By Hilja Shikongo

Namibian R&B, soul, and contemporary jazz singer Y’CLIFF has cemented his place in the music industry with the release of his brand-new album, Broken Heart in My Hand. Known for his smooth voice and storytelling lyrics, the artist continues to capture audiences with music that blends heartbreak, passion, and a classic 90s R&B feel.

Y’CLIFF burst onto the scene in 2018 with his debut single Drowning in My Feelings, a song inspired by a painful breakup. The track quickly became a fan favorite, topping the BASE FM Official Top 10 for four weeks and also climbing the Energy 100FM Hip-Hop and R&B Top 10. It also earned him a NAMA 2019 Song of the Year nomination, a major milestone for a newcomer. Looking back, Y’CLIFF says the success was proof that audiences connected to his honesty.

“That song came from a very real place. I was hurting, but I think people connected with it because heartbreak is universal,” he explained. In 2020, Y’CLIFF struck gold again with his fourth single Namibian Queen. The track not only spent four weeks at #1 on the BASE FM charts but also earned two NAMA 2020 nominations Song of the Year and Best Single. This recognition also saw him named Base FM Top 10 Male Artist of the Year.

This time, the artist shifted his tone. “That song was about celebrating love, beauty, and identity. It was important for me to give something uplifting after pouring my pain into the first single,” Y’CLIFF said. Y’CLIFF’s latest project, Broken Heart in My Hand, is a 10-track album featuring celebrated Namibian artists ADORA and WATERS. The album reverently channels 90s R&B and explores themes of toxic love, heavy sexual tension, and complicated relationships. His moody and sultry tracks double as meditations on the fragility of love.

“It’s raw. It’s messy. It’s honest,” Y’CLIFF said. “I think it’s the kind of project people will listen to when they’re trying to make sense of love that doesn’t come easy.” His artistry also shines visually. Music videos such as Drowning in My Feelings (directed by Lioness and Penda), Namibian Queen (directed by Reggie Films), and Love You All Night featuring Lioness, have added layers of storytelling to his music. Each video demonstrates Y’CLIFF’s ability to blend cinematic creativity with heartfelt emotion.
Apart from making hits, Y’CLIFF has been busy giving back to the music industry.

In December 2021, he co-founded Sunday at 5, an acoustic concert series hosted every third month. The show strips down performances to raw vocals and live instruments, creating an intimate setting where artistry takes center stage. “We wanted to create a space where Namibian artists both upcoming and established can share their artistry in a raw, intimate way. No distractions, just music,” Y’CLIFF explained. 

The series has already held four successful editions, drawing more than 500 attendees, with the fifth edition currently in the works. For many young artists, the platform has opened doors to new audiences and opportunities while also offering performers a chance to earn an income.

From Drowning in My Feelings to Namibian Queen and now Broken Heart in My Hand, Y’CLIFF has proven his staying power. With multiple award nominations, chart-topping singles, and a vision to uplift fellow musicians, he continues to inspire fans at home and abroad.

“Every song, every performance, every project is a chance to grow,” Y’CLIFF said. “I want people to feel something real when they hear my music, because at the end of the day, that’s what art is about  connection.”