Genre bending artist Namakau star is on the rise: Interview

Namakau Star born Rhema  Stephanie Namakau Socika is an alternative RnB and Hip-Hop artist with a sharp pen and a refreshing vocal approach to music, she weaves words together with soulful melodies, switching effortlessly between lyricism and singing.

She often describes herself as a genre-bender, and her supporters call her the Vibe Goddess for her electrifying live performances.

Impulse Africa Magazine caught up with the multi-talented singer and songwriter following the success of her debut EP titled Landing.

• Briefly tell us about yourself?

My name is Namakau Star, also known as the Vibe Goddess I am an all-round creative but primarily express myself through the disciplines of singing, writing and creative direct the visual and sonic landscape physically and digitally.

I am based in Cape Town, but I was born and raised in Joburg. I love music and how it connects people, I also love how it can be used as a means to navigate mental matters and self-actualization.

• How would you describe your music sound/genre?

I would describe my sound as fluid, reflective and free, a product of RnB and Hip-Hop a balancing act of masculine and feminine energy in music, nostalgic yet futuristic an alternative to the mainstream.

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• How was the journey of finding your core sound and style in the beginning?

It was difficult and it took me a long time to find my sound, that was because I needed to get comfortable with being my most authentic self.

That’s one of the most difficult things to find a world where popularity means to blend in with the masses.

That just felt so uncomfortable for me and that discomfort pushed me towards discovering my truth, my narrative, to create the music and art that I longed to hear in this world 

• Where do you draw inspiration from as a creator?

I draw inspiration from my lived experiences, my spiritual practices and life.

• Your EP Landing has been well received, what would you attribute the project success to?

I have an amazing team, from the visual artists to the musicians who contributed to bringing my music to life, to my Label Paradise Sound System, constantly looking out for me and educating me a long the way.

Me being able to tell my story and be my most authentic self has been a major part of why this project is making waves.

• 2020 was a year like none of us have ever experienced. How did the pandemic change you or influence your decisions going forward?

The pandemic played a major role in how invest in myself it gave me space to pour into my own cup, return to my love for freestyling and my true love for music independent of expectation and projections, that really served as an opportunity to grow and expanded me on a spiritual level.

The pandemic was personally one of the best things to happen to me as a spiritual being. Humbling experience for all of humanity.

• Did you notice any difference in the way people consume music post lockdown?

Definitely, people love to enjoy music in multiple spaces, social media has also given people a platform to be creative in cool ways

• Any upcoming projects you are currently working on? And what can your fans expect from you in the second half of the year.

LANDING the short film 😭

More visuals and collaborations with some AMAZING artists

LIVE SHOWS we are finally outside.

There’s sooo much coming your way it’s an exciting time to be a part of Angel Gang

• Can you tell us about your partnership with Paradise Sound Systems and how did it come about?

My relationship with Paradise Sound System developed over 2 years, with my independent release Trance being debuted on the Paradise World Wide through distribution deal that I won through a competition they had in 2020 to empower women in music.

I feel that they saw my hard work, dedication and light, we worked well together and me deciding to work with them on Landing has been so fruitful.

• What are you most grateful for right now?

• I am grateful for all the support and growth I have experienced over the last 2 years; it’s actually been surreal how far I have come, against all odds.
•  I am grateful for this gift that I have that has kept me alive
• I am grateful every platform that has opened their space for me