Nikos Kazantzakis once said, “in order to succeed, we must first believe that we can”.
Ariel OG is a passionate and daring 19-year-old Namibian artist who against all odds has released his new album “Life of OG VOL 2”. Ernesto Haingura Ariel, who now goes by “Ariel OG”, was raised in Rundu, he is half Kwangali with strong Angolan roots. Apart from being an artist, he, like any other 19-year-old, is studying for his Bachelor of Accounting at the Namibia University of Science and Technology.
WHAT FIRST GOT YOU INTO MUSIC, DID YOU ALWAYS KNOW MUSIC WAS WHAT YOU WANTED?
What first got me in to music was church as I used to sing in church but that was not entirely it. My mother and brother had Eminem and Michael Jackson CDs in the house. Watching those legends really inspired me and influenced me into music.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE MUSIC YOU PRODUCE?
My music is quite diverse, there are different genres such as Amapiano and Reggae. Most of the influence though, is from Hip Hop and R&B as I create ideas and craft the art from that and convert it to different and unique music that every music lover would love to hear.
WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
I make music from the soul. Inspiration comes from life experiences, not only mine but those of society too and put them into my art so I make it very relatable and help those going through the same experiences. Hip Hop on the other hand, I create it according to the vibe I feel in the moment.
WHO WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO COLLABORATE WITH AND WHY?
From Namibia, I would say Gazza, KP Illest, Skypt and Yeezir as I feel their creativity and overall music and ideas are similar to mine. Working with Fireboy Dml, Rema, AKA, Drake and Eminem is also a big dream of mine.
HOW DO YOU FEEL THE INTERNET HAS IMPACTED THE MUSIC BUSINESS?
In times like this with the ongoing corona virus, I feel the internet is very important. I do not know how artists would manage finances without the internet, it makes marketing and communication so much easier. I would not have been able to produce track 11 “FREEDOM” with British rapper Hodago without it.
FROM YOUR LATEST ALBUM, WHICH ONE IS YOUR FAVOURITE SONG?
Definitely “TOO STRONG” and “BABALASI”
WHICH FAMOUS MUSICIAN DO YOU ADMIRE AND WHY?
All time I would say Eminem but with current change and demand from the current market I would say Drake because of his versatility, he is an amazing artist.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?
In the song Lose yourself by Eminem, he said, “lose yourself in the music the moment you want it you better never let it go, you only get one shot do not miss your chance to blow because opportunity comes once in a lifetime” and I believe this is my time.
WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU AND WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN TEN YEARS TIME?
What is next for me?! My God and I only know. I would just love to say the best is coming and you all should expect it because in the next ten years or less, I believe I’ll be the biggest and greatest they’ll ever see.
WHERE CAN OUR FANS STREAM YOUR MUSIC?
My music is available on all major streaming services, YouTube, iTunes, Deezer, Spotify, Instagram, etc
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUNGSTERS OUT THERE WHO ASPIRE TO TAKE THE SAME PATH AS YOU?
Keep believing in yourself and do not give no matter what, those few ears appreciating your music are enough to keep you going and soon enough those ears will multiply.
IF IT WASN’T FOR MUSIC, WHAT OTHER PATH WOULD YOU HAVE TAKEN?
Honestly, I have no idea. I would probably do something close to music like dancing.
DO YOU SING IN THE SHOWER?
Always, I love performing so I rehearse there a lot.
