Namibian rap sensation Lioness has returned with her highly anticipated third studio album titled If Not In This Life.
The album was initially conceived two years ago when Lioness was pregnant with her first child, with the rap star seeking to create freely and unburdened by external expectations.
However, after giving birth, she faced moments of doubt and considered stepping away from music altogether.
Driven by a desire to prove that motherhood should not signify the end of your dreams and ambition, Lioness found the strength to resume her artistic journey, culminating in a body of work that not only encapsulates her indomitable spirit and reflects a deeply personal journey of rediscovery, but delivers her best work yet.
For Lioness, music is her lifeline, and this album represents her vow to give everything to her craft, knowing that if her dreams do not manifest in this life, they surely will in the next.
The album’s title If Not In This Life serves as a reflection on life’s brevity and the importance of seizing the moment, with the album serving as an eye-opener for Lioness and the listener, encouraging us to pursue our passions without hesitation.
The 13-track opus celebrates the richness of life, and delves into themes of cultural identity, women’s empowerment, romance, creative freedom, and living life to the fullest, while sonically, it sees Lioness fearlessly exploring new genres, and experimenting with diverse soundscapes, which is testament to her artistic growth and versatility.
The album showcases Lioness’ diverse sound palette and global influences, while also paying tribute to her Namibian roots.
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.
Lioness opens If Not In This Life with a heartwarming interlude of her daughter aptly, before hitting us with the futuristic afro-eclectic vibe of ‘Tic Tac’, and the summer-driven rap anthems ‘Selecta’ and ‘Pull Up’.
The thumping vogue-inducing ‘Ooh La La’ is a certified dance pop banger, while ‘Omapiyano’ sees Lioness adding her own Namibian twist to her South African neighbours’ popular amapiano sound.
Elsewhere on the album, Lioness is in flying form and braggadocios mode on the soulful ‘Feel Good’, while she reveals her romantic side with smooth lyricism on ‘Alive’, and stands defiant over luxury rap soundscapes on the introspective ‘Never Won’.
The contemplation and self-assuredness continue as she brings If Not In This Life to a close with the glorious ‘See You Again’ and ‘Fame’. All in all, If Not In This Life is Lioness at her musical finest, delivering her most ambitious and captivating project yet.
La-Toya ‘Lioness’ Mwoombola is an award-winning Namibian rapper, accomplished songwriter, and award-winning fashion influencer who has emerged as one of Africa’s most exciting creative forces.
With an inspiring 16-year journey in music that began when she was just a child, Lioness has successfully navigated and triumphed over challenges on her quest to fulfil her creative aspirations, which has birthed a critically acclaimed independently produced and distributed discography, including 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.
Her talent has earned Lioness numerous accolades, including Best New Act the Scream All-Youth Awards and two coveted Shining Star Awards for Best Female Artist and Best Rising Star.
Lioness was also selected for Mr Eazi’s prestigious Empawa100 mentorship program, while her empowering ‘Switch It Up’ collaboration with Boithumelo ‘Boity’ Thulo, and Nazizi Hirji was nominated for Coke Studio Song of the Year.
Beyond the music, Lioness also holds qualifications as a medical practitioner specializing in Aesthetic Medicine, seamlessly balancing her passion for music with a commitment to healthcare.
She is also deeply committed to causes that matter, having collaborated with the United Nations for its 75th anniversary in 2020, and worked with Cheetah Conservation.
The
rap sensation continues to rise as a powerhouse in African music, inspiring
many with her boundless ambition and polygonal artistry.