Windhoek — Gal Level, Lady May, Exit and Amushe and Jeircho. They are not only Namibian musical powerhouses, but can also lay claim to world fame.

Gal Level as you may be well aware has year after year not only been gracing the DSTV popular musical channel, Channel O, but was nominated for this channel's awards coveting some.

Tjitjekura Tjerijama may not be in the same genre or cannot lay claim to similar local or world fame but as an oviritje genre outfit they are in a league of their own or consider self as such. This is not to say they are not in a league of their own having already shared a platform with these musical big acts already this year, which is no mean feat. Certainly they have matured and levelled up where association with Namibia's frontline musical acts is no exaggeration. In the least this is a level they have been aspiring towards if already, and they have not achieved. But in terms of fellow Oviritje genre groups they seem to think they are a cut above hence the audacity of their association with such big household names as Gal Level and others.

The group that is already full steam working on its next album, due for release by September, is also on the threshold of yet another first - a trip overseas. Very few if any of the Namibian musical groups can lay claim to daring the unchartered overseas waters. But here is Tjitjekura Tjerijama daring. And this testifies to the hue they have cast out of. The name basically means self-reliance. Having gone through the trials and errors they have been, having reached the age they have, they could no longer remain tied to the umbilical cord of their midwife group, the forerunner to Tjitjekura. A new album and a trip overseas are not the only grand plans up their sleeves, but a DVD is also in the offing to complete a treble that the group envisages would firmly put them on the road of no return to musical success and stardom.

The group, established in 2003, has five albums to its credit to date. 'Mbatata', 'Mekondjo', 'Otjijende', 'Still Rising' and the latest 'Mapetjitivi'. Its foundation mooted by singers Murangere "Roma" Kaaronda and Mbualle Kenamuinjo and keyboardist, Collin Kaangundue, among others, they baptised the group Tjitjekura Tjerijama, with the conviction that going it alone was the way forward having parted ways with the mother/father group.

Meanwhile, group members Skelly, Kappa and Tjinaa have also produced solo albums.

All the group's albums have sold more than 500 copies with 'Still Rising', the best selling topping sold 1000 copies to date, according to the group. Already the latest album, 'Mapetji' has surpassed the 700 mark in terms of the number of copies sold. As may be expected by the number of copies sold, 'Still Arising' is so far the group's hit album with songs such as 'Ehupo' (Livelihood), 'Ombunda' (Retrogression) and 'Ondjira' (Path).

Popularly labelling their own brand of oviritje, contemporary, they blend oviritje with kwaito and house to come up with a unique musical cocktail that has been taking the market by storm. And partly therein lies the secrecy of their success. This is apart from the accent they put on quality with their CDs produced in studios in South Africa at the famous CPT to guarantee quality. Thus in terms of quality CDs they pride themselves as among the trendsetters - one of their many firsts. Another is first touring Botswana where they galvanised a huge following that has since stuck behind them.

To them the genre is assuming popularity day by day that its demise is unforeseen, at least not in the immediate future. To amplify this the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) Sanlam Music Award now recognises the genre. Within two years if not sooner they foresee greater times for the genre. Of course, like in every industry there are ups and downs and acts of disappearing and appearing are part of the game. But this by no means signals the demise of the genre soon. With the current level that it has reached, being the second genre to kwaito, it is long before it dies a natural death.

However, a special word of advice goes to those who think the genre is a simple music form that anybody can chance. Groups that have sprung up in a blink to be no more the next day speak to the need for a serious approach to the genre.

The 11-member outfit, three keyboardist, three singers and five dancers, collected from different rural parts of the country, is not one of the country's leading oviritje act for nothing if their domination of the McLee Oviritje Competition Awards is anything to go when the group was adjudged the overall best group in 2003 as well as the best dancing group and their keyboardist the best.

Survival resonates through most of their songs, which also value tradition. But of course entertainment is one of their objectives. So if your even need that all important vibrant infusion that would make you guests talk about long after the even has gone, Tjitjekura is very much at your beck and call.

That is if you are prepared to modestly palm their hands.