THE TRIBE

The Tribe Exclusive – Cassidy Karon

Everything about Cassidy Karon screams superstar. From his lyrical prowess to the creative ingenuity in everything he touches – the man is a walking example of peak Namibian pop culture. Katutura’s Favourite Son, as he dubs himself, returned to the Tribe Exclusive to talk about his second album and all the other projects that he has been busy with.

How does it feel to finally have your second project out?

The second project is a tricky one, especially coming from my background. You can easily release a project with one hit and dissolve into the industry. But I took this album as a debut, a completely different opportunity to present myself. I am just so happy that people have accepted and received it the way that they have.

What does this mean for Paradox, is the group still alive?

Paradox is still alive. We have albums recorded and waiting to be released but getting to the next level wasn’t realistic yet. We needed much more to get us to that next level, otherwise we’d be playing the same game over and over again. So we thought, the next level for us as individuals is wide open, why not explore that? But Paradox is still very much alive, it’s a much loved brand and the fans keep asking us when they will get new music. So it’s all coming.

How did it feel to be recognised by the NAMAs as Namibia’s Rap King?

You know, it took me 11 years to win. We started in 2009 already. That year we were nominated at the Sanlam Music Awards in the Best Hip Hop category, but we lost. In 2011 we lost again. And again in 2021. So, winning was a personal achievement for me. It was so poetic because by then we had given up and just made the music for the love of it. Winning was really a pat on the shoulder.

What inspired your current album title, Katutura’s Finest?

I was trying to find a way to portray the situation in Katutura without making it negative or all about struggle. I wanted to show that we are in Katutura but we are thriving and there is so much favour around us. I thought of the title before I even made the music but I knew that I wanted to show people a different picture of Katutura.

Let’s talk about collaborations, who are the people that you wanted on this project?

I first completed the project and then decided who I wanted on it. So we have the likes of DJ Spuzza, Sally Boss Madam and Diolini. I have other artist friends who didn’t make the cut because I knew 100% that this was a focus project. I knew who I’m selling it to and who I’m doing it for.

//Concept clothing, does it still exist?

It’s still alive. Just like I did with the music, I’m building the label in the background. I can’t stay on the same level, so for the next level I have to do a bit of work in the background. We even have the KFS (Katutura’s Favourite Son) collection coming out soon – in collaboration with //Concept.

As this brilliant creative continues to shake up the entertainment industry, we will watch in awe while taking notes.

Follow Cassidy on Instagram @cassidykaron, on Facebook (Cassidy Karon) and on Twitter @CassidyKaron.

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