New Era

Kavax putting final touches to his legacy

- Aletta Shikololo – ashikololo@nepc.com.na

Back in the day when the music industry was still young and thriving, Kavax aka Black Chinese, was one of the musicians who made headlines and had us dance to their songs but few years down the line this kwaito star went missing in action.

Entertainm­ent Now! caught up with the ‘Etenda La Mafo’ hitmaker.

“I have been very busy crystallis­ing my life and putting the final touches to my legacy,” Kavax said when asked how he has been.

After seven years on the music hiatus, Kavax reminisced about his good old days, saying: “Back in the days we made money. My first album titled ‘SKYF’ generated over a million dollars from album sales and performanc­es; the highest single amount I made in the industry was N$280,000.00 at a First National Bank back-to-school tour and Usave accounts promotions.”

Commenting on how much the music scene has reformed, Kavax applauded current artists in the industry, saying in terms of reaching the target market and internatio­nal alliances, the industry has improved as a result of new technologi­cal developmen­ts.

But with the growth, Kavax noted that music is now more easily accessible and revenue in terms of album sales and live performanc­es (bookings) has decreased.

INDUSTRY MEMORIES

“The worst memory was the fact that music has delayed me to obtain my first degree from university. The most exciting memories are the good friends I met and the collaborat­ions we made throughout my music career,” he said.

Kavax says he had a good time in the industry; however, he wishes he knew industry politics and life after music.

“Despite it all, I have no regrets and I am very much grateful to be part of the most demanding industry in the world. Music makes the world go round and it requires talent to reach out to the masses,” he said humbly.

DOS AND DON’TS IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

Having accomplish­ed much with his music, Kavax shared some of the hints for one to break through in the music business.

“One has to take music seriously as any other career and to respect the music fraternity. Never give up on education because the Namibian population and stakeholde­rs’ support towards the music industry does not allow for most of the artists to rely on music as the only source of income. Create secondary income and invest more in academia because the only gift no one can take away from a person is the power of the mind (education),” said the father of one.

LIFE ON A MUSIC BREAK

In spite of his reputation and artistic appropriat­ion skills, Kavax’s accomplish­ments in the music and business industries are unpreceden­ted.

The ‘Tae na Tae’ hitmaker said he deviated his focus from music and dedicated his time to education and growing his businesses.

“I spent two years studying towards a Masters in Business Administra­tion and decentrali­sing my property business to all regions in Namibia,” said the intellect.

The singer has certificat­es in banking, HIV counsellin­g, management, and customer service, Sage Patel (Accounting Package) and he works as an accountant, business analyst, life coach and a property developer.

BACK IN THE INDUSTRY

Re-introducin­g music to fans after a considerab­le stretch of silence can be tricky but for Kavax it is never the case.

The singer plans to come back from the long hiatus next year and promised to release his sixth album the same year.

“My way of doing things is totally different from others,” he said.

If there is one thing he would like to be remembered for, Kavax said it would be his unique flow.

“I am an actor, all movie star. I love people and want everyone to grow.”

 ?? Photo: Contribute­d ?? U-turn… Kavax is making a return to music.
Photo: Contribute­d U-turn… Kavax is making a return to music.

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