Bronson Tjihukununa said compassion means to suffer together and from this, sharing in suffering came the motivation to help relieve the anguish of others and that’s how he ended up as a firefighter but due to injuries obtained while in action, his dream of being a fireman ceased.

Also known as Keynote, he said being compassionate and kind is closely related to empathy as compassion includes the desire to take actions that will alleviate another person’s distress.
“Serving in the Namibian Defence Force taught me discipline, a quality that is hard to obtain. I applied this in my everyday life to this day, and along the way I picked up new qualities as I transitioned from being a military personnel to a civilian, that’s when I joined Namibia Airports Company as a firefighter.”
He added: “When one door closes, another opens. Currently, I am assisting as a fleet officer, I fell in love with the field. Ensuring to be as competitive as possible by taking short online courses to sharpen my skills and key attributes. Well, I’m here now, and I love it.”

Early life
He was born in Windhoek and grew up in in Otjiwarongo, the biggest business centre and capital of the Otjozondjupa region, which is located on the B1 road and its links between Windhoek, the Golden Triangle of Otavi, Tsumeb and Grootfontein, and Etosha National Park.
In case you are wondering who he is, Tjihukununa is the other half of the duo musical group Maszanga who brought you ‘Nale’, ‘Money’, ‘Ondjesa’ and many other ballads.

“According to my mom, I start singing at the age of five, I engaged in a lot of singing competitions since then, until I met my brother from another mother Marco Hasho Kazondana at age seven, we have been friends since then, and we were huge followers of Backstreet Boys, performing to their songs at various talent shows and beauty pageants.”
Tjihukununa said he initially wanted to be a medical practitioner but didn’t think he would be able to keep up with the verbosity or the immense loquaciousness. “I always wanted to be a doctor, but those sophisticated names they use is just too much,” hysterically chuckled Tjihukununa.
Being vocal is something that has always been in him as Tjihukununa is the first speaker of the first session of the children parliament.

Academics
Tjihukununa is currently a first year’s student at Nust, Majoring in bachelor’s degree of Logistics and Supply Chain Management. He holds a certificate in Fire Fighter 1, Airport Rescue Fire Fighter, Basic Life Support, Health and Safety, Aerodrome Emergency Preparedness and eventually Business Office Administration.

Hitched
Tjihukununa recently celebrated his fourth wedding anniversary with his lovely wife, Natalie Bokkie Tjihukununa. “I have known her for almost 11, including the 4 years of marriage and I call her Bokkolo.” 
“When I get bored, she is the person I annoy. She is my remedy to destressing, she just knows how to. I always call my wife; she has a way to ease my emotions.”

Yummy in the tummy
With a family of his own, friends and close relatives, a man has to cook and enjoy time with those he cherishes, value and love.

“I got plenty of favourite meals, but the ultimate favourite one is a dish of rice and minces served to its greatest extent. The rice shouldn’t be visible if you know what I mean. And yes, I can prepare it, I am a good cook. I can prepare sophisticated meals, provisional to the mood.”
He added: “Green tea with honey & mint, my latest discovery and addiction. And for other alcoholic beverages, we have divorced, if it hasn’t been finalised yet. I have been sobering for almost a year now, super proud of myself though. On special occasions, I would have a glass or two of red wine, just for control.”

Keeping busy
“If it’s not in the studio producing new content or in the library cracking my head open doing research, then it’s just in the comfort of my home with my wife and kids, listening to good music.”
He said: “I have a very busy life, if it’s not fleet, its school, if it’s not school, it’s the family or studio. How I stabilize, it’s all God’s grace and mercy. In a nutshell, it entails a lot of focus, time and compassion.”

Food for thought
“Do not be afraid to fail, yet do not be afraid to learn from your mistakes too. I do not regret anything. What I did in the past has moulded me in the man I am today.”
Having been in the industry for almost 10 years, Tjihukununa enlightened that the best qualities of a good musician are being humble, disciplined and a good listener.
“A good musician is one who doesn’t have a choice but do music yet be humble. Secondly, one who is disciplined, determined and keen to explore new opportunities, sounds and ideas. Lastly, the one who listens and is open to be criticised. It’s ok to be criticised.”
-     psiririka@nepc.com.na