as a guest. Elvo also mixed the entire album. The album holds a record of being Dogg's only album without a guest.
Track listing
2004 debut albums
The Dogg albums
Albums produced by Elvo
{{kwaito-album-stub