Namibian rap sensation LIONESS returns 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.
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