Namibian rap sensation Lioness returns with her anticipated third studio album If Not In This Life. The 13-track body of work took shape two years ago when Lioness was pregnant with her first child, after taking time to care for her newborn and facing doubts and fears about motherhood and her music career, she braced the odds to prove that motherhood should not signify the end of your dreams and ambition, Lioness found the strength to resume her artistic journey. The result is a project that explores themes of cultural identity, women’s empowerment, romance, and creative freedom across different sounds ranging from soul/afro-soul/hip-hop/Afropop and dance music.
The project starts with the heartwarming "My Heart" which samples a playful time with mother and daughter before the surreal afro-soul vibes of "Tic Tac." This is followed by two summer rap anthems "Selecta" (featuring Cleo Ice Queen, Kaladoshas) and "Pull Up." The former has a hypnotic synth-bassline and sultry raps from the emcees and a captivating melodic chorus from Kaladoshas the latter follows suit with punchy drums and a breathy seductive performance from Lioness. "Funk" has a futuristic soul vibe and a smooth groove underpinned by Lioness' vivid storytelling and cheeky demeanour as she repurposes the word funk into the hook. Next is the thumping drums of the vogue-inspired "Ooh La La" and "Omapiyano" where Lioness adds her own Namibian twist to her South African neighbours’ popular amapiano sound. Lioness flows effortlessly over the summer breezy "Feel Good" which sees her teaming with singers Azmo Nawe and Page (Ethnix) while showing some form of vulnerability on "Alive." Other stand out tracks include the defiant "Never Won," and the reflective "See You Again" featuring fellow rapper Skrypt. The project closes with the Mel-assisted "Fame," an experimental soul track that shows Lioness in her element.
From start to finish, she exudes confidence throughout the record, highlights her pedigree as one of the women driving African rap music and culture, and reveals herself as a force to be reckoned with in global music.
La-Toya ‘Lioness’ Mwoombola is an award-winning Namibian rapper, accomplished songwriter, and award-winning fashion influencer with an inspiring 16-year journey in music that began when she was just a child. Her 2017 debut album Pride of CilQ, and her 2020 sophomore record Wish You Were Here, as well as the experimental Dance & Dance EP from 2022. Not only is Lioness celebrated for her recorded music, her captivating tours and live performances across Africa have also solidified her status as a true musical force.
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