2 minute read
ML - The Economics of Music and Trade
THE TRIBE
She is either known as ML, the musician, or Maria Immanuel, the economist and trade specialist. A true jack of all trades and master of everything she sets her mind to, ML is an inspiring woman who believes in empowering and uplifting others.
In another exclusive interview with The Tribe, ML spoke about the music business and how her day job contributed to her view of the creative industry. She also talked about transitioning between ML the rising musician and Maria the economist and trade specialist.
On her debut album and its meaning, she said: “It’s a reflection of my journey.” ML was exposed to the world of music at a young age when she travelled with her grandfather who was a diplomat at the time.
After returning to Namibia and completing school, she continued travelling and began representing Namibia during continental and international trade negotiations. She had become a “diplomat” in her own right and that inspired the title of her maiden album.
ML has come a long way in the music business, from doing major collaborations with the likes of Exit, and working behind the scenes of some of the biggest Namibian hits over the years. Today, she has amassed a following of loyal fans who support her music.
She is passionate about her day job, as she is about her music, always seeking to balance the two worlds. “I’m an economist and a professional but music is my passion,” she said.
Her two careers merge effortlessly and ML has through her work travels met some interesting musicians from across he world as can be seen on her Instagram account. A true millennial who understands the value that social media holds for an entertainer like herself, ML is active on big platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin.
Her social media accounts are a true reflection of the multifaceted person she is. She shares daily moments from studio-time to work-related selfies with colleagues and precious moments with family. She has had the opportunity of meeting and connecting with Nigerian superstars D-Bandj, 2Face Idibia and Wayo who she met at a trade event where the Nigerians were invited in their capacity as musicians.
She finds it admirable that in the West-African nation, entertainment is one of the biggest exports and she believes that for Namibian music to get to the level of Nigerian music, Namibian musicians need to take education and financial literacy seriously. She said: “Education is very important to music because talent is inborn. For you to interpret the talent for music and make it commercially you have to have the know how,” she advised. ML also encouraged musicians to be more business savvy. “I always tell young people to split up their business activities into four quarters.”
Always practicing what she preaches, ML continues to contribute positively to the Namibian music industry, striving for continental domination just like her Nigerian counterparts.
Watch The Tribe on One Africa TV (GOtv 90, DStv 284, NBC 301, DStv Now, TV2Africa.com) every Friday at 21h30 and repeat shows on Wednesdays at 07h00, and Saturdays at 17h30. Alternatively, listen to The Tribe on 99FM every Friday at 19h00, and follow The Tribe on Instagram @thetribenamibia and on Facebook @TheTribeNamibia.
