Namibia’s rap powerhouse, Lioness, has released her latest album, If Not In This Life, a stirring celebration of resilience, personal evolution, and the pursuit of dreams. Renowned for her bold artistry and genre-defying sound, Lioness reaffirms her position as one of Africa’s leading musical talents with this captivating body of work.
With 16 years of dedication to her craft, Lioness has established herself as a trailblazer in Namibia’s music industry. Her new album, brimming with themes of empowerment and authenticity, reflects her journey of self-discovery and artistic growth.
A hallmark of Lioness’s career has been her willingness to push boundaries. Her previous EP, Dance and Dance, marked a departure from pure rap, blending diverse genres to showcase her multifaceted identity. “I wanted to be more experimental,” she explains. “Exploring other sounds allowed me to expand as an artist.” This ethos of experimentation is at the heart of If Not In This Life, an album that seamlessly blends personal storytelling with innovative beats.
The creative process behind the album was deeply introspective. Lioness resisted the pressure to produce chart-friendly hits, instead prioritising creative freedom. “Music doesn’t have to follow trends,” she asserts. “It’s about crafting something that resonates with your own journey.” The album delves into themes of love, ambition, and self-worth, presented through an intimate and authentic lens.
Collaborations add vibrancy to the album, with Namibian heavyweights such as Gazza and Page from Ethnix featuring prominently. Lioness credits these partnerships with enriching her sound and enhancing her artistic vision. “I admire their authenticity and how well they fit the beats,” she says.
The album’s title, If Not In This Life, stems from a pivotal moment in Lioness’s life. During her pregnancy, she faced doubts about her career, fuelled by scepticism from those closest to her. “I had an existential crisis,” she recalls. Drawing strength from the experiences of other artist-mothers, Lioness channelled her struggles into her music. The result is an album that celebrates womanhood, perseverance, and self-empowerment.
One particularly poignant track, “My Heart,” features her daughter and symbolises Lioness’s dual roles as a mother and an artist. “It reminds me that I’m doing a great job,” she says with pride. Other standout songs include “Pull Up,” an empowering anthem that encourages self-confidence, and “Alive,” a reminder to embrace life fully and unapologetically.
Beyond her music, Lioness is a passionate advocate for women’s rights. Her upbringing with a single mother instilled in her a deep commitment to gender equality. “Women’s empowerment is always relevant,” she emphasises. “There are still countries where women are denied basic rights, and that needs to change.”
Looking ahead, Lioness envisions a global platform for Namibian music. “I want to go down in history as a Namibian legend,” she says, eager to inspire the next generation to chase their dreams, no matter how diverse. Her message is clear: creativity transcends boundaries, and art has the power to transform lives.
With If Not In This Life, Lioness delivers a timeless testament to strength, vulnerability, and artistic freedom. Her journey, defined by resilience and innovation, ensures her voice will continue to inspire well into the future.
