“From the ensemble’s name (Tschuku Tschuku), which recalls the sound of a train transporting migrants on both transcendent and literal journeys, Mushaandja’s work offers a passage through time where those living under colonial rule sang as a means to survive spiritually, and in protest to the present day where the struggle continues.” - Martha Mukaiwa
sonics of love, migration and struggle
There is a train that comes from Southern Africa...
Tschuku Tschuku is an award-winning ensemble of Southern African musicians from Katutura township, performing a repertoire of love, migration and struggle songs that fuse Afro-Beat, Jazz, Shambo and other sounds. Previous records include Black Bantu Child EP (2012) and Trance !Namib Freedom Station (2017). The latest Tschuku record Ondaanisa yo pOmudhime (Dance of the Rubber Tree) was released in September 2021 and is available on all online platforms and on CD. Tschuku Tschuku is led by Dr. Nashilongweshipwe Mushaandja (lead vocalist and songwriter).
The band's work is based on research on indigenous music from different corners of the African continent and its diasporas. This repertoire is sourced from orature found in various Namibian communities as well as extensive archival research at the International Library of African Music (Makhanda, South Africa) and the Basler Africa Bibliographien (Basel, Switzerland).
the band
“... that begins with the sound of a train and surges on as a medley of chants, melody and Spoken Word in a rousing ode to migrants. Those who have seen the world out of necessity or yearning and those who travel as bodies or simply as souls.” - Martha Mukaiwa
Tschuku Tschuku is made up of some of Namibia's seasoned musicians. These Namibia-based musicians are migrants playing distinct yet familiar sounds that all register Southern African musical migrations. This includes Samuel Batola on lead guitar and backing vocals (Congo Brazzaville), Raymond Mupfumira on keys and mbira (Zimbabwe), Chris Eiseb on percussion (Namibia), Jean-Pierre Ntsika on bass (Congo Brazzaville), Piu Fernando on drums (Namibia) and Gareth Harvey on saxophone (South Africa) is the latest addition to the team.
Zürcher Theater Spektakel, Zürich, Switzerland (2021).
selected concerts (& awards)
2022: Acoustic Friday, Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre
2021: Zürcher Theater Spektakel (Zurich, Switzerland) *ZKB Public Choice Award
2021: National Arts Festival (Makhanda, South Africa)
2020: Zürcher Theater Spektakel (Zurich, Switzerland)
2019: Infecting the City Public Art Festival (Cape Town, South Africa)
2016: World Music Day, Warehouse Theatre (Windhoek, Namibia)
2016: Night Under the Stars, Goethe Institut (Windhoek, Namibia)
2014: /Ae //Gams Arts and Cultural Festival (Windhoek, Namibia)