You are known by your stage name, Exit. What’s your real name?
My name is David Shikalepo
At what age did you start making music?
I started in high school, Grade 8, If I remember correctly. I was quite a young high school music star on the rise already. One of my teachers told me I will be a great mucisian after I wrote my first song and book. I never stopped being artistic from there onwards.
I have been in the music game for more than 12 years now, and it just keeps getting better.
Take us through your journey as a musician and what has inspired you to become a singer.
I was named after a musician, my late uncle David Shikalepo, who died in Cassinga. He did a lot of folk music back in the day. He was also a guitarist. Me being great in the choir also motivated me to complete my uncle’s dream of being a complete musician.
My career started in Oshakati with Fabianus Mutumbulwa, the producer of my hit song, Okastyla, then I met Mushe. We understood each other from the beginning. It’s like he already knew and saw the vision I had for music. I wanted to time travel and he was willing to come along. We did music that even the birds can sing along to. Then I went on my solo journey, wich was the best decision I ever made. If you’re on a path that is so smooth in this life, get off it, because you might be on the wrong road. All I have experienced musically made me strong.
How many albums have you so far released?
15 albums in total which also contain the two that were released during my time where I was part of the duo “Exit & Mushe”
My first solo album was released in 2010, The Alpha And Omega, wich meant a new begining for me and the end to my past life.
In which countries have you so far performed and which one did you like the most?
England, Manchester, beautiful place, because I love the rain and the cold. I am not one for the heat. They are very generous people as well, and some great coffee. And Canada, I loved that country. I was being showered with gifts from everywhere. The way they came to greet me with Namibian flags at the airport was historical. I will never forget that.
Is there any musician you have been wanting to collaborate with and haven’t yet?
I really wanna work with Wiz Kid Ayo. The way he loves himself, his vision of music, style and sound inspires me a lot.
What are some of your biggest achievements in the music industry so far?
Love, true love from fan to artist, from artist to fan. No joking around.
You have been in the music industry for over 10 years now, how do you feel about the industry’s growth?
Fair and relevant question, because it pertains to the experience that I have. First of all, I’m very fortunate to have contributed to the industry that we helped establish. Mind you, I was also an upcoming artist. I know exactly what young artists go through when trying to get recognition for their craft. The industry needs more back up or support especially from relevant stakeholders like the private sector, government and the public at large. That’s if we really want to establish an industry that can compete at international level so the Namibian music industry and it’s players can be on par or above par and be compared to the likes of other industries likeke Nigerian music industry and South Africa. But overall, I’m proud of everybody and I’m confident that we are on the right path.
What are you currently working on musically?
First of all, I love the platform you’ve given me, to give real insight on my latest offering, The Flood as my previous work has shown you. I always invest my utmost best in my work, and you can be rest assured that there will be no difference when it comes to The Flood. It is a well oiled and well engineered machine by the very best producers in the country. The likes of Kboz, Mjay, Andrew On The Beat, Chronic and Gregg from Oshakati. As usual we aim to inspire you. by giving you quality, informative music and quality delivery, because at the level that I am at right now, you can’t expect anything less than quality.
Tell us about your Rockaz Reunion. What is it about ?
I always try to think outside the box that’s why this time around I decided a platform where all young Namibians can come together to network and share ideas and reminisce on the hard work that had brought us this far. The Rockaz Reunion is scheduled to take place on the 9th December 2023 at the iconic Sam Nujoma Stadium. With an estimated attendance of approximately 3000 – 4000 music enthusiasts, this event aims to bring together the local community and music lovers for a day of entertainment, cultural celebration, and unity.
