Omhanda by Wilde Kind

Omhanda is the Oshiwambo word for rhinoceros. It’s the language of the Aawambo, spoken by almost half of Namibia's population.
Rhinos are special to Namibia and the world. They have roamed the earth for millions of years, and are a vital part of a healthy ecosystem. Yet this mighty beast is now fighting for its survival, and has become an emblem of conservation around the globe. Sadly, the rhino is not the only animal whose survival is threatened.

The song pays homage to animals who face extinction due to human action and inaction, among them the rhino, elephant, the pangolin and many more.
The song’s brass section was created to imitate elephants trumpeting, while the voices of the children’s choir reflect the innocence of a species threatened by extinction, as well as a hope and plea to preserve and protect the natural world for future generations.


Wilde Kind’s new album is a homage to home and nature. Danella, lyricist and songwriter of most of the songs on “Omhanda”, has two homes: her birthplace Namibia and her current home-base The Hague in the Netherlands. Her songs reflect her love and concerns for the state of nature in Africa and the world.

Her love of rain (Liquid Sunshine) and endless road trips through the desert (Lost the Sunscreen) on the one hand, and socio-political issues such as poaching (“Omhanda”) and global conflicts (“Earth for Sale”) on the other hand, make for a diverse range of listening experiences.
Listeners are taken on a journey through many different feelings and places - and that in a mix of three languages (English, Afrikaans and Oshiwambo).
From slow and dark folk ballads (Die Hoofstraat) to happy indie-pop singalongs (Darling Sun), the album offers many delights.

The band’s output consists of an interplay of easy listening sounds underpinned by meaningful and bittersweet lyrics. Most songs combine elements of world, folk and alternative music, with a touch of melancholia that is reminiscent of similar elements in the music of Nick Cave, the Velvet Underground’s Nico and the gravelly female voice of Patti Smith.