Artists Erna Chimu and Waters recently treated the Namibian audience to a masterclass in performative theatre in their Live Song concert at the National Theatre.
Erna Chimu is a powerhouse in the Namibian music scene, Waters is rising star blending traditional Namibian languages with contemporary music, as Namibia geared up for a unique live performance at the National Theatre, two celebrated artists sat down to reflect on the journey that has brought them to the stage, and on how live music has evolved into far more than a recital.
Erna Chimu, known for her soulful voice and emotional depth rose to prominence with her powerful performances in jazz and soul, and has won numerous accolades for both her recordings and live shows. “Music was introduced to me from an early age,” she recalls. “My dad plays accordion, bass guitar, acoustic guitar, and sings. My mom played guitar and sang. I started as a backing vocalist for my brothers’ band, and it was just fun. It was my happy place.”
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Waters, (Harry Mutambo Junior Tjipueja) is equally passionate about connecting with audiences through live storytelling. “I would sit by the door, listening to my dad’s old vinyls, trying to mimic Marvin Gaye or The Temptations. That’s when I realized I wanted to make someone else feel the way music made me feel,” he explained. His artistry is defined by his commitment to cultural authenticity, performing in his mother tongue and blending traditional rhythms with modern melodies.
Interviewing each other, both artists emphasized how live performance transforms music into theatre. For Erna, the stage is where storytelling truly comes alive. “Live music is like breathing, you just need to breathe through it. Anything can happen. People can make mistakes, but it’s about stepping into the character you’ve created and telling the story,” she says. Waters agrees, reflecting on the theatricality inherent in performing in one’s mother tongue. “It’s like leaving your everyday self behind. On stage, you step into a performer that you have created through song.”
The pair discussed the improvisational nature of live music, highlighting how energy, mistakes, and spontaneity elevate a performance. “With recordings, you present a demo of what you can do,” said Erna. “But live is where the real storytelling happens, the actor in you comes alive.” Waters added, “Stage is so much better than studio. It’s in the moment, intimate, energetic. You can’t replicate that in a controlled studio environment.”
Their show, Live in Song, showcased not only their musical talents but the theatrical interplay of voice, movement, and storytelling. Erna described the performance as a chance to honor personal history while connecting with audiences.
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When the night finally arrived at the end of August, Live in Song proved to be a masterclass in performative theatre. From the very first note, Erna and Waters commanded the stage not merely as singers, but as storytellers. Every gesture, movement, and expression perfectly aligned with the narrative of each song.
Whether through jam sessions or meticulously prepared sets, both Erna and Waters view live performance as theatre: a space where storytelling, improvisation, and authentic energy collide.
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