{"id":6745,"date":"2013-02-07T10:00:53","date_gmt":"2013-02-07T14:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.qwoc.org\/?p=6745"},"modified":"2013-02-07T10:00:53","modified_gmt":"2013-02-07T14:00:53","slug":"queer-namibian-shishani-releases-video-for-new-lgbt-equality-anthem-minority","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/test.qwoc.org\/?p=6745","title":{"rendered":"Queer African Women Making History: Namibian Artist Shishani Releases Video for New LGBT Equality Anthem, “Minority”"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally appeared at Spectra Speaks,\u00a0www.spectraspeaks.com<\/a>. Republished with permission.<\/em><\/p>\n

“You’ve got rules telling me what to do<\/em>
\nBut is there anybody checkin’ up on you?”<\/em><\/p>\n

Award-winning acoustic soul artist, Shishani, has just released the music video for her latest single titled, \u201cMinority\u201d<\/strong>, a catchy, upbeat, acoustic track that calls for freedom and equality for all people despite perceived differences.<\/p>\n

Shishani got her big break when she performed at the 2011 Namibian Annual Music Awards in the capital city of Windhoek, where it\u2019s still illegal to be gay. And though, she says, she\u2019s made no real attempts to hide her sexuality, she hasn\u2019t come out as an \u201cout lesbian artist\u201d till now.<\/p>\n

“I wanted people to get to know my music,\u201d she says, \u201cSexuality doesn\u2019t matter. It\u2019s like pasta — asking if you prefer\u00a0spaghetti\u00a0or macaroni. It just doesn\u2019t matter… I\u2019m an artist first, before being a gay artist.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Shishani<\/p>\n

Born to a Namibian mother and a Belgian father, Shishani spent her early childhood in Windhoek, before her family relocated. Due to her mixed race ancestry, the curly-haired songstress is no stranger to discrimination, but is candid about enjoying a relatively liberal upbringing in the Netherlands, known for its liberal social policies, including legal protections of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) people.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeing raised abroad gives you a certain freedom… It took some time before my parents were okay talking about stuff, but eventually we did. I was even able to live with my partner of four years… \u00a0But living in Namibia, it became so clear to me how much more people are discriminated against–and for a variety of different reasons, like their ethnicity and sexuality.\u201d<\/p>\n

Homosexuality is illegal in a number of countries in Africa, and Namibia is no exception.<\/strong> Even though Namibia has been independent for over 20 years, and its constitution views all people equal under the rights of the law, punitive colonial laws against sodomy (though not enforced) have remained. Thus, LGBTI people risk harassment \u00a0and violence due to a strong culture of stigma in part reignited by religious leaders and government officials.<\/p>\n

In 2001<\/a>, past President Najoma\u2019s called for \u201canyone caught practicing homosexuality to be arrested, jailed, and deported\u201d. And, just over a year ago, Namibia\u2019s first gay pageant winner, Mr. Gay Namibia, was beaten and robbed<\/a> shortly after securing his title.<\/p>\n

But Shishani, who upon her return in 2011, found a safe haven in Windhoek\u2019s art performance communities, is optimistic that the current climate for gays will improve. She recently became an honorary member of the board of Out Right Namibia (ORN), a human rights advocacy organization that aims to address widespread homophobia in the country, and is eager to continue evolving as an artist, while using her platform as a musician to advocate for freedom and equality.<\/p>\n

\"ShishaniSince her breakout two years ago, Shishani has released indie tracks such as \u201cRaining Words\u201d<\/a>, an acoustic ballad about a new relationship, \u201cClean Country\u201d<\/a>, a soulful, melodious call to action to raise awareness about climate change, and–inspired by Alicia Keys\u2019 chart-topping tribute to New York–“Windhoek”<\/a>, a song that celebrates the beauty of her hometown.<\/p>\n

As a student of cultural anthropology and self-identified activist, it’s no surprise that her music has been described as a fusion of sounds from such socio-political music icons as Tracy Chapman, Bob Marley, and Nneka. \u201cMinority\u201d is the first single through which seeks to address the issue of same-sex love.<\/p>\n

Alluding to the potential controversy of her new single, Shishani says, \u201cTwo years ago, I was really just trying to get my face out there…. When I returned to Namibia, I started booking my own gigs, performing solo, writing new songs. When I was invited to perform at the Namibian Music Awards, I was afraid to perform \u201cMinority\u201d \u00a0because people didn’t know who I was yet. But to make a statement, you have to be strong.\u201d<\/p>\n

As an African musician who identifies as being a part of the LGBTI community, the lyrics of \u201cMinority\u201d no doubt challenge the infamous meme “Homosexuality is unAfrican.” But, Shishan insists, her song is about much more than being gay.<\/p>\n

“In Namibia, it also makes a difference what ethnicity you are. “Minority” argues for equal rights for all people regardless of their cultural backgrounds, economic status, sexuality, religion,\u201d she says, \u201cThere is so much systemic discrimination against people, for so many reasons.\u201d<\/p>\n

The release of \u201cMinority\u201d is timely; January is the month in which outspoken Ugandan LGBT activist, David Kato was\u00a0bludgeoned\u00a0to death in an anti-gay attack three years ago, sparking an outcry from fellow African human rights activists. January is also the month in which people in the U.S.–perhaps even all over the world–celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a powerful civil rights leader and icon. His call for freedom and equality of all people has been taken up by activists all over the world, including Shishani, whose lyrics echo his principles of love and unity.<\/p>\n

\u201cHomophobia all over the world comes from the same place; colonialism, apartheid, racial segregation. All our struggles are connected.\u201d<\/p>\n

When asked about being a visible lesbian African artist, especially in light of the hardships experienced by LGBTI people in countries such as Uganda, Nigeria, South Africa, she says:<\/p>\n

\u201cMy music is becoming more popular in Namibia. I\u2019ve been working hard and trying to make my mark, so I feel stronger, now. I may lose some fans, but it’s okay. So many others have it way worse than me. So many others activists are risking much more. It is an honor to be viewed as a role model. So, if I can contribute to the movement through my music, I’m happy to, and I will.\u201d<\/p>\n

Check out the video of Shishani’s new single, “Minority” below. To learn more about Shishani, visit her website at http:\/\/www.shishani.nl<\/a>.<\/p>\n