It has been almost seven months since acclaimed music producer Arafath Muhuure died, and the industry is still feeling the gap he has left.
Speaking to unWrap.online this week, artists who opted to record with the late producer say they are struggling to complete music projects which were left unfinished when he died.
“From sound engineering, production feel and the essence of the music itself, everything changed the moment he passed. I started my professional musical journey with him in December 2020, so it felt and still feels like the end of a musical era,” says musician Prime-Rose.
Arafath’s death redirected her musical journey as she was recording her second project with him at the time of his death, she says.
“It extended the production process, and I had to find other producers to ‘finish’ what Ara and I started. I’m still waiting to release my new music. The public will be the judge of how much my music truly has changed since his passing.”
Multifaceted artist Risto Nghambe, formerly known as Rizzy Rizz, was also busy recording tracks in the studio with Arafath when he died.
“Since he passed away, I’ve literally been in a state of mourning till this day. There was a single called ‘Helele Mama’, featuring Nali, which I had submitted to Fresh FM, and subsequently it started getting great airplay just before Ara passed on.
“I do not have any motivation at all within me to push the song or even to upload it on music platforms. I have not even collected my files from his PC till today, because I’m still in mourning,” he says.
Describing the award-winning producer’s talent, Rizzy Rizz says Arafath had a unique touch to his productions, and the most beautiful aspect was that he truly loved infusing typically Namibian sounds in whatever song he was working on – regardless of the genre.
“He would put Khoisan chants somewhere – faint in the background or just in the intro. He was truly a patriot and true son of the soil.
“When I listen to my music he produced, I can safely say he was truly in his own league. No one can emulate his way of making music.”
Still in disbelief, Rizzy Rizz says Arafath was working on his untitled studio album, while at the same time they were helping each other with the producer’s unreleased album, which he had reportedly titled ‘Arapiano’.
According to Rizzy Rizz, Arafath came up with his album title while working on a unique form of amapiano infused with a local flavour.
Meanwhile, Cyclone, a musician signed under Arafath’s T-7 studios, says the producer allowed him to be vulnerable with his audience through elevating his voice.
“In my new music, there’s a song that beautifully complements and uplifts my voice. Similar to my voice being perfectly woven into the beat itself.
“He was the beginning of my musical journey, but this is not the end. I’ll make sure to carry on making heartfelt music, hopefully making him proud.
“His artistry will continue to live on forever in my heart. The way he interpreted sounds and incorporated amazing melodies, rhythms and instruments was amazing.”
The ‘Sobiso’ hitmaker, Anthony Williams Auchab, better known as ‘Ou Bellem’, was a close friend of Arafath’s and a regular artist in his studio.
He says since Arafath’s passing, he has not been inspired to work with any other producer and has not recorded since.
Musician Lasarus Mvula, also known as Lazza, says his music will definitely change without Arafath’s touch and the ear he had for sound.
“Since his passing, I haven’t worked on my music with any other producer. I know very well things will be different in terms of my sound. He knew my sound,” says Lazza. – unWrap.online
