ART-IST: Diolini

Juné van der Walt for Urban Lens Photography

Diolini steps into her own rhythm

Ever since she can remember, this Namibian golden-voiced girl has been in love with music.

Like many teens at the time, Chantell Uiras, better known as Diolini, was obsessed with R&B, spending hours on end listening to her favourite songs. “I’d often contemplate how people were able to create all these beautiful melodies, and if the melodies would run out by the time I was able to make my own music,” she recalls fondly.

Diolini now laughs at those thoughts but admits that sometimes the fear that the melodies might eventually run out still crosses her mind.

With that kind of devotion it was inevitable that the aspiring singer would gravitate towards a career in music. Diolini lives through her music. Her style can be described as neo soul with elements of house.

Like many creatives, Diolini experiences her creative moments at different times and in different scenarios. “It could be early morning when I’m sungazing with a cup of tea, or late evening when I’ve just stumbled into the house very intoxicated. My spirit takes care of the process, my mind just needs enough presence to capture it.”

An avid writer, Diolini pens songs inspired by a variety of events, feelings, and situations that she experiences. “I can be extremely sentimental, so the majority of the time I find myself writing music that reflects my inner and outer environment at a specific time. I write about what it feels like being myself and being on this ever-changing journey of life and love as a young person,” she says.

She also writes about her deep love for nature, love, and life. Many things inspire her writing and everything has the potential to inspire her. She puts it quite perfectly: “Everywhere I look is an abundance of stories to write, so I write them.”

I write about what it feels like being myself and being on this ever-changing journey of life and love as a young person.

Signed by UMB Academy, Diolini expresses concern over the state of the Namibian music industry.

“It sometimes feels like we’re still doing the groundwork in creating a strong foundation for our music industry to grow and thrive from,” she says.

On top of finding a footing in an industry that she says needs much work to be able to thrive, she also highlights the challenges that women in music are facing in their pursuit of success.

“Sometimes I find myself having to be aware of the fact that I am female. Women tend to be underestimated or sexualized and it has an effect on how I sometimes have to carry myself in order to get the respect, recognition and sometimes even the money I deserve.”

Despite the challenges in the industry she nevertheless loves the grind and considers herself blessed to be able to show people what she is made of.

“Struggling is a natural part of taking the path less followed,” she stresses.

Diolini has come a long way from singing backing vocals for other musicians. Most of her earlier work is based on the projects of other musicians and producers. Her music career took off by performing some mesmerising covers of classic songs.

But today, Diolini has crafted her own identity and is stepping into her own rhythm as a solo performer. Not only is she ready to re-introduce her sound to Namibia but she is also excited to debut her music on the global stage.

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.