Munkee coming of age

Music can be a blessing and a curse, but it is walking the tightrope of this profession successfully that makes it worthwhile and satisfying.

Recently the hit song and video Bouncy Bouncy performed by the two boys Roc and Jason had a lot of airplay.

They had since split up but Roc is back and now goes by the name of Munkee.

Born in Lubango, Angola some 28 years ago he says that having a partner for so many years was fun.

But as each grew in his own way and they don’t see eye to eye on different issues they decided to call it quits.

Munkee is busy working on his first album called A Blessing and a Curse.

“I am calling it A Blessing and a Curse, because music in my view is both a blessing and a curse.

“To have the talent to sing and using that is indeed a blessing, but the grind of looking for funding and sponsors to take your career further, is a curse. Also some people you work with might not have your best interest at heart. For instance some people think you are not serious about your music and that is why you don’t produce, but it is not so easy. In this industry is the survival of the fittest,” he says.

Munkee is releasing two singles end of this month before he drops his album.

“My singles are called Original and Sitting on Gwap (money). There are so many things we as young people can do to empower ourselves and that is what I am preaching in my singles.”

“At least our first single and music video Bouncy Bouncy was popular and through that people got to know us, but another struggle an aspiring artist face is discrimination. If you are not known you don’t get gigs,” he complains.

But he firmly believes that you should finish what you started and not give up or blame other people for your mistakes or failures.

The album will be a mixture of Old School, New School and Hip-Hop.

“I would also like to thank committed people like my manager Namadhila Embundile who is in this crazy business for the love of the music.”