ART-IST

UMB Academy - The home of Namibia’s creative future

There’s a new kid on the block and judging by the way this artist collective is doing business the Namibian music industry is looking better. Consisting of producer/DJ Dreas, soulful songstress Diolini, multi-talented musician Loft and veteran rapper, Brain The Tool, Universal Master Builder’s Academy (UMB Academy) is shaking things up in the industry. UMB Academy founder Brain The Tool is confident that record labels are still very relevant in Namibia, saying, “this is what Namibia needs the most in a landscape where we are much weaker individually. A model like this helps foster interdependence, an exchange of value for value.” Established in 2016, UMB Academy was born out of a business deal gone wrong, Brain admits. Refusing to let the setback keep him down, he started the brand and has not looked back since. “Our greatest power and success has come from recognising the unique landscape of arts and business in Namibia. We don’t believe in models that have nothing to do with how we live our lives on the ground. We’re crafting our own path – curating our own culture,” says a passionate Brain who is intent on shifting the arts landscape through this project.

A talented, forward-thinking and multidisciplinary artist himself, Brain believes in continuous learning in order to stay on top of the game. “Nothing I’ve learnt today has more significance than anything I’ve learnt in the past – it all matters. The only difference is I’m enjoying the fruits of wisdom and not vague concepts found in youthful pursuits,” he says. He also believes in the talent that he has signed on and is hopeful that the industry will become more professional and more structured. We really won’t have anything to look at if we don’t have a different take on how we are positioned in the global

With the three artists signed to the label being so diverse, it begs the question of what it takes to be part of the team. For Brain, talent is not enough. “I look for a multitude of things. Discipline, proactive efforts, selfreliance and passion to succeed, to mention but a few,” he says. UMB Academy aims to develop and promote the arts not only in Namibia but across Africa and the rest of the world. It does this by networking and collaborating with various artists. The label has also positioned itself to guide and assist these artists where necessary and by so doing, helps to breathe life into the arts sector. If that doesn’t happen, he says, then the time for Namibian music to join the global stage will continue to be deferred. “We really won’t have anything to look at if we don’t have a different take on how we are positioned in the global community where art is concerned.” Rukee Kaakunga is a Windhoek-based Concept Engineer, PR Consultant, and fashion writer. Contact her via email: rukeekaakunga@gmail.com and follow her on Twitter @rukeeveni. community where art is concerned.

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