By Rinelda Mouton
Award-winning singer Chikune Leitner, better known as Chikune, said her newest song ‘Okambloma’ was inspired by a well-known Otjiherero lullaby that was sung to her by her parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.
She said that ‘Okambloma’ means flower.
“It has been passed down through many generations, and that is what makes the song so special to me. It speaks about the deep love of a parent, where the water used to nourish this flower represents love, protection, and guidance. ‘Okambloma’ is an Afropop ballad. It is a more emotional style of Afropop that blends African rhythmic elements with heartfelt storytelling and smooth melodies,” Chikune said.
She said the music video was directed by Eric Mule and tells a story of love being carried through two generations.
“The black-and-white scenes, performed by Keynote and his wife, show him serenading his unborn child (in this case, Chikune) and his partner. The coloured scenes then show that same baby, now grown up, serenading her own daughter,” she added.
Chikune said the song has helped her to grow as an artist. She said in the past, she wanted to create music mainly to stay relevant. She said the single reflects a more refined and mature version of her as an artist.
“I focused on making songs that would get people dancing, with lighter themes. Today, I am creating on my own terms and in my own time. I now want my music to touch hearts and help heal emotional wounds. That is the main reason I wanted to sing when I was young, and with Okambloma, I feel like I have come back to that purpose,” the ‘Kapana’ hitmaker said.
She said the song was deeply inspired by her personal experiences and childhood memories. She said the writing and recording process was very emotional because we wanted to honour the original lullaby and the meaning behind it.
“Every element of the song was created with intention, from the lyrics to the production. I would want anyone hearing the song to feel comfort, nostalgia, and love. I want them to be reminded of their roots, their childhood, and the people who nurtured them.”
Chikune said she and Keynote recorded the song in 2021, and chose not to release it until it felt perfect.
“I have worked with Keynote on many of my previous projects. He actually helped me see how beautiful the Otjiherero language is in music. Like me, Keynote is a perfectionist. He also came up with the original idea behind ‘Okambloma’. As a result of the collaboration and the time we invested, the song sounds cleaner, softer, and more intentional. It truly reflects the emotion we wanted to communicate.”
