Artist of the Month - Angelique Punzul

The Swakopmund Night Market is all about creating a network and uplifting the community through strengthened connections and that includes the array of artists we showcase at our markets as entertainers.

In the 8 months that the SNM has been up and running, before the lock down put it all on hold, we have had many wonderful and very talented musicians, performance artists and dancers, entertain the crowds. We believe it is one of the key components to the great success of the market and hope to be able to continue to provide a platform for them for years to come.

Every month we will feature one of the amazing artists who have performed at the market so that you, the audience, may become more familiar with all these amazing people who show up to entertain you.

FEATURE OF THE MONTH

A casual interview with Angelique Punzul, Vocalist

- What do your friends call you?

Angy, Ang, Angelique

- How long have you been singing?

I’ve been singing ever since I can remember and did my first solo, live performance at the age of 13. I also sang in a number of choirs for the vocal training.

- Where does the passion come from?

Not quite sure where the passion comes from – guess it was just always in me. I started playing musical instruments in grade 1 and the passion just grew from there. Realising that I could just loose myself in the music to the point where I feel absolute inner peace and happiness made me fall in love with the art of music even more – whether it be playing an instrument or singing.

- Can you imagine a world without music?

I definitely cannot. Music has helped me overcome so many obstacles in my life. Honestly, I would be completely lost without it.

- Who is your biggest supporter?

My biggest supporter, I would say, is my mom – she’s been to every show since I can remember and if she wasn’t there, there was a very good reason! Nonetheless, her spirit was always and will always be there, with me, through it all. I must add though that I have a massive amount of support from my entire family. My best friend Sonja also deserves a massive shout out – she’s always standing in the front row making loads of noise (whether she’s up there alone or not – I can definitely always hear her the crowd), could definitely not do it without her!

- Do you have a favourite high-light performance?

The highlight of my singing career I’d have to say was, Swakop Rocks orgainsed by Holger Kleynstuber in conjunction with Project Mothball. It felt like I was flying throughout the whole show. The whole setup, the people, the stage and lights – it was all, simply incredible. Definitely one for the books!

Picture taken at Swakop Rocks 2019 by Danien van Niekerk

- Tell us about your new project with Karl Terblanche re Checkered Synergy.

Checkered Synergy happened purely by chance and I’ve never been more excited about anything. I do believe that mine and Karl’s’ paths were meant to cross. The collaboration just worked from day one. We’ve had a few performances together and they’ve been incredible and I do feel that the general public thinks so too – which we are so grateful and honoured by. We are working on a few new original songs and are so excited to get them recorded and share them with the public. I also have to add that apart from having a fantastic guitarist I’ve gained two amazing friends in my life. Definitely feel blessed.

- Where does the name come from and what does it mean?

The name just came to us suddenly one day while practicing on the infamous brown couch – where everything started btw. We had been playing around with loads of names but nothing seemed to fit until we finally got to Checkered Synergy. It simply means that we are both so opposite and have totally different pasts but together – making music – everything just works, it comes naturally. It’s like magic, I’d say.

- What are your plans for the future re performances and recording etc.?

We are definitely hoping to record our own stuff and maybe shoot some videos too. Karl is an amazing photographer and videographer, a real all-round creative genius if you ask me which will come in very handy when we start putting music videos together. Of course, we have our fingers crossed for some gigs when this whole Corona Virus thing blows over.

- How has the SNM served you as a platform and how do you find our markets?

I have enjoyed every single performance at the SNM. It has definitely been loads of exposure and loads of fun and therefore hoping to perform at future markets as well. The SNM is a great concept. The atmosphere is always warm and welcoming and I enjoy visiting the markets to either perform or spend time there with family and friends. I feel it’s something different which is great here in Swakop. I can only say good things about the market and the organiser, Danien van Niekerk, who goes out of her way to make each market special.