D-Naff
| D-Naff | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Naftalie Shigwedha Amukwelele |
| Born | Ongandjera, Ovamboland, Namibia |
| Origin | Katutura, Windhoek, Namibia |
| Genres | Gospel, Christian Music |
| Occupations | musician, preacher, inspirational speaker, motivational speaker |
| Years active | 1998–present |
| Labels | Great Love Records |
| Website | D-Naff on myspace |
Naftalie Shigwedha Amukwelele (born 1 January 1974) commonly known as D-Naff, is a Namibian award-winning rapper/singer, and a former street gangster. D-Naff sings inspirational religious music in the style of kwaito, hip hop, kizomba, dancehall and afro-pop. D-Naff is also a motivational and inspirational speaker and has visited more than 15 schools in Namibia including the University of Namibia, Windhoek College of Education, Ongwediva College of Education and the Polytechnic of Namibia.[1]
Career
He started his music career back in the early 90s while a student at "Jan Jonker Afrikaner Secondary" under a group called the "Glamour Boys". The group toured France in 1998, during the soccer world cup under the sponsorship of the Franco-Namibian Cultural Center. After a giving his heart to Jesus, D-Naff went on to establish a GOspel hip-hop group called Eagles in Flight which later became Heaven's Dialect. After the exodus of the Group's producer to U.S.A., the group disbanded and D-Naff went on to found a group called "Eagle's Mentality" which became the winner of the 2005 "Best Gospel" at the Sanlam-NBC Music Awards.[1]
D-Naff has been appointed as the (goodwill) Ambassador for the National Youth Council of Namibia (NYC). His duties as Ambassador include addressing the youth countrywide on matters facing them, being the spokesperson for them, motivating and inspiring them to be the best they can be and to live a life of meaning. D-Naff is also a member of a Choral group called Cantare Audire, under the leadership of Mr. Ernst von Biljon at the college of the Arts. Through his career as a musician, he has toured the United States and Europe.
Music
He released his first solo album entitled Oshagwana in 2006 which made him more popular. In 2007 he released his second album entitled Iikele Yuuyuni Mbu which won him an award at the Namibian Music Awards in the gospel category with his song, "Tsipi Tsipi". His third album Above The Limit was released in early 2008. He is currently the best selling Gospel artist in Namibia, and the country's top and most requested performing Gospel star. His music enjoys airplay in all radio stations across the country as well as Radio Phoenix in Zambia.[1]
Discography
Solo albums
- 2006:Oshagwana
- 2007:Iikele Yuuyuni Mbu
- 2008:Above The Limit
- 2009:The Untold Truth
- 2010:Reloaded