Suzi Eises

Working hard and all that jazz

Suzi Eises, a soulful saxophone master who has proven her star power, is one of the hottest properties in the Namibian music industry. Suzi hails from a very musical family. Her uncle, Dennis Eises, is a celebrated Namibian musician, so music has always been a part of who she is. 99 FM MYD spoke to Suzi about her expectations and learning to become fearless.

MYD: Your star status is rising. How did you become a saxophonist?

SE: It all started when I was sixteen. I saw the high school band perform at assembly and I was really amazed at how they played. I already played the piano, but when I saw the saxophone, I asked the director if I could please try it. I learnt it in high school and after school I went to London to attend a course – that’s when I got into jazz music. In 2011, after I left London, I had my first public performance in Namibia with my uncle, who played the piano.

MYD: What was the response like?

SE: It was really good. I am very lucky to have my uncle because he is tough and he knows the music industry.

MYD: Would you say that you have high expectations of yourself?

SE: Wow, yes I do. People see me as a celebrity, a queen or something, but I don’t see myself that way. I still see myself as a little girl, trying to play music. But because of the response, I expect so much of myself.

MYD: How do you think we can build our identities in the arts?

SE: I think we shouldn’t fear to really represent who we are as Namibians. I think a lot of how countries in Africa like to follow other trends, Western culture and things like that, and I think it’s so important for us to be fearless and be who we are.

MYD: How do we become fearless, Suzi?

SE: There are a lot of things thrown at us. You look at the Western world and you say, “Okay, this is how I need to be; this is how I need to look.” We get distracted a lot, but we are from Namibia, we are in a small country. It is quiet. I think we should focus on that. Focus on the true spirit of Namibians. When we focus too much on others, it gets in the way.

MYD: Do you have a personal philosophy for life or a mantra that you live by?

SE: There’s this quote by Maya Angelou that says, “Nothing will work unless you do,” and I feel that is so true. I used to struggle with being lazy. So I can play my instrument, but if you understand music, you really have tospend hours and hours and hours practising, and I struggle with that. So that quote helps me to know that if you want to be somebody, if you want to do something, you have to work, you have to work on yourself.

MYD: What advice would you have for anyone who is struggling in their life right now?

SE: I once watched Oprah say that there is no such thing as a mistake. Whatever you do personally, spiritually, mentally, physically, it’s not a mistake – it’s part of the plan. Sometimes we need to be broken in order to be beautiful.

MYD: That reminds me of something I recently heard that sometimes you go through really difficult times, but you have to choose to be better or you are going to be bitter. Suzi, do you have a message for Namibia?

SE: I think that in order for you to be successful and happy, you need to be patient with yourself and with other people. Another thing to remember is that focus is so important. Remember what you want to be, not what other people want you to be. And then have faith.

Instagram: @suzyeises

Suzy’s story is part of a series celebrating Namibians in partnership with Master Your Destiny. Read more in the MYD Journal at: www.issuu. com/99fm/docs/99fm_myd_book_2018