Namibian Sun

Samherji begs for release of seized vessel

OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK

Icelandic firm Samherji, which is at the centre of the Fishrot bribery scandal, has asked Namibian authorities to release its fishing vessel Heinaste, which the police seized in February.

The Namibian police impounded the controversial horse-mackerel trawler early this year as investigations into Fishrot intensified.

It was sold to a Russian company last year and was about to sail away from Namibian waters en route to its new owners. It is not clear whether Samherji has refunded the Russians in the meantime.

Samherji told Namibian Sun that the vessel remains in the hands of the Namibian authorities.

“Samherji has engaged the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Office of the Prosecutor-General and the Office of the Attorney-General in an effort to allow the vessel to be sold and put back to work while Samherji and its JV partners work out with the authorities if the vessel's seizure was lawful,” the company said.

“The proceeds of any sale would be held in Namibia pending resolution of these issues.”

The former head of the Namibian police's criminal investigation directorate, Nelius Becker, had previously confirmed that the vessel's seizure was done in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act because it had been linked to the Fishrot bribery case.

Providing an update on the vessel's status, police spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi said the vessel was still in the custody of the police.

Owner objects

Samherji had protested against the vessel's seizure and said it was making attempts to get it back.

“As far as Heinaste is concerned, Samherji is on record as saying it is greatly concerned that such a valuable asset is tied up alongside and is not at work creating jobs for Namibian fishermen,” it said.

Fishing illegally

The Heinaste was impounded in December 2019 after it was caught fishing in a restricted zone area near Walvis Bay.

The two captains, Icelander Angrimu Kristinn Brynjolfson (67) and Russian national Fetisov Iurii (58), were arrested and each paid N$100 000 bail.

Brynjolfsen was fined N$950 000 or 12 years in prison by the Walvis Bay Magistrate's Court.

Samherji's former CEO, Björgólfur Jóhannsson, previously questioned why the vessel was seized despite the conclusion of the magistrate court case.

“Samherji is concerned that the Namibian police deliberately ignored the court order and refused to return the ship's papers to the owner, as the court ordered it to do,” said Jóhannsson.

The company indicated that it would challenge the vessel's seizure.

“Only a convicted person can have their assets seized under Namibian law. The owner of the Heinaste has not been charged, let alone convicted, of any offence. Previously, the group had stated it was pleased that a case concerning Heinaste and its captain was finally resolved in the Magistrate's Court of Walvis Bay,” said Jóhannsson.

Fishing quota auction storm grows• Kawana says he's following high-level panel's advice As Namibia sails into the unchartered waters of auctioning fishing quotas, observers have come out swinging against the idea while the government is calling for cool heads.

OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK

Government's decision to auction off its fishing quota, and then use the proceeds to finance its efforts to fight the Covid-19 pandemic is continuing to be met with scepticism and a growing sense of trepidation.

The fisheries ministry this week announced plans to sell its fishing quota meant for government objectives to the highest bidder.

The fishing quota meant for government objectives has been the centre of the biggest corruption scandal in the fishing sector to date, which has led to the arrest of, among others, former fisheries minister Bernhardt Esau and former justice minister Sacky Shanghala.

Practice unheard of

Popular Democratic Movement parliamentarian Nico Smit questioned the delay in the announcement of new fishing rights holders and also asked why quotas were being sold in spite of the government allocating N$8.1 billion to fight the pandemic.

“The information we have is sketchy.

“We want to know how this is going to work and whether all the good promises will follow through,” he said.

According to Smit, the move was questionable.

“Government has the sole right to decide on how to use the money. What will the fisheries money be used for? They are just gathering money and we do not know what it will be used for … to me, this is not cosy at all,” he said.

Be transparent

Rally for Democracy and Progress parliamentarian Mike Kavekotora also said the time was ripe for the minister to announce the recipients of new fishing rights. The ministry of fisheries received about 5 200 applications in 2018.

“The public needs to know who was successful. This is a national asset, they are dealing with national assets,” Kavekotora said.

“Transparency in the ruling party is hard to come by; they are dealing with national assets,” he said.

Fishrot fears dismissed

Kawana dismissed any notion that the auction could result in another scandal.

Kawana said the auction was the most viable option proposed by President Hage Geingob's High-Level Panel on the Economy.

Kawana added that the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the tax revenue shortfall from the tourism sector, motivated the need for the sale of the quotas.

“Tourism, which used to bring foreign currency at short notice, all but dried up. It is on this basis that fisheries had to be classified as an essential service so that fish can be sold in the international market to quickly generate foreign currency for our country,” he said.

Explaining the allocation, Kawana said the portion reserved for locals would be divided into two streams, namely a 'wet' quota allocation that would make up 30% of the total allocation and a 70% frozen component.

“The 60% open to both local and international applicants will have a different reserve price,” he said.

According to him, it is common practice for high-value commodities to be auctioned in the international markets. Kawana added that the proceeds would be paid into government coffers.

“The money generated will be paid directly into the State Revenue Account as per the requirements of the State Finance Act of 1991,” he said.

Quota auction allocation small

Kawana said the quota allocation to be auctioned was not that large.

“I must also state here that the quota that is to be auctioned to both local and international is not that significant. For example, out of 154 000 metric tonnes (MT) of total allowable catch (TAC) for hake, only 6 600 MT or 4.3% will be available to both local and international bidders,” he said.

“Ninety-five percent remains for local utilisation. Out of 330 000 MT of Total Allowable Catch for horse mackerel, only 43 200 MT or 13% will be available for both local and international companies. This leaves 87% for local utilisation,” he said.

Tough times for mines in NamIndustry remains economic pillar Mines spent about N$13.4 billion on local procurement in 2019, around N$23 more than in 2018. The Chamber has shown tenacity to resolve challenges in removing the policy and regulatory obstacles. – Zebra Kasete, President: Chamber of Mines

Jo-Maré Duddy – Of the 16 operating mining companies included in the latest annual review of the Chamber of Mines of Namibia, six last year suffered losses of nearly N$3 billion in total.

Despite this, the mining sector overall still made a significant contribution to the economy.

Mines in Namibia in 2019 earned about N$33.5 billion in sales revenue in total and some 71% of its distributable cash stayed within the country’s borders.

Of this, nearly N$6.03 billion was paid out as salaries and wages, about one percent less than in 2018, according the Chamber’s review which was launched yesterday.

The sector in 2019 employed 16 342 people in total – 121 more than the previous year. About 55% or 9 027 of were permanent employees, while nearly 40% was contractors.

Only 269 or 1.7% of the total labour force were foreigners.

Mines spent about N$13.4 billion on local procurement in 2019, around N$23 more than in 2018.

In addition, mines filled state coffers with some N$3.4 billion in taxes and levies last year: about N$1.4 billion in corporate tax, N$1.7 billion in royalties and N$243 million in export levies.

Hard times

Compared to 2018, mines paid about N$248 million or nearly 6.8% less in corporate tax, royalties and export levies.

Of the mines recording losses in their past financial year, Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb suffered the biggest blow. The blister copper producer reported a loss of N$1.6 billion for its 2019 book-year, including a non-cash write-down of N$1.5 billion.

Langer Heinrich Uranium, which has been on care and maintenance since since mid-2018, reported a loss of N$850.1 million, while Skorpion Zinc reported a loss of N$379.6 million.

Namib Lead & Zinc Mining’s loss was N$60.6 million, while QKR Namibia Navachab Gold Mine reported a loss of N$53.4 million.

Iron producer Lodgestone Namibia suffered a loss of N$12 million.

Investment

Operating and development mining companies that belong to the Chamber last year spent more than N$3.37 billion on fixed investment in Namibia.

In his message in the review, Chamber president Zebra Kasete said: “To facilitate the sector’s continued growth, in an industry that is maturing, the Chamber remains committed to helping government remove some of the elements that are currently detracting from Namibia’s otherwise well balanced and stable mining regulatory regime.”

According to Kasete, the Chamber has shown “tenacity to resolve challenges in removing the policy and regulatory obstacles, and I have no doubt that these issues will be overcome”.

“My dream and vision is for these outcomes to return Namibia to a highly favoured mining jurisdiction and ensure the continued growth of our sector,” Kasete said.

Price monster hungry

Although annual overall inflation in Namibia last month stayed unchanged at 2.1%, annual overall food inflation increased to 6.2% - up from 4.9% in June and 3.7% in July 2019. Figures released by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) yesterday show meat inflation rising from 8% in June to 10.6%. A year ago the rate was -0.9%. Bread and cereals rose from -1.1% to 1.2%. Fruit and vegetables remained in double-digit territory, recording rates of 14.7% and 14% respectively. Photo Nampa/Reuters

Marketing through the lens of a creativeJumper Namibia creates cinematic informational content Andreas Elifas, the founder of videography and marketing company Jumper Namibia, is a creative who spends most of his time learning about business and looking for ways to advance his creative skills.

ESTER KAMATI

As part of the DOLOLO group of entrepreneurs and a 2019 alumnus of the Africa Pathfinders Leadership initiative, Andreas Elifas’s objective is to attain an engaging position in the creative industry which is optimal for personal growth and discovery. He believes that a team-oriented environment with likeminded individuals is a breeding ground for growth.

Elifas is an experienced creative who has demonstrated a history of working in the advertising and film industries, practising his critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. Andreas put his love for creativity and the experience that he has accumulated into practice, establishing what he describes as a “first-person-perspective video marketing platform”.

Jumper Namibia creates cinematic informational / instructional content for business owners and professionals to preview, launch or showcase their products or services. Jumper Namibia provides clients the opportunity to watch videos with virtual-reality headsets, “allowing them to truly gain the perspective of another person”.

As the chief executive officer of Jumper Namibia, Elifas spends most of his time developing the business and working closely with the head of operations to execute projects. In 2017, Elifas attended a filming and editing workshop, where he recalls learning about visual communication with the camera, after which he created his first short film.

This was the first of many more videography projects for Elifas, which is when his passion for the camera was born.

“I enjoyed it as the concept was new to me so I was learning new things.” Elifas also learned about teamwork at the workshop, during the process of putting their heads and ideas together to create something great.

“I’m bad at articulating my words, so cinematography allows me to communicate in ways I cannot do verbally,” he says.

The process of realising one’s dreams, according to Elifas, begins with the development of an entrepreneurial mindset. “I noticed that creatives don’t have that, and as much as you want to be creative, you still have to sustain yourself and learn how to make money from what you do,” he says.

The Creative Entrepreneurs Programme, hosted by the Goethe Institute, is one of very few platforms that focus on teaching creatives about business and Elifas counts himself lucky to be part of the initiative.

“It’s wise to constantly work on your craft and move with the pace,” he believes. He adds that learning new skills is also essential as the world is going digital. Augmented reality, artificial intelligence and other digital arts such as filmmaking or graphic art are some interesting fields to learn about. “Also share your work. How else will you be noticed if you don’t share your work?”

The success of one’s business also depends on the team that you work with and Elifas prides himself in having a powerful team which he can brainstorm ideas with and successfully execute projects.

“It’s great to be surrounded by the right people who can help you grow personally and professionally.”

One of the goals that he has for Jumper Namibia is to be able to employ more people. But Elifas is cautious about who he allows into his space. “Energy is very transmissible; people are either there to grow you or drain your energy,” he believes.

Elifas is inspired by music and paintings and uses meditation to conceptualise his ideas. “Sometimes I would walk around the city and be inspired by the things I observe; the good and bad things within our society that need awareness. That is the only time I want to create.”

Thought leadership Essentials in managing your finances responsibly

NDANGI KATOMA

In a very short time, the coronavirus has changed so much about our lives.

It is easy to think you’ll never get ahead when you have mounting bills to pay, on a reduced or lost income and limited savings, all because of a pandemic that no one saw coming. But it can be done.

Take confidence in knowing that with determination, understanding the support options available to you and having a realistic plan, debt and bills can be managed.

Here are a few key essentials in managing your finances responsibly:

Financial Knowledge and Confidence: During times like these, knowledge plays a crucial role in the financial decisions that we make. It is important to ensure you expose yourself to some form of financial education to ensure that psychologically, you can make the right decisions.

Credit Life Insurance: Enquire from your financial institution if you have credit life insurance linked to your credit agreement. Most people have credit life insurance but are not aware of it. If you have a credit life policy; check the terms and conditions of these policies as they may differ from one provider to the next in terms of what they cover. It is important to understand what you signed up for.

Lifestyle Adjustment: Create a new budget and split your necessities from luxuries and discretionary expenses. If necessary, downscale your lifestyle, cut back on discretionary spending, and create some space in your budget. Consider ways to save on your necessities, such as the content of your groceries, moving to a smaller house and cheaper transport options.

Responsible Debt Consumption: Use credit responsibly; if you have already consolidated your debts, avoid taking additional debt.

Long-Term Savings and Long-Term Goals: Take a long-term view when it comes to savings and investments. Don’t get tempted to disinvest because of panic. Markets are generally volatile over uncertain times such as these but will correct over time. If you happen to resign from your job in this time, resist the temptation to cash out your retirement savings. Preserve this money. Don’t borrow from your future.

Preserve Your Relationships: While it is cheaper to borrow money from family and friends, consider how much it could end up costing you if you lost the relationship due to unfulfilled promises.

Understand the Pros and Cons of Debt Relief Programmes: Before you approach a credit, provider or accept an offer of debt relief or a payment holiday, make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the agreement.

Emergency Fund: The current situation should serve as a learning experience to validate why it is important to save for rainy days. An emergency fund is not a luxury. Build an emergency fund over time to mobilise up to six months’ worth of a safety net.

Personal finance and making the right choices aren’t so simple, most people don’t have the expertise, which is essential when it comes to personal finance such as taking personal loans. This is why engaging with a trusted financial institution is a must when it comes to seeking a personal loan. Taking such action can be the helping hand you need in the short term, without giving you a financial headache in the long run.

Megan Thee Stallion slams 'WAP' critics

IOL ENTERTAINMENT

Megan Thee Stallion has slammed men hating on her raunchy Cardi B collaboration 'WAP' after CeeLo Green took aim at the “salacious” rappers.

The Savage hitmaker took to Twitter to take on men who have mocked the rappers after they unleashed the explicit track and its accompanying video - which sees Kylie Jenner and themselves strut around in eye-popping lingerie.

She wrote: “Lol, dudes will scream “slob on my k***” word for word and crying about WAP. Bye, lil' boy. (sic)”

The comment came after CeeLo - who had a song with the title F*** You in 2010, which was also known as Forget You - said the likes of Nicki Minaj should be using their platform to be role models to their young fans, while he also took aim at Megan and Cardi.

CeeLo called modern pop music “sheer savagery” before going in on the chart-toppers.

Disappointing

In an interview with Far Out magazine, he bemoaned: “A lot of music today is very unfortunate and disappointing on a personal and moral level.

“There was once a time when we were savvy enough to code certain things. We could express to those it was meant for with the style of language we used. But now music is shameless, it is sheer savagery.

“It's problematic, we suffer from it because there are those who have nothing to do with it, but it is assumed of everyone. You have the 'Heads of State', like Nicki Minaj or someone who is up there in accolade: Success, visibility, a platform to influence. Nicki could be effective in so many other constructive ways, but it feels desperate.”

'Attention seekers'

The 45-year-old singer then hailed them attention seekers. And while he understands they are trying to promote “divine femininity”, he believes they are doing so at a “cost”.

He continued: “Attention is also a drug and competition is around... Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, they are all more or less doing similar salacious gesturing to kinda get into position.

“I get it, the independent woman and being in control, the divine femininity and sexual expression. I get it all, but it comes at what cost?”

'WAP', which stands for 'Wet A** P***y', features a flurry of sexual innuendos and has received a mixed reaction from fans and critics alike, but aims to spread a message of female empowerment.

Waters drops second singleSpeaks on the state of R&B in Namibia With an EP in the pipeline, the singer told tjil that his latest song is the lead single off his forthcoming project, Grey, with a release date yet to be set.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

WINDHOEK

There's a reason why R&B is kicking down doors in the Namibian music space - DBS Africa signee Waters released one of the highest trending singles on iTunes this week.

tjil spoke to him about his new single, 'Notice', and all things R&B.

To give the song the attention it needs, Waters mentioned there are plans to complement the track with visuals.

“I think people should expect visuals for this track. We're planning on doing everything we can to push this single above and beyond,” he said.

In good company

Being part of a record label that houses talents like Kevo Maro, Kakia and Timo Kevin, Waters shared that he is glad to be associated with so many other talented artists.

“DBS Africa is filled with so many young hearts and inspiring minds. The talent in this group is out of this world. The exciting part is that we are young and we stand for the youth, it's amazing,” added Waters.

On the international music scene, R&B has been reported to do better than hip-hop this year.

Asked what the dynamic is like here in Namibia, the singer said he feels R&B isn't as huge here at home.

“We aren't a lot who actually do it. R&B here at home isn't really pushed as much as other genres are and I understand that, but it will change,” he said.

Passion for music

The singer, who loves music, said it's his passion and he will continue sharing his light with his country and with the world.

“My music is different and I hope it has an impact on the people just as it has on me,” he shared.

'Notice' is available on all digital platforms. The link can be accessed via DBS Africa's Instagram page.

Anne Hambuda announces poetry EP Using poetry as a conduit to express her thoughts Cementing her portfolio as a creative force, the poet, writer and presenter exclusively disclosed to tjil that she will be releasing a poetry EP later this year.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

WINDHOEK

Powerhouse Anne Hambuda has been recording some beautifully soft verses that will help express her deepest thoughts, desires and fears.

In an exclusive interview with tjil, she revealed that the poetry EP, titled Warm in the Dark, will be dropping before the end of the year, and will be available online for free.

She’s worked with Sappy Jowdy and Jeiyo on a few recordings, and said she’s having so much fun.

On the subject matter she’s exploring on the EP, Hambuda said she’s inspired by everyday life.

“But mostly, I like talking about sex and love and all the crazy shades they come in. I’m informed by my own personal experiences, but also by what I’ve seen happen to other people and things I feel will happen if I’m not careful.”

First true love

Poetry being an important element of hip-hop, the culture this edition is celebrating, tjil asked Hambuda when she fell in love with the art form.

To this, she said she’s always been a writer.

“I can’t remember not writing poetry. Before I even wanted to be an author or journalist, I was writing little poems about how things made me feel and it was always therapy. It’ll always be my first true love,” she said.

Her message to the Namibian hip-hop community is for those involved to never stop writing, and trying to be better than you previously were.

“Read as much as you can. Love one another and please respect women. Rap, poetry, beatboxing, breakdancing and all of that is part of a beautiful and rich culture that should do as much good for the world as it can,” Hambuda said.

Honoured

Having put in so much work into her presenting endeavours, Hambuda is one of the nominees in this year’s Simply You Magazine Lifestyle and Fashion Awards, a nod she said she is absolutely honoured by.

“There are so many talented media personalities that could have been chosen and they recognised my work. “It’s so exciting as well because I run an Instagram TV [IGTV] show and to be nominated for that proves to me that we should just keep working and creating and our blessings will come for us.”

Celebrating Namibian hip-hop Michael Kayunde

Windhoek

Right, good people. It's been weeks since I wrote a full-length column for this publication after weeks of lowkey development and growth of the tjil brand on the digital front.

Since we went digital, the team decided that the monthly editions will be themed. For August, the theme is hip-hop, as we join the world in celebrating this culture that turns 47 this month.

A whole edition dedicated to Namibian hip-hop related news stories and features.

I'm not sure whether it's been done before, but I definitely believe this edition is a big moment for Namibian hip-hop artists, the community and the culture as a whole.

As the custodian journalist for this publication, I would like to thank the editorial team I report to for allowing me to execute this crazy idea.

I would also like to thank the artists featured in this edition for allowing me to tell their stories.

This is my representation of the trust and love I have for those fighting to get to a level they've dream about all their lives.

Hip-hop is big on chasing dreams and upgrading your lifestyle and that of those around you – it's a very ambitious, driven culture. So, this edition is tjil's way of saying we believe in you, and we see all the big dreamers, hip-hop followers and game-changers out there.

For the cover feature, I spoke to reigning hip-hop king Skrypt, who shared an update on his forthcoming EP. He also spoke about getting a call from veteran rapper Stogie-T, previously known as Tumi from Tumi and The Volume, to do a verse for his popular Instagram show #FreestyleFriday.

I literally got goose bumps when I found out that Stogie-T reached out to Skrypt and not the other way round. Stogie-T called Skrypt, bro! I don't think you guys understand how big of a moment that was.

More than anything, I was impressed by Skrypt's modesty, because if I got a call from Stogie-T, I would have broadcasted a screenshot on all my social media platforms – HATERS MUST KNOW!

They say hip-hop is a young man's game, so this edition is jam-packed with features on the leaders of the new school, including Skipper Wills, Kay-Z Bearens and DBS Africa artist Waters, who specialises in R&B.

Let me not spoil it further for you! I hope you enjoy this edition.

Yours in hip-hop.

michael@namibiansun.com; @MichaelMKAY on twitter

Kay-Z Bearens on his 2020 releases

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

WINDHOEK

Rapper Kay-Z Bearens released his first single in 2015, and though on the underground scene, he's pushed his music over the years.

In 2020, his name has finally been registered on the mainstream scene.

Earlier this week, Bearens, who hails from the Zambezi Region, released visuals to his latest single, You Had A Chance – a video which is accumulating views on YouTube by the day.

Speaking to tjil, the rapper shared that the video was shot two weeks ago at the Brewers Market, previously known as the Warehouse Theatre.

He mentioned that they used the location to capacity as they tried to reach every corner they could, as the place is quite artistic inside.

Shot by Silas Film World of Spectrum Media and directed by Waka, the storyline is based on Bearens being hurt by a girl in his past expressing how he feels as things get better for him.

“It's a story of people switching up when you've made it a few steps ahead in life,” the rapper said.

Going international

He told tjil that he is working on pushing the video to international avenues, saying he aims it to be aired on Trace Africa and Channel O.

Bearens said the video airing big platforms would mean so much to him, as he believes that move would help him represent Namibia's talent to the world.

“The fact that it's sung in English makes it an international song because English is widely spoken around the world. I'm certain many people would relate to it if they watch the video.

“My name would be out there so more opportunities would be opened - I'm talking international features and deals,” he said.

In the pipeline

You Had A Chance is one of the two singles the rapper released this year.

On whether there's a fully-fledged body of work in the pipeline, he said: “I don't think I'll be putting out an album soon, an EP I might drop, but I'm mainly focused on dropping singles and dropping visuals.

“I believe I should first build a huge crowd for my type of music before dropping an album.”

Growing hip-hop in the north• Skipper Wills – a name you should look out for Possibly one of the most influential new school rappers in the north right now, the musiciana boasts quality work and an impressive contribution to Namibian hip-hop.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

WINDHOEK

Skipper Wills' breakthrough came in 2017 when he was selected to take part in the Old & New hip-hop documentary. He has since released his first EP, Wills Makaveli, and hosted one of the first hip-hop cyphers in the north, North Side Cypher. tjil caught up with the rapper, whose real name is Malima William, recently.

tjil (t): You have been around for some time now. With an EP and music video to your name, when can the game expect a fully-fledged album?

Skipper Wills (SW): After the EP, I've been on a genre tour. Still finding my own sound and I'm left with amapiano and kwaito that I'm yet to drop. Only then I can start with an album when I've fully explored the industry and picked my very own Skipper Wills sound.

t: What are your goals? How far do you want to go?

SW: With the type of sound I've been giving my fans, I've been getting a very positive response, especially on the Ngandjera vernacular I throw in. I want to be that international hip-hop artist who raps in Ngandjera, representing the country overseas and giving young rappers an opportunity to show the world their work.

t: Besides music, what do you do?

SW: I'm a qualified mechanical engineer, specifically a boilermaker artisan.

t: What's your take on the state of music in the north?

SW: Music in the north is moving so fast, there's a massive support here, so in a short period of time, the north will be the centre of music in the country. It's only exposure and sponsors that we are lacking here, otherwise we could be moving very fast. There's such great collection of young talent here.

To top it all, 2020 has been a really great year for me. More doors have opened in my favour and I'm still praying for more opportunities. I'm really proud of the artist my fans have shaped me into.

Scripting Skrypt’s journeyProfiling the reigning hip-hop artist of the year This month marks 47 years since DJ Kool Herc threw a back-to-school party in the Bronx, New York. Instead of playing songs in full, he only played their breaks, while his friend Coke La Rock added the final touch by hyping up the crowd with a mic, and so hip-hop... PULL-QUOTE: “I've always gravitated towards the storytellers of the game and that's exactly what hip-hop became for me - the best form of expression.” - Skrypt MICHAEL KAYUNDE

WINDHOEK

In joining the world to celebrate the genre that is now the most listened to style of music, tjil reached out to the reigning hip-hop artist in Namibia, Hitji ‘Skrypt’ Katjatenja, for an enlightening conversation about hip-hop in the Namibian context.

In hip-hop, greeting is an important ritual that must be observed as it is a sign of respect, so before our discussion, I asked Skrypt how he has been.

“I'm as good as one can be in a pandemic. On a personal level, I'm truly good. My lifestyle and where I am in life for the past few years makes it easier to function during a time like this.

“On a business level, of course I'm affected like everyone else. Making music hasn't been easy. But tough times never last, only tough people do. So, we move,” he said.

Falling in love with hip-hop

On when he fell in love with this art form and what it means to him, Skrypt said that it’s hard to pinpoint an exact moment when he fell in love with hip-hop because it feels like an accumulation of things.

He added that he is a 90s baby, so his roots don’t go too far into the history of the culture, but he has been blessed to learn as much as he could.

“My earliest memory is Tupac. Tupac was always in my older cousin's speakers. That's when the sound captured me.”

The rapper mentioned that growing up in South Africa, Zola was his idol before the likes of Nas, Jay-Z, Eminem and those who usually make hip-hop top 10 lists today. “I've always gravitated towards the storytellers of the game and that's exactly what hip-hop became for me - the best form of expression. I think it's pretty evident in my own work,” he said.

Pandemic changes things

The last time tjil caught up with Skrypt, he was teasing an EP meant to drop a few months ago.

Now, the project is still being refined.

He emphasised that Covid-19 didn't help his process at all, revealing that while he was 80% done then, that has dropped to 30%.

“So much has happened in the world, it's changed drastically, and so have I.

“There are conversations I had on the EP that don't have the same level of importance for me any more, and more importantly, there are conversations 2020 has compelled me to speak on.

“But it's coming, bear with me,” he promised.

Recognition and wins

Besides working on his EP, Skrypt has recorded a few wins this year, including being nominated in the favourite radio presenter category at the 2020 Simply You Magazine Lifestyle and Fashion Awards and representing Namibia in Stogie-T’s Freestyle Fridays.

On the nomination, the musician said the recognition is already a win, and that taking the trophy home would be icing on the cake.

“Presenting is something I do almost every day, so it's really good to see that I’m not falling on deaf ears. I'm truly grateful to Simply You Magazine.”

Meanwhile, he spoke highly of Stogie-T, stating that it's not every day a legend hits you up out of the blue and asks you to showcase your skills to the world.

“More power to that man. I was in writing mode when he hit me up, so I literally got off the phone with him and started writing. The reception was amazing,” he said.

More work to do

“Oddly enough, the majority of the messages and comments were from South Africa. I thought a lot of Namibians would tune in, but I guess that just means I have a whole lot of work to do.

“I'm nowhere near where I can be,” the ‘No Going Back’ hitmaker said.

Hopefully things come in place to do more work with South African artists, and really Africa at large,” he said.

Future for Nam hip-hop

Skrypt shared that his dream for Namibian hip-hop is to truly be seen. The rapper added that there is a stigma attached to the genre, and admitted that part of it is understandable.

“But there is beauty in the craft that is often overlooked. It really has a potential to be a voice, especially in the Namibian climate now where there is a lot to be said by the people.

“Of course we can talk about Namibian hip-hop being a staple in the African scene, but more than that, I want us to work towards being respected for what we are at the core,” he said.

Pirates’ number 10 comes with pressure – HamataHotto could thrive or falter The jersey which South African club Buccaneers retired is rumoured to await the arrival of Namibian international Deon Hotto, but local pundit Isack Hamata believes that is a tall order.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

WINDHOEK

Rumour on social media has it that Namibian international Deon Hotto’s three-year move to South Africa’s Orlando Pirates might return the Buccaneers’ retired number 10 jersey next season.

Many, including local pundit Isack Hamata, feel that this might put unwanted pressure on the enterprising midfielder who is at present finishing up the season with Bidvest Wits. Hamata believes the famous number will not be given to a foreign national, while many are calling for Thembinkosi Lorch to be handed the number.

Divided opinion

“They will never give that number to a foreign national. It will also put pressure on Hotto to perform consistently and on top of his game. Also, Buccaneers supporters are ruthless and unforgiving people,” said Hamata.

Another football lover, Nico Paul, said this pressure might be excellent for Hotto: “I don’t think that we should shield him. He might thrive under pressure and thus make a name for himself and that is not bad at all.”

The player wouldn’t comment on the talk about the jersey.

Another pundit, former Brave Warriors goalkeeper Danzyl Bruwer, said bringing the jersey back would be a good thing for Pirates. “However, a playmaker such as Steve Motstibele Lekoela should wear the jersey. Whether Hotto fits the bill is a big question, even though he is a very astounding player. I believe he should wear number 7 or 11,” he added.

Jersey backdrop

In 2015, Jomo Sono, now a club owner and coach, said it doesn’t matter who wears the jersey. “The jersey doesn’t play football, who wears it does. Back then the number 10 didn’t play football, it was me,” he said.

This year in March, according to KickOff magazine, the Pirates legend further said it's up to club chairman Irvin Khoza if he wants to revive the number 10 jersey.

Pirates retired the number 10 jersey many years ago after Khoza announced that it would take another special player to wear it again.

Dribbling wizard Steve Lekoelea was the only player to be handed the famous jersey at Pirates since Sono after he signed for Pirates from Moroka Swallows as a teenager.

However, he was later stripped of the privilege due to off-field problems. Lekoelea later went on to play for Maritzburg United in KwaZulu-Natal. Teko Modise was then rumoured to be next in line, but that all died when he left the club. However, Oupa Manyisa and Vincent Pule donned it during the Buccaneers’ Caf campaigns.

Since then then there hasn’t been a candidate deemed worthy of wearing the jersey.

Shalulile best striker in SA - Da Gama

LIMBA MUPETAMI

WINDHOEK

Namibian international Peter Shalulile is the best striker in South Africa, Highlands Park coach Owen da Gama said on Friday after their Absa Premiership match against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Da Gama said this after his side played to a one-all draw, with Shalulile scoring a breathtaking volley in the sixth minute, (Sundown’s Sphelele Mkhulise found the equaliser for his side towards the end of the first stanza), thus proving that he has been working hard behind closed doors during this time of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Shalulile is by far the best striker in the country. By far. I mean he was controlling that entire defence alone, aerial balls, on the ground, he was just something else,’’ said Da Gama.

The 13th goal puts the Namibian in a great spot to content for top goal scorer on level with Samir Nurkovic of Kaizer Chiefs, also with 13 goals. Both are just behind Gabadinho Mhango of Orlando Pirates, who has scored 14 goals so far.

Also, the goal allows his side to enjoy seventh place on the log with Shalulile still having to complete six games of the 2019/20 season. Their next match is scheduled against Chippa United tomorrow.

BA infighting deepens

NAMPA

Confusion is mounting at Black Africa as the executive battles to keep control of the club following plans of a supporters’ meeting that was set for Sunday afternoon at the Immanuel Shifidi Secondary School in Katutura.

A letter signed by several club supporters, former club executive members, current and former players said the meeting was to discuss the club’s position on the suspended Namibia Premier League, as well as their application to be part of the envisaged Namibia Football Association (NFA) league.

With over 50 signatures on the letter, it said the meeting was to discuss the future of BA as a collective.

However, the BA executive committee of Browny Mutrifa (chairperson), Lakka Goagoseb (vice-chairperson), Rebekka Goagoses, Doris Lamperth and Boni Paulino shot down the proposed meeting, saying they would like to inform its countrywide fan base that the purported supporters meeting is not sanctioned by the club.

“We urge our countrywide fans to be vigilant of desperate attempts to cause divisions and harm our reputable Black Africa brand by some within our supporters’ rank and file for their own personal interest,” they said in a statement.

The executive further goes on to state that as a club, BA remains committed to the NPL and has signed up to the legally registered NPL “who pursues the route of professionalism of football in this country”.

Another allegiance

Meanwhile, another letter has surfaced from Blue Waters (BW) Football Club who also pledged their allegiance to the NPL.

The letter is directed to the Namibia Sports Commission and says communication on club matters only come from the executive members, not Vilho Tostao, who has been accused of misrepresenting BW.

The letter was signed by Knowledge Iipinge, Abraham Hangula, Albertus Shitatu and Armando Satchlpia.

Football in Namibia is currently at a standstill as the NFA and NPL continue to battle in the boardrooms to bring normalcy to the game.

Brutal Bayern hit eight past Barcelona

NAMPA/AFP

A merciless Bayern Munich inflicted a humiliating, record defeat on Barcelona on Friday, recording a scarcely believable 8-2 victory in their Champions League quarter-final in Lisbon to leave Lionel Messi forlorn and surely hastening in the end of an era in Catalonia.

Thomas Mueller scored twice either side of goals from Ivan Perisic and Serge Gnabry in a stunning opening 31 minutes at an empty Estadio da Luz, with a David Alaba own-goal having briefly brought Barcelona back level.

Luis Suarez pulled it back to 4-2 at one point in the second half, but Barcelona then caved in, with Joshua Kimmich getting Bayern's fifth before three more goals in the final stages, one for the prolific Robert Lewandowski and two for substitute Philippe Coutinho.

That was the really humiliating part for the beaten side, with Coutinho on loan in Bavaria from Barcelona, who spent 160 million euros on signing the Brazilian in 2018 but never got the best out of him.

Hard to comprehend

"We knew it is never easy against Barcelona, but this is an unbelievable result," said Kimmich. "It's hard to comprehend."

It is Barcelona's worst European defeat and the worst of Messi's career. The game was eerily reminiscent of Germany's 7-1 destruction of Brazil in the 2014 World Cup, a game in which Mueller also played and scored.

Germany went on to win that World Cup and Bayern look a good bet to win this Champions League, although they will surely face a sterner test in the semi-final regardless of whether it is against Manchester City or Lyon.

"In the 7-1 win in Brazil we didn't have the same amount of control. Yes we were good but tonight the way we dominated the game was brutal," said Mueller.

This was Bayern's 19th consecutive victory in all competitions, and a 28th game unbeaten for Hansi Flick's side. They have now scored 39 goals in nine Champions League outings this season.

But the story of this game is Barcelona's remarkable capitulation and the question is what happens to them now.

What’s next?

Messi was 27 when they last won the Champions League in 2015. He is 33 now and this game may make up his mind that he needs to finally leave the Camp Nou if he is to win it again.

Barca have just about been here before: They were torn apart by Bayern in the 2013 semi-finals, losing 7-0 on aggregate, but this was eight goals in 90 minutes.

And with an ageing team featuring six players aged 31 or older, this has to be the end of an era.

"I don't know how to label it," said Gerard Pique.

"The club needs changes. I'm not talking about the level of the players or coach, but structurally the club needs all sorts of changes."

Cheptegei flying in face of Covid-19Ugandan record-setter Despite spending much of his time gardening, Joshua Cheptegei returned to the track to smash a 16-year-old world record.

NAMPA / AFP

Uganda's Joshua Cheptegei spent much of his Covid-19 lockdown painting a primary school and helping out in his grandparents' vegetable patch in his homeland.

But a relatively quick easing down on restrictions by the Ugandan government in June meant Cheptegei could get serious with his training under coach Addy Ruiter, and on Friday, he showed how successful that had been.

Metronomic pacing and perfect conditions at the Stade Louis II saw the 23-year-old light up the Monaco Diamond League, the first regular top-flight international one-day meet since the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cheptegei wiped almost two seconds off Ethiopian legend Kenenisa Bekele's 16-year-old world record time over the 5,000m as he clocked an astonishing 12 minute and 35.35 second winner.

"I've learned that anything is possible, if you have the right mind-set and believe," the Ugandan said.

"I really thank Kenenisa so much for inspiring me when I started running. He has always been a big inspiration and motivation to me.

"This record is a special moment for me and I like to thank Kenenisa for his inspiration."

Remarkably, Friday's outing was Cheptegei's first competitive appearance since February, when he smashed the world 5km road record, also in Monaco.

Those two world records in a Covid-hit season followed an outstanding 2019 when he secured not only the world cross country title in Denmark, but also the world 10,000m title at the Doha world championships.

Cheptegei took more than 22 seconds off his personal best as he averaged 61-second laps over the 5,000m, staged in front of a masked crowd limited to 5,000 because of virus-related health and safety restrictions.

Paced through the early stages by Roy Hoornweg (2:31.87 at 1000m) and Matthew Ramsden (5:03.77 at 2000m), Cheptegei hit the front at halfway and continued the metronomic pace, passing through 3000m in 7:35.14 and then upping the pace slightly with a 2:30 fourth kilometre.

He was then out on his own, but managed a final effort of 59.64 seconds over the final lap to guarantee himself a record that could stand for some time to come.

"I think Monaco is a special place and it's one of these places where I could break the world record," said Cheptegei, who spurned his usual European base for his home in Kapchorwa, Uganda, for the pandemic lockdown.

"It was both good and bad," he said. "It allowed me to spend more time with my family, but at the same time we are missing the sport so much.

"I did some gardening at my grandparents' house. But mainly, I worked at my school in town. It's a primary school, and I worked on some renovations there, like painting the walls."

Uganda, Cheptegei added, didn't have many positive Covid-19 cases.

"About two months ago, the government relaxed the lockdown," he said. "At first, we had individual training but we could quickly train in small groups.

"I honestly really missed competing. It's something I love doing, it's in my blood."

Three presidents in 60 years for Gabon

NAMPA / AFP

PARIS

Since gaining independence 60 years ago the central African country of Gabon has had just three presidents, including more than five decades under the Bongo family.

Gabon becomes independent from France on 17 August 1960, with nationalist Leon M'Ba elected president the following February.

Three years later he is ousted in a coup, before being reinstated following a military intervention by France.

M'Ba dies in 1967 and is succeeded by his deputy, Albert-Bernard Bongo, installed with France's help.

Bongo sets up a one-party state, ruling with an iron fist and benefitting from oil exploitation.

He converts to Islam in 1973, changing his name to Omar Bongo.

As sole candidate, he is elected president in 1973, 1979 and 1986.

Multi-party system

A multi-party system is introduced after social unrest and riots in 1990 but Bongo nonetheless wins the elections in 1993, 1998 and 2005.

Bongo dies from illness in June 2009 and, after a controversial election that August, one of his sons, Ali Bongo, is sworn in as president in a ceremony boycotted by the opposition.

Despite a challenge, the constitutional court approves the election results but there is deadly post-poll violence.

The opposition slams Bongo's “authoritarianism” and “autocratic leadership”.

In 2010 French prosecutors open a probe into the property in France owned by Bongo and other African heads of state.

Violence breaks out in 2014 between supporters of the opposition and security forces during a banned demonstration calling for Bongo to stand down.

In 2014 Ali Bongo is plunged into a controversy triggered by a French journalist's claim his birth certificate is forged and he is originally Nigerian, adopted by Omar Bongo during the Biafra war in the late 1960s.

Vigorously denied, the scandal is used by Bongo's opponents to dispute his eligibility for office, and it leads to legal proceedings in France and Gabon.

Before the 2016 presidential election, the opposition again tries but without success to use the scandal to call for the invalidation of Bongo's candidacy.

The 2016 vote takes place in a tense domestic climate.

The government is battling various fronts, with work strikes, budget problems and plummeting oil prices.

Bongo's main rival is opposition leader Jean Ping, a veteran diplomat who once headed the African Union Commission and held senior posts at the United Nations.

When the electoral commission announces Bongo has won, a massive wave of post-election deadly violence breaks out.

Hundreds are arrested, the national assembly is set ablaze and security forces storm Ping's headquarters. Several people are killed.

Bongo falls ill in October 2018 while in Saudi Arabia to attend an economic forum.

He is transferred to Morocco for treatment and his convalescence lasts several months.

Coup attempt

On 7 January 2019 renegade soldiers carry out a coup bid, profiting from Bongo's absence.

In February a scandal breaks out over the smuggling of precious timber, resulting in the blockage of wood exports and a government reshuffle.

In November Bongo's powerful former chief of staff Brice Laccruche Alihanga is sacked following a massive anti-corruption probe.

On 5 December, Bongo's eldest son, Noureddin Bongo Valentin, is named “coordinator of presidential affairs”.

Ping says Bongo is turning the country into a monarchy.

Angola sentences ex-president's son to five years for fraud Former central bank governor also guilty

AL JAZEERA

LUANDA

Angola's Supreme Court on Friday handed a five-year jail sentence to Jose Filomeno dos Santos, the son of the oil-rich country's former president, for fraud when he headed the national sovereign wealth fund.

Dos Santos, 42, was summoned before the court in December over allegations he tried to embezzle up to $1.5 billion from the sovereign wealth fund, which he oversaw from 2013 to 2018.

Nicknamed 'Zenu', dos Santos, son of ex-President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, was charged with stealing $500 million from the fund and transferring it to a Swiss bank account.

“For the crime of fraud ... and for the crime of peddling influence ... the legal cumulus condemns him to a single sentence of five years in prison,” judge Joao da Cruz Pitra said on Friday. Three co-defendants, including the former governor of the National Bank of Angola (BNA), Valter Filipe da Silva, were sentenced to between four and six years in prison for fraud, embezzlement and influence peddling.

All four were acquitted of money-laundering charges. They had previously denied any wrongdoing.

Zenu is the first member of the former presidential family to be prosecuted as part of an anti-corruption campaign led by President Joao Lourenco, who came to power in 2017.

Isabel dos Santos

In February, Angolan investigators froze the assets of Zenu's billionaire half-sister, Isabel dos Santos.

She is being probed for a long list of crimes in Angola, including mismanagement, embezzlement and money laundering during her stewardship of the state-run oil giant Sonangol.

Lourenco has mainly targeted the family members of his predecessor, who appointed relatives and friends to key positions during his 38-year rule - leaving a legacy of poverty and nepotism.

Isabel has vehemently denied the accusations against her and denounced Luanda's actions as a politically-motivated “witch-hunt”.

Only a small elite have benefitted from Angola's vast oil and mineral reserves.

The southwest African country has been slow in recovering from a 1975-2002 civil war. Large pockets of the population live in poverty with limited access to basic services.