By: Envaalde Matheus
Most artists believe they need to either smoke or drink to get creative, and this has killed a lot of talents in the arts industry to this far.
Asser Nepolo, well-known by his performing name Bantu is a Namibian Afropop musician who believes one does not need to use drugs to do art.
“Those are just beliefs, and when you believe in something, it becomes a habit. As for me, I don’t smoke weed or alcohol to get creative. I don’t mean to boast, but I make good music naturally; I don’t need to be high to deliver. This is pure talent,” he said.
He said many talents have gone to waste because artists perceive that drugs help someone be creative.
“Even on the pack of cigarettes, it’s written how hazardous it is to smoke,” said Bantu.
He said drugs create dependency in an artist, which later develops into total addiction, which brings a lot of problems in one’s life.
He said: “We have seen artists trade their work for drugs; some would sell properties and equipment. Later you see the person can not deliver anymore, which are talents we are losing.”
Meanwhile, Bantu has also touched on the issue of mental health vs artists saying artists endure a lot of pressure and bullying from the public.
“As for me, I know that at some point people will talk bad about me, people will expect things from me, but that’s it. It’s the life we choose. For as long as it does not touch my personal life,” he said.
“People expect us to have perfect lives, drive fancy cars, have a beautiful house, etcetera, just because we are popular. Sometimes you release a song, and people don’t like it, which makes you think maybe you are not good enough. I wish people could understand that where I live, where I came from or who I am dating shouldn’t be people’s concern. For as long as I deliver and make good music, that should be enough,” stresses Bantu.
He further confirmed that he is dropping an album titled ‘The Prophet’, somewhere between April and May this year, and his fans should expect real good music this time; he has gone an extra mile to incorporate a variety of genres.
“I know I owe my fans. Last year, I could not release an album because of the Covid-19 regulations and restrictions. But I must assure you this is going to be big.”
He featured several local artists, the likes of Tequila, D Kandjafa and Makila, to mention a few. Bantu has also worked with a South African producer called Kilo Beats on his upcoming album and some local producers.
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