Gazza tops iTunes

Gazza tops iTunes New album takes number-one spot Gazza Music Productions (GMP) frontman Lazarus 'Gazza' Shiimi's new album 'Pumumu' is currently number one on the Namibia iTunes top 100 music albums chart, just a few days after it was made available for online purchase. Speaking to the Namibian Sun from the north Gazza couldn't hide his joy and was very proud the 'Pumumu' album was doing so well on iTunes.

“I feel honoured and blessed by the experience. I am truly humbled by the experience and it just shows me that there is no limit to what an individual can do if you just put your mind to it,” said Gazza.

Gazza says his current achievement is not only beneficial to himself as a brand but also to the whole nation and he hopes that it inspires and motivates other people to work hard at achieving their dreams.

“Right now sitting on top of the country when it comes to music should serve as a motivation not only for myself but for the kids sitting in a village feeling like they are stuck… their imagination can set them free… it all starts with a thought and when you put your thoughts in motion it can become a reality,” said Gazza.

Gazza says he didn't expect the album would do so well online and that it was a complete surprise for him when he found out the album was trending on iTunes.

“I just wanted my album to be different and to be relevant and I wanted to push marketing and sales so we could reach gold status. All I wanted was Namibia to be on Universal's walls,” said Gazza.

Gazza says he is grateful for the support he has received from his fans so far and that he appreciates those that have been promoting the album on iTunes and buying the album, as well as sharing the links regarding the album online. “I just want to say thank you to those who bought the album online and the physical copies are in town… so even if you have bought the album online go out there and have physical copies just to double the efforts of us reaching the gold status,” said Gazza.

He revealed that the album was available as from yesterday countrywide at all Musica stores and other music outlets. “It will be available at Musica shops and all the local music shops are going to distribute it,” said Gazza.

He says he is currently working hard and assured his fans that he plans on making sure that they get the best experience out of the 'Pumumu' album. “We are planning on releasing videos and as well as hosting a countrywide tour, we are busy organising that right now,” said Gazza.

Gazza also said the album has already made waves internationally with many people from as far as Russia, the United Kingdom (UK) and the US calling him to work with him. Gazza is confident that his album will go gold now that it is trending online, saying that the online sales of the album will “push” the album towards a gold certification. “I can see that it is possible for the album to go gold as the iTunes sales are contributing towards gold certification. I'm more confident than ever,” shared Gazza.

According to Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) certifications for an album to be considered gold it needs to sell 15 000 units.



Shona Ngava