Jackson Wahengo's musical journey from exile to European stages

Jackson Wahengo, a musician born in exile in Zambia's Kabwe province, developed an interest in music while growing up in Swapo camps in Angola and Zambia. His music blends African tradition with contemporary urban sounds, incorporating jazz, zouk, and reggae, which he describes as Afropop-folk. Wahengo began singing revolutionary songs in his youth and later learned to play the guitar at age 14. He was taught by his cousin Mika Ndeutapo and later took classes at the College of the Arts. After his elder brother Setson returned from Cuba, Wahengo relearned guitar in standard tuning and subsequently moved to South Africa to study jazz at the University of Cape Town. His musical themes range from love to politics, influenced by the music he heard in Cuanza Sul, Angola, such as kizomba, zouk, sungura, and soukous. Wahengo, who has released one album, 'Hakutu Hewa', and several singles, performed his first major gig with the Mighty Dreads in 1999 and later played with Ras Sheehama's band and Willie Mbuende's 'Sidadi' project. Currently based in Copenhagen, Denmark, he performs across Europe, writes music, and teaches children. Wahengo regrets not spending more time learning from folk singer Tate Kwela. He notes that music revenue is slow, leading him to take odd jobs like working in restaurants. He cites Tate Kwela, Ras Sheehama, Bob Marley, and Peter Tosh as inspirations. Wahengo believes Namibian musicians have talent to succeed internationally but lack the exposure and marketing