IN CONVERSATION WITH LIONESS
interview by JANA LETONJA
Namibian rap sensation Lioness returned with her highly anticipated third studio album ‘If Not in This Life’. The album celebrates the richness of life, and delves into themes of cultural identity, women’s empowerment, romance, creative freedom, and living life to the fullest, while sonically, it sees Lioness fearlessly exploring new genres, and experimenting with diverse soundscapes, which is testament to her artistic growth and versatility.
‘If Not in This Life’ is a deeply personal album with an inspiring backstory. Can you share the emotional journey behind creating this album, especially balancing motherhood and your music career?
‘If Not In This Life’ was definitely an emotional rollercoster to say the least. I started recording the album when I was pregnant and I was feeling extremely self-conscious just because the A&R I was consulting at the time was worried about my career because I was expecting a child and told me actually he is “unsure” about my future. So that was a really tough time for me to come to terms with. I was fortunate to have great friends and sound engineer who was hell bent on making the best project in Namibia yet.
The album explores many themes like cultural identity, empowerment, and romance. How did you balance such a broad range of topics while staying true to your unique voice?
I decided to write to beats and melodies that I liked and made music that I enjoyed, and that mentality changed the perspective of my art. I wasn’t looking for a hit song or putting pressure on myself to make music that was trending, I just wanted to listen back and be like “I like this for real.”
Sonically, ‘If Not in This Life’ experiments with diverse genres. What inspired you to explore new sounds, such as the amapiano twist in “Omapiyano”?
This track has a double meaning because in my native language, Omapiyano means disturbance, and we were jamming on an amapiano song so that was pretty dope. I’ve learned over the years that being a rapper doesn’t mean you need to just stick to rap and hip hop to prove your worthiness. To me, being an artist is spanning across different genres and making it work.
How do you typically approach genre fusion in your work? Do you have a specific process when incorporating new sounds?
Not necessarily. On my past projects, I experimented quite a bit. It was second nature to me not forgetting the challenges with this new project, mainly on ‘Oh La La’, which is a disco song. Who would’ve thought.
You almost stepped away from music after giving birth. What was the turning point that reignited your passion for music?
I couldn’t function without music. I was groggy and irritable, borderline depressed. Once I step into the studio, all of that changes and I am completely free.
As an artist who celebrates her Namibian roots, how do you infuse your cultural identity into your music, and why is it important to keep that connection in your work?
Coming from a small sized population, it makes things extra exciting because what could be the chances that out of 3.1 million people you could be a global superstar? Maintaining my roots by rapping in my native language makes me feel extra proud and patriotic.
Empowerment, particularly women’s empowerment, is a recurring theme in your music. How do you see your role in inspiring and uplifting women through your music and public platform?
I am always thoughtful about what my daughter will see me as if she has to watch my videos when she is older. Also, what other people’s daughters see me as. That will forever be an ongoing theme because I was raised by a single mother who was the epitome of strength and resilience, so that is what is natural to me.
You’re not only a rapper but also a qualified medical practitioner specializing in aesthetic medicine. How do you balance these two demanding careers, and what motivates you to excel in both?
I love music and I love medicine, and coming from an African country, the opportunity to totally leave your day job is not always possible. So, I have to have a constant income stream to fund my music. I am an independent artist so it’s so expensive.
You’ve accomplished so much as a rapper, songwriter, and influencer. How do you see your music evolving over the next few years, and what are some dream collaborations on your radar?
I am definitely looking to more intercontinental features, more international stage performances. Performing arts is my favourite part, and I just wish and pray to get that opportunity at least in this lifetime.
You’ve worked with organizations like the United Nations and Cheetah Conservation. How do you plan to continue using your platform for social and environmental causes?
I am a philanthropist at heart, so I am planning to do many more collaborations with organizations that speak to my heart. I believe as artists we are one of the means from which messages get across, so it’s imperative that we use our platforms to raise awareness.
