Ongoma Profiles

Over the past two short years Ongoma has enthralled and involved audiences throughout Namibia. The group has rapidly grown from a percussion ensemble playing African standards to becoming a well-recognized feature on the Namibian music landscape. In two short years they have developed a unique sound which blends old with new, tradition with modern, retaining cultural identity while discovering modern values of expression.

Ongoma's regular Friday performances at Iitumba Bush Boma Restaurant feature innovative rhythms played on a wide assortment of African instruments including marimbas, horns, shakers, bass drum and small high pitched djembes, complemented by the rich and harmonious vocals of the performers. A must see for anyone interested in world music and fusion jazz. For more info on the group please visit www.ongoma.com

OFFICIAL PRESS STATEMENT!

Ongoma - 'The Natives are Restless'

CD Launch @ The Warehouse 06 March 2008

Here come the lights and smoke machines, dancers and firespinners, and the big sound. With music this good let's share it: Thursday March 6 at the Warehouse for only just 45 Nollars (Door, 35 pre-sale) you can come and get restless with Namibia's premier world music group Ongoma, when they officially launch their recently released album "The Natives are Restless". Critically acclaimed by the media the album has quickly found its way onto the airwaves, with the hit track "Onele Yo Mapenda" reaching into the top 3 on the Pepsi Top Twenty and "Shebeen 107" taking its rightful place on Omulunga's Friday evening Tafel Lager Finest Vibes show.

Recorded in almost 18-hour shifts in just one week during September 2007 at Take Note Music, the group was privileged to have Barry van Zyl, drummer of world-renown Johnny Clegg and Savuka, to produce their album, assisted by Brian De Goede, of Noah's Ark, Konshus Pilot Media, Cape Town. Although the album can broadly be classified as world music, it is hard to put into a box; it incorporates elements of Soul and R&B, House beats and Ragga/hip-hop, and can hardly be termed traditional. On the contrary, Ongoma has successfully managed to interpret modern, urban Namibia on traditional instruments. With the rhythm section of the groups sound characterized by the throaty Bass and Tenor Marimbas, supported by skilful percussion elements, it has married well with such diverse instruments as violin, the Australian didgeridoo, and jazzy 'Goema'-style guitar licks. Add to this the groups' vocals, ranging from tenor, baritone to bass and falsetto, throw in some Gregorian-type chants in Oshiwambo and some clever hip-hop rhymes and you end up with an album as full of eclectic diversity as Namibia's cultures. Intrigued yet? Come and get restless to get the full picture. Doors open 19h00, show starts 21h00. For more facts about Ongoma check out www.ongoma.com. This show was made possible with the kind assistance of Tafel Lager.

"Proudly Independent - Proudly Namibian!"

DATE: 25 July 2007
SUBJECT: AFRICAN RENAISSANCE CONCERT

Renowned for its commitment towards promoting Namibian music artistry, GARISEB MANAGEMENT in collaboration with the Franco Namibian Cultural Centre anticipates staging the AFRICAN RENAISSANCE CONCERT on Saturday, 07 July 2007 at the FNCC.

Billed "AFRICAN RENAISSANCE CONCERT", the event serves as an introduction to an upcoming and exceptionally talented Afro-soul-jazz singer Erna Chimu & popular traditional fusion group Ongoma.

The promoter of the show, André +Gomhetama Gariseb, explains that the AFRICAN RENAISSANCE CONCERT is created to showcase the astonishing music versatility and depth of repertoire of individuals whose music is set to play a transforming role on the homegrown scene and to promote the regeneration revival and rejuvenation of traditional and contemporary Namibian music through dynamic, stimulating, interesting and professionally produced shows.

The indoor event is guaranteed to be a warm celebration of stunning showcase filled with exhilarating energy fused with great vocal capabilities and sensational melodies sweeping across the bright and vibrant Namibian music landscapes. The concert is brought to you with the generous support from the NANDO'S, TAFEL LAGER , NTN, FURNMART and CACTUS AGENCIES.

The featured artists' music is suitable for discerning audiences and is sociable and comforting. It includes all the ingredients for a great spectacular: an endless list of positive values... prestige, majesty, competitiveness, delight and guarantees to be a rewarding music experience!

Jazz and afro fusion fans will have the pleasure of experiencing an evening of Namibia's rich musical heritage delivered by an ensemble of dynamic talents; thrilling energy, great voices, rhythms and melodies that soar across the bright and vibrant Namibian traditional landscapes.

G3

The name G3 (God, George and Gustav) was chosen, because we believe GOD is life and we want to acknowledge Him as the giver of our gifts ...

George and Gustav were weaned on the sounds of Earth Wind and Fire, The Beatles, Elvis, Sir Cliff Richards, The Temptations to name but a few. The LP's they so enjoyed belonged to their father who had been part of a band in his youth. Gustav (age 27) was the first to pick up the guitar and George (age 23) his younger brother, soon followed suit. They soon became a hit amongst their peers, a few years later performing at talent shows alike in their school days. It is then that the brothers realised they had something good going.

In 2001 they were runner's up at the N.B.C Music Makers Competition, where they won the Categories for Best Namibian Composition and Best Own Composition, with the songs Hope in Namibia and True Friend, respectively. The cash prize was used to cut their first demo C.D with local award winning producer David Terren. Soon after a local businessman then offered to sponsor the young brothers on a trip to London to further equip them and develop their talents, after hearing their demo.

In London they received private guitar tutoring and later were fortunate enough to enrol at a guitar institute, where they did a course enhancing their gift. While in London they tried to get as much exposure as possible, by playing at various gigs and open mic sessions. In 2004 they also staged a very successful concert in Osterly, (West London).

The first song they ever wrote was called Never Mind Changing a love song inspired by Billy Joel. "Music is the thing that comes most naturally to us, we love doing it and all our songs are about various aspects of daily experiences, living and loving. Currently most of our repertoires are based on our London experiences. Our rehearsals go for at least 4-5 hours a day", says Gustav.

You won't meet more gentle souls, or more melodious voices on such eclectic musical compositions. These talented brothers want to be remembered as the "brothers who worked well together. Since their return to Namibia, G3 have performed at various up-market and popular venues throughout the City including Wine Bar, and Nice. Recently they also recorded their first single Olupandu with world-renowned producer Christian Polloni who has worked with the likes of Pappa Wemba, Alpha Blondie, and Carlos Santana amongst others.

At the 2006 Sanlam/NBC Music Awards they were awarded with two prizes in the categories: Best Rock/ Alternative with Be Found and Best Single with Olupandu.