First Namibian at Coke Studio had ‘amazing experience’

“I felt truly honoured to have been chosen to represent my country,” she told Music In Africa. “We have thousands of talented musicians in Namibia. As much as Coke Studio Africa is a music show, it's more or less also a reality TV program, so I learnt a thing or two about reality TV and how to conduct myself when interacting with people from different backgrounds as a person and an artist.”

Freeda, who was invited to take part in last year’s Coke Studio South Africa but could not make it, said she was happy to be asked to participate again. “I am proud to say I am the only Namibian artist so far. To be invited twice in a row makes is very exciting for me, though I couldn’t attend last year due to prior commitments. I can only imagine they liked the authenticity of my music and a lot of grace from above,” she said.

Responding to a question about what she had learnt during this year’s show, which was filmed in June, the ‘Lucky Love’ singer said: “I loved the professionalism, love and respect they show everyone and not to mention a lot fun. It was truly an amazing experience. The hospitality is very commendable.”

Rated among the best Afro-soul artists in her country, Freeda made her debut with R&B duo Gal Level alongside Daphne Willibard in 2000. The band was likened to US group Destiny’s Child. After a successful 10-year run, the duo disbanded and the two singers started their solo careers in 2012.

Coke Studio Africa will be broadcast in 30 African countries on MTV Base every Sunday between 8 and 9pm. The show is expected to air from August in the southern and central African markets and from September in East and West Africa.

The Coca-Cola Company, through its music flagship show Coke Studio, merged Coke Studio Africa and Coke Studio South Africa into a bigger Coke Studio Africa 2017. The merger increased the number of participating countries to 17, up from 12 in the previous editions. The 2016 Africa edition featured Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, DRC, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire and Togo, while South Africa had its own production. The newcomers are Rwanda, Angola, Zimbabwe, Madagascar and Mauritius.

Artists who will feature on the show when it is aired include Bruce Melodie (Rwanda), Rayvanny (Tanzania), Izzo Bizness (Tanzania), Nandy (Tanzania), Bebe Cool (Uganda), Eddy Kenzo (Uganda), Ykee Benda (Uganda), Sheebah (Uganda), Sami Dan (Ethiopia), Nasty C (South Africa), Busiswa (South Africa) and Mashayabhuqe (South Africa), Youssoupha (DRC) and Runtown (Nigeria) and Yemi Alade (Nigeria), among many others. Other key names in this year’s production are reputable producers such as South Africa’s Sketchy Bongo and DJ Maphorisa, Ivorian Kiff No Beat and Nahreel from Tanzania.