Onyeka The Torch was the state symbol of SWAPO (South West Africa People's Organization) who were fighting for the independence of Namibia from South Africa, which it achieved in 1990. The group behind Onyeka The Torch were members of SWAPO, who wanted to bring attention to the fight for Namibia's independence to the UK in the 80's, by releasing an album of their songs. The group also collaborated with Robert Wyatt in 1985 under the name of the SWAPO Singers for the song 'The Wind Of Change'.
Links To Peel[]
Peel played a track from the group from the album 'Namibia Will Be Free' on his 04 March 1985 show and didn't attempt to pronounce the African title. He also played their collaboration with Robert Wyatt's 'The Wind Of Change' song, which reached number 47 in the 1985 Festive Fifty under the name of the SWAPO Singers.
Festive Fifty Entries[]
- 1985 Festive Fifty (with Robert Wyatt): The Wind Of Change #47
Shows Played[]
John Peel's Namibian Record
- Onyeka The Torch
- 04 March 1985: Ndamono Vakwaita Tavalu (LP - Namibia Will Be Free) Idaf
- Swapo Singers
- 15 October 1985: Namibia (7" - The Wind Of Change / Namibia) Rough Trade
- 19 October 1985 (BFBS): The Wind Of Change (7" - The Wind Of Change / Namibia) Rough Trade
- 21 October 1985 (BBC World Service): The Wind Of Change (7") Rough Trade
- 23 October 1985: The Wind Of Change (7") Rough Trade
- 30 October 1985: The Wind Of Change (7" - The Wind Of Change / Namibia) Rough Trade
- 13 November 1985: The Wind Of Change (7" - The Wind Of Change / Namibia) Rough Trade
- 16 December 1985: Wind Of Change (single) Rough Trade FF #47