Namibia
The artist Taylor Jaye, she is not only a singer, she also designs clothes, composes her own songs and directs Jaye's World Entertainment, an audiovisual production company with a successful history and based in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. Taylor's rhythms, which she defines as afropop, are a mixture of house, dance, Amapiano - a native style of South Africa – and afro, although when it comes to mixing she likes to introduce any rhythm "with which you can vibrate".
This interview is part of "The World Made Local", a global project of Condé Nast Traveler in the seven international editions, which gives voice to 100 people in 100 countries to find out why her own territory should be your next destination.
What inspires you?
In various things. For example, for my latest EP, "Rise of Jaye Walker", or for my clothing collection, in my passion for the world of comics. I generally love anything sci-fi, so I bring that love of superhero comics and movies like Star Wars into my creations.
How is the Namibian music scene at the moment?
It is blooming. We don't have a large population, but we do have a lot of public support and our artists are bringing good quality music to the market. What I like the most is that we are also starting to publish excellent audiovisual content for music videos of the artists.
What makes Windhoek so interesting?
This city is a gem. The capital is clean, organized and vibrant, but also relaxing. We have good infrastructure, delicious food and places to hang out. For those interested in nature and wildlife, there are many lodges located on the outskirts of Windhoek from where the safaris. And besides, we Namibians are very kind people.
The artist Taylor Jaye.
Are there under the radar music venues in Windhoek that we should check out?
Yes, Chicago's Y funky lab They are perfect for listening to good music. There is also a monthly event, for which I headline, at the Goethe-Institut – the German Cultural Institute in Namibia – called Night Under the Stars and which focuses on live music and cultural experiences.
Give us the coordinates to have fun in Windhoek
First you must eat something from here, in Pioneer Park, where you will find several braai stalls, the typical namibian barbecue. In Windhoek, we also tend to end up in the neighborhood Katature snacking on some kapana, which are slices of grilled meat cooked over an open fire. Here people eat it day and night. And of course, there are plenty of dining venues and restaurants to suit all budgets, offering great food and good music. If you want to party Chicago's and Funky Lab, as I mentioned before, where you can relax and have a drink, and if you feel like continuing the party, there are clubs like experience . A popular place is Biggy's Car Wash , located in Katatura. Here people come to eat and hang out while washing their car. Namibians love to see each other and meet at car washes and relax with the sunsets in the open air.
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