Marvin Sanzila

The Marvin Sanzila experience is an eclectic fusion of R&B, soul, dance, neo-classic and popular contemporary rhythms housed in the handsome and wholesome package of Namibia’s newest kid on the proverbial block. Raised in Kavango, Namibia and weaned on seminal artists such as Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Phil Collins and Bob Marley with a dash of Usher, Alicia Keys and Justin Timberlake thrown in for good measure; Sanzila is a young artist who sets out to take notes from the best, mix an...

The Marvin Sanzila experience is an eclectic fusion of R&B, soul, dance, neo-classic and popular contemporary rhythms housed in the handsome and wholesome package of Namibia’s newest kid on the proverbial block. Raised in Kavango, Namibia and weaned on seminal artists such as Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Phil Collins and Bob Marley with a dash of Usher, Alicia Keys and Justin Timberlake thrown in for good measure; Sanzila is a young artist who sets out to take notes from the best, mix and match the rest and present dynamic, world class lyrical entertainment to the discerning music market. Having charmed audiences at the NCCI Annual Gala Dinner and 20th Anniversary Celebrations and Miss UNAM 2010; performing act for Freshlyground at the 2010 Old Mutual Jazz Encounter; Sanlam NBC Music Awards (2006 )World Music Day (2008, 2009)as well as performing as the opening act for Gal Level’s 2007 CD launch, Marvin continues to make a name for himself as a versatile live performer. Beyond his soulful and self-penned lyrics his stage persona includes a mix of hip-hop, break and modern dancing with local dancers lending flawless and fluid interpretations to his catchy compositions. Enter “Roxanne”, his debut radio single currently climbing the charts on Fresh FM, NBC and UNAM Radio, a dance song that tells the timeless story of unrequited love in a catchy, pop tune with core notes of R&B in a Euro Dance offset. Produced by the illustrious Trace Garren of House of Legends, “Roxanne” is the culmination of a five year relationship between Sanzila and the renowned beat baker. This single along with the corresponding music video are entirely self-funded with Sanzila saving every Namibian Dollar and making monthly dream deposits towards his goal since mid-2009. The music video which stars the beautiful Julia Fellner (Shukusha- Gazza) was filmed on location in Windhoek and features vintage cars, city streets and a seductive game of hide and seek. Sanzila also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Namibia where he joined the ranks of the university choir under the tutelage of Bonny Pereko in 2004. Although not classically trained, Marvin’s ear for music has been fine-tuned since the age of fourteen when he began to pour over song lyrics, the anatomy of myriad musical ensembles as well as their visual counterparts in a bid to juxtapose and reinterpret contemporary popular music with childhood influences to create something wholly definitive. It comes then as no worry or wonder that “Definitive” is the name of his debut album which he hopes to release by the end of the year. In the meantime, however fans can look forward to the release of “Desert Sand”, the second single from the album which likens love to the eternal nature of Namibia’s famous sand dunes. Love is not all that is on Sanzila’s mind, however and the title “Desert Sands” offers a hint as to his other great amour- the environment. “A Balancing Act,” a documentary directed by Andy Botelle, sponsored by GTZ as well as the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and narrated by Sanzila is a harrowing chronicle of what Namibia would look like in the future should measures not be taken to manage and safeguard the country’s pristine surroundings. In the documentary Sanzila introduces viewers to Environmental Management Act 7 of 2007 and illustrates how the law can be used as a guarding tool in environmental concerns and disputes. Having already lent his voice to this instructive documentary Sanzila aims to pull this theme through in his music and create didactic lyrics housed in memorable melodies and refrains. In all things musical Sanzila strives for originality and synthesis coupled with a bending and breaking of boundaries in an honest and heartfelt distillation of life experience. When asked what he would like to teach his fans Sanzila says: “So many people are living other people’s lives, not looking inside and asking themselves what they want to do for themselves. There is nothing more important than achieving what you want to achieve. Whatever comes from the bottom of your heart.”And heart is what this self-starter and talented young muso has in abundance, the heart to follow and invest in his dreams, popping, locking and two-stepping all the way. Without further ado Namibia is pleased to present Marvin Sanzila. Artist, academic, environmentalist and all-round nice guy...