THE TRIBE

The Tribe Exclusive – Teqla

This edition of The Tribe features Namibia’s golden-voiced star, Teqla.

The only Namibian vocalist to hit platinum status in South Africa’s competitive music industry, Teqla has had her fair share of success over the years. She featured on Bojo Mujo’s smash hit Thando Lwam, and appeared in Sunny Boy’s sophomore breakthrough single Serious. She also went on to win the 2006 Legal Shield Winna Mariba Songwriting Competition. Other milestones in the singer’s illustrious career include bagging a whopping five awards at the 2012 Namibian Annual Music Awards, including the hotly contested Best Female Artist of the Year nod. On top of her success in the music industry, Teqla has dabbled in film, appearing in Vickson Hangula’s 2008 production Between Friends.

But while her career has had impressive highs, the singer also dealt with some bad lows. She took some time off from singing to focus on her personal life. When she returned to music about five years ago, Teqla introduced a rebranded version of herself, ditching her moniker Tequila and joining a new music label, among other changes.

We caught up with her to hear all about her latest endeavours.

The only Namibian to hit platinum in South Africa! Do you feel like you get your flowers?

Funny enough, I get them more from people in the streets, from my family members and from my fans who always remind me of who I am. It’s nice to get recognition from people in the streets, it’s more humbling.

What was life like outside the spotlight?

People think artists aren’t human beings, but I needed to take a step back and heal. I had so much going on at the time. As much as I wanted to do music, I knew that not taking care of myself meant I wouldn’t be able to do anything else. So I needed to take care of myself first before I could come back. I now feel like I’m ready to be back, I feel whole again and I feel inspired to create.

Let’s talk about the transformation from Tequila to Teqla…

My name is Teqla Iita. I’m my father’s daughter – I always say that and my mom hates it. She thinks I favour my dad. But I’m my father’s daughter and he gave me this name. I even asked him why he gave me the name, nobody else has this name. When I was coming out as an artist, I felt like I had to be somebody else, so I became Tequila. That was my alter ego. But I realised that I was always Teqla and it was Teqla who was feeding Tequila to be who she was. Once I realised that, I decided to be the best Teqla that I can be.

How different is the Namibian music scene now from when you first started?

It’s refreshing. When I got back I was like wow, ok! I was especially proud of the female artists, they came out bold and beautiful.

When you started out it was difficult for women to really shine. You were one of the women who paved the way for the current crop of female artists to be able to break those barriers.

And they are doing it, you know, I’m so proud of them. It’s amazing. They’ve got talent, they have the looks and they need us to support them. All I advise them to do is to have a message behind their music and inspire the masses.

Are there some things that we can still improve on in the industry?

I’ve been saying this for years and it seems to have gotten worse. As Namibians, we tend to idolise outside artists without empowering our own people. Our audiences are looking more outside than within. We need to look within first and realise that the international artists we love are as successful as they are because of the support they receive at home.

What have you been busy with?

AT Digital is behind my music right now. We’re busy with a video shoot and are about to release a single soon.

With all the new projects under her sleeve, we are happy to have this songbird back and ready to delight us with her harmonic voice.

In the meantime, while her new music finds its way to us, follow Teqla on her social media pages: @teqla_iita on Instagram, Teqla Iita (Misty) on Facebook and @TequilaIita on Twitter.

Watch The Tribe on One Africa TV (GOtv 90, DStv 284, DStv Now) every Friday at 18h30 with repeat shows on Saturdays at 17h30, and Mondays at 21h00. Alternatively, listen to The Tribe on 99FM every Friday at 19h00, and follow The Tribe on Instagram @thetribenamibia and on Facebook @TheTribeNamibia.