In the ever-evolving melody of Namibian music, a thrilling new chapter begins with the genesis of The Undivided Band. United under Gondwana Collection Namibia, they represent a fusion of seven extraordinary talents from different ethnic groups— Adam Brandon-Kirby, Maryke Koekemoer, Kyle Cyriax, Lin-Mari Coetzee, Saggarias Tsam, Kati Hwande, and Arthur Black—coming together not just as musicians but as a vibrant symphony of aspirations and dreams.
This band embodies the essence of collaboration and shared passion that echoes Gondwana's ethos. The band's name signifies their unity and shared commitment, reflecting their seamless collaboration and musical journey despite any barriers.
Meet the producer of the band, Adam Brandon-Kirby. He is a cornerstone in Namibia's music scene for over 18 years, embodies versatility as a drummer, producer, and technical expert. His musical journey began humbly in his garage at the age of 17, starting as a drummer and later traversing through various bands including Out of Nowhere, the Fate of Miss H, and the Vaughn Ahrens band. His rhythm has graced stages across Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, marking his presence at renowned festivals such as Splashy Fen in South Africa, the Miombo Festival in Zimbabwe, as well as the prestigious Nam Rock and Camp Rock events in Namibia. Beyond performing, Adam's expertise extends to production, collaborating with Nautilus Studios in Swakopmund. He's also a seasoned Systems Technician and FOH Engineer, contributing his technical finesse to monumental productions such as Boys to men Namibia, Trey Songs Namibia, Burna Boy Namibia and more. Now at the helm of the Gondwana band, Adam aspires to nurture the growth and prosperity of Namibia's music industry in the years to come.
Maryke Koekemoer's musical journey began in 2005 within orchestral ensembles, shaping her early experiences. Venturing into wedding performances, she fine-tuned her craft until an invitation from Pierre Pienaar in 2014 opened doors to recordings and collaborations, expanding her musical horizons. Her career peaked with an unforgettable orchestral concert alongside Gazza, marking a significant milestone that propelled her musical journey to new heights.
Kyle Cyriax, a seasoned bassist at 35, has made his mark in the Namibian music scene through diverse musical ventures. With a decade of serious dedication to the bass guitar, Kyle embarked on his musical journey playing in blues bands in Swakopmund. In the last two years, he's transitioned into a sought-after session bassist, contributing his talents to an array of projects spanning rock, metal, blues, and pop genres. Kyle's proficiency on the bass has graced prominent festivals like Liefde by die Nam and Camp Rock, where he's shared stages with esteemed artists such as Albert Frost, Riaan Smit, and Vaughn Ahrens, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and accomplished musician.
Lin-Mari Coetzee, an accomplished Pianist, Singer, and Songwriter, ascended to prominence after clinching victory in The Voice of Namibia 2021. Since then, she's graced some of Namibia's most memorable stages, sharing the limelight with distinguished South African acts like Riaan Benade, Spoegwolf, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Jo Black, and others. Her musical talent shone at major Namibian festivals such as Outjowildsfees and the inaugural Liefde by die Nam. Lin-Mari's repertoire boasts several original compositions, with ongoing endeavours to create new music in both Afrikaans and English. Whether captivating audiences on the keys across various Namibian venues or collaborating with fellow artists like Jp Kotze, her musical journey continues to evolve.
Saggarias Tsam, known by his stage name Sakkie Tsam, is a talented Namibian singer, songwriter, and guitarist hailing from Swakopmund, Namibia. His musical journey began when he relocated from Tsumeb to Swakopmund in 2008, and by 2011, Sakkie found his rhythm as a guitarist for a coastal church band. From those beginnings, he swiftly transitioned to performing at various live shows along the coast, supporting acclaimed artists such as Riann Smit, Albert Frost, and Done Madeheim. In 2019, he marked a pivotal moment in his career with his first solo show at the Walvisbaai Oesterfees and also graced the stage at the Madisa Camp that same year. Sakkie Tsam's musical evolution culminated in the recording of his debut studio single, 'Nama he ta ge,'. His achievements span impressive live performances at events like the Walvis Bay Oesterfees and Madisa Festival in 2019, along with notable concerts headlined by Riann Smit and Albert Frost in the same year.
At just 23, Arthur Black is making waves in Namibia's music scene with his versatile skills as a guitarist and vocalist. Over the past five years, he has honed his guitar expertise and spent three dynamic years performing on stage. In 2021, Arthur spearheaded The Yesterdaye, a cover band that beautifully melds Afro-fusion, rock, alternative, pop, and funk. His musical talents have graced prominent stages across a variety of festivals in 2023, from the vibrant Windhoek Jazz Festival to the Deep Dive Seafood and Wine Festival, Bank Windhoek Seafood Festival, Indie Festival (Tribe One), Ode to Summer Festival, and the renowned Bushfire Festival in Eswatini. Arthur Black's ability to blend genres and his magnetic stage charisma signal an exciting and promising future in the music industry.
In Swakopmund's lively Mondesa, Kati's drumming journey began when he was just five. His love for drumming caught Gondwana's eye, a music-loving company who saw something special in him. They feature him in their music videos yearly, sharing his beats with the world. But Gondwana's support didn't stop there. They extended their hand beyond music, helping Kati in his academic pursuits at the Montessori Academy in Swakopmund. Yet, it wasn't all textbooks and classes for Kati. When school breaks came around, Kati enjoys spending his holidays at the Etosha safari camp, where he collaborates with the Etosha boys.
This collaboration's beauty lies in its diversity, with the seven artists originating from different musical bands, unified by their shared love for music. The Undivided Band represents the magic of teamwork, combining different musical instruments like strings, bass, piano, vocals, guitar, and drums to create an amazing sound. This collaboration embodies and proves that music is a unifier and stands as a testament that it is an inclusive language and a universal bridge connecting hearts and souls through its rhythms.
Author: Manni Goldbeck