Click here to return to story index Jackson Goes Globe Trotting
ZOE TITUS
NAMIBIAN musician, Jackson Kaujeua is synonymous with the Namibian music scene and has just revealed his plans to travel abroad to "broaden his (musical) horizons".
Jackson, as he is known to everyone, has recently received assistance from the Namibia Association of Norway (NAN), which is working to promote economic and cultural links between the two countries.
Jackson will be putting Namibia on the map in the music scene when he will be performing at the biggest music festival, the Big World, in Rotterdam, Holland from mid October.
Shortly after this, he will be join the Norwegian Black Theatre for a number of concerts in conjunction with Norwegian artists. These concerts will be performed at cultural festivals and schools with the aim of creating greater awareness of African but especially Namibian music.
To complement his new European adventure, Jackson admits that he will also change his image to what the European market expects from an African musician.
"I will be using more African instruments in my music and will invade Europe with a new look, that of the Himba", says Jackson.
Asked about whether this is not to be regarded as exploiting the Himba people, Jackson is adamant that the Himba people are close to his heart and that his great-great-grandparents were from Kaokoland.
Jackson takes his music very seriously and feels that, like any other product, it must be marketed aggressively. For this reason, he will be travelling widely through Europe for several months before he stops off in Ohio, USA - this time, to attend a recording workshop.
Jackson feels that the local music scene is in danger of stagnating and urges the private sector to be more supportive of local musicians.
"Sponsorships, if they happen, are often a one-off, and not comprehensive enough to establish an artist", says Jackson, adding that no matter where he goes, home is where the heart is and he fully intends to bring back his skills to support the local music industry.
That is the motive behind the workshop in Ohio. "I need to fine-tune my recording skills because, as a composer, I have to expand my home recording studio", he admits. Jackson's stay and studies (at the workshop) are fully sponsored by the World Education Access. This institution caters specifically for black students who wish to upgrade their skills.
Says Jackson, "I am grateful for the opportunity and know that I have the potential to make it. Look at Jonathan Butler - he's a local boy who made it big. In any case, I'm blessed with the African vibe in me".
That is not the end of Jackson plans. During the course of next year, he will co-produce a CD with Congolese artist (now based in Paris), that should hit the music stands by the end of next year.
For his fans who have been waiting for his CD and tape, Katutura, it is presently being cut in Norway.
"I felt I had to give the people quality for their money - that's why I waited a while. Also, it will be ready in time for Christmas so they should add it to their Christmas shopping list", says Jackson.
Jackson admits that the video footage was too bleak, full of social problems.
"We have added some shots because, believe me, Katutura is not a sad place. It has its problems, yes, just as it has its hopes."