4 NAMIB TIMES
18 APRIL 2017
Hemelbesem swept prosperity at the coast Sharoldine Bock
South African Award winning Afrikaans hip hop artist Simon Witbooi, referred to as HemelBesem, and his wife Claudia Swartbooi “Yoma” (queen of rap) visited the harbour town from 12-16 April, where he had a meeting at the mayor's office, visited senior citizens, spoke thrice at the Restoration Centre, had a book launch, a Good Friday Service and Youth Bash as part of a packed schedule. His stage name Hemelbesem defines his purpose. It demonstrates his strive to “sweep the earth clean in a heavenly manner” and at the same time it means he has “his head in the clouds but his feet flat on the ground. He is an inspiration and encourages us to also be a “besem” in our communities. He uses his music and book as mouthpieces of hope and encouragement. He wants to uplift and enable a better society. The multi-talented artist connects his hip-hop to Gospel. “Unlike Hip-Hop, Gospel is not a genre and can be composed from Rock, heavy metal music, to mentioned a few. I have a lot to tell about religious issues as well as politics, discrimination and social economic issues. Gospel simply means good news and that's what I want to spread”, explains Hemelbesem. He first arrived in Namibia (Windhoek) on 6 April where he was a speaker at the Save The Family Conference, hosted by the Fatherhood Foundation. Due to the impact made on him in 2004, he decided to revisit the Narraville community. Here he met artists like Xisa who inspired him further and he wanted to share a stage with him and see their friendship bond getting even stronger. His schedule in Walvis Bay started at the mayor's office. He wanted to pay homage to political elders, and thank them for welcoming them to Walvis Bay. In conversations they discussed the communities’ challenges and solutions to tackle these problems. According to Hemelbesem, Councillor Valencia Izaaks impressed him most. She was also one of the speakers at his book launch and showed that they
have the right heart and spirit in terms of making a difference to the youth. Hemelbesem is an edu-tainer (a combination of education and trainer). He entertains, but also brings a message forth. Furthermore, he spoke thrice at the restoration centre. He described the senior burgers event on Thursday morning as the highlight of the whole visit. A record number of people attended the Youth Bash in which he performed with Xisa, his wife Claudia, Ly The No Mad Poet and many other artists like upcoming singers, rappers and dance performers. He launched his book on Saturday. A book filled with lyrics, idioms and expressions that he tells his life story (autobiography). It talks of things that lies nearest to his heart and the book is in the language of his heart: Afrikaans. A reverend on Worcester (South Africa) told him once: “Simon the language that you pray and the language that you curse is the language of your heart”. To Hemelbesem life is based and rooted in Afrikaans. His making his own tv show in October (channel not been identified yet) to underline that Afrikaans is a language with his roots in Africa. His main objective was for people in the community to identify local icons whom they can learn from. He wants to inspire and aspire, but also associates with artists sharing the same motives. Hemelbesem wish to thank Walvis Bay for their support, hospitality and kindness. He is sure to visit some day again.
Hemelbesem with his team in Walvis Bay having a meeting in the Mayor’s office
Hemelbesem and Yoma with their Walvis Bay team
COMING SOON: NEW DEVELOPMENT SOUTHERN INVESTMENT PRESENTS: ARANDIS INDUSTRIAL PARK
Xisa, Yoma and Hemelbesem at a Radio Interview on Thursday
One of the elderly ladies profoundly impressed with Hemelbesem’s contribution to the community
23 INDUSTRIAL UNITS SIZES RANGE FROM 121.54 TO 307.52 TO LET. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 081 2876762 EMAIL:helmuthfischer405@gmail.com Hemelbesem with the elder citizen at the Restoration Centre