2 minute read
THE TRIBE
#TheTribeExclusive featuring Ethnix
In their very first interview on #TheTribeExclusive, the dynamic music duo Ethnix sit down with Ché Ulenga to talk about breaking into the industry.
Consisting of Etjo Kangumine and Julius Marco Hamwele, who is better known as Page, the group describes their sound as “very distinctive and unique, fusing hip-hop and R&B with traditional elements and pop”.
Recalling how his interest in music was sparked in primary school, Page says: “I used to do talent shows and stuff like that. I started off as a dancer and then I ventured into rapping.” By the time he was in high school he formed a dance group with some friends who shared the same dream of making it big in entertainment. Aptly called Dream City, the group would shoot videos and take part in various events to showcase their talents.
After a few years Page suggested to his group members that they approach Windhoek-based producer Araffath Muhuure to take their dreams further.
To his surprise, Page made a very good impression on Araffath who decided to sign him – but as a solo act.
“We had a couple of songs and then he said there’s something missing, and the missing piece was a female voice,” Page says.
The two tried out a couple of female vocalists but none of them were good enough. Until Etjo came along.
Once they met her – through a friend of hers who brought her over to the 777 Studios – it was a done deal.
After officially hitting the studio as a duo in 2014, they decided to call themselves Ethnix to represent the tribal elements in their sound. They launched a few hit songs which topped the charts of several local radio stations but theyeventually cut ties with Araffath and decided to work with another producer.
The pair expresses their gratitude for the continued support they have received from their fans over the years.
“Namibia has taught us that if fans believe in you they are willing to push you and they have pushed us, because if they didn’t love our music I’m sure we wouldn’t even be here,” says Etjo.
He continues: “They’ve been so supportive, they’ve been so welcoming of the new sound and they literally always tell us that we have pushed the bar up very high.”
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