Namibian-born singer-songwriter Sasha Dawe is once again redefining the boundaries of modern folk with his upcoming EP, Here I Am. Slated for release on March 21st, 2025, the five-track offering marks a bold step forward following the critical success of his debut album, The Boat.
With Here I Am, Dawe deepens his exploration of identity, resilience, and homecoming—drawing heavily on his African heritage while fusing poetic lyricism and layered instrumentation. His unmistakable sound merges country-folk and contemporary blues with a distinctively African twist, creating something both familiar and refreshingly new.
Raised on a remote mine in Namibia, Dawe’s musical upbringing was anything but conventional. Surrounded by local traditions and rhythmic storytelling, he developed an ear for emotionally rich, cross-cultural soundscapes. His latest work reflects this eclecticism, echoing the storytelling style of Leonard Cohen, the smooth guitar tones of J.J. Cale, and the spiritual introspection of Cat Stevens, all coloured with a youthful, post-punk African energy.
The EP’s lead single, ‘Because We Forgot’, is already turning heads. A buoyant yet reflective track, it captures the essence of Dawe’s sonic identity—think the heartfelt lyricism of John Martyn meets the melodic warmth of Dawes. Infused with fun-loving guitar licks, percussive flair, and whimsical backing vocals, the track is a celebration of rediscovery and the joy of coming home.
In true Dawe fashion, the accompanying music video is a visual feast. Shot across the breathtaking Namibian landscape and in his own home studio, the video moves effortlessly between moments of intimacy and vibrant city nightlife, capturing the song’s carefree yet thoughtful spirit.
As he prepares to release Here I Am, Dawe is carving out a reputation as one of folk’s most fearless innovators—an artist unafraid to blend tradition with bold experimentation. Fans of Jack Johnson, Jeremy Taylor, and anyone with a soft spot for story-driven folk with global influences will find themselves right at home in Sasha Dawe’s world.
Sasha Dawe’s ‘Because We Forgot’ and the full Here I Am EP drop March 21st, 2025.
