Shotgun rebrands, launches national mental health tour

Singer and mental health advocate Filllemon Josef, who recently rebranded as ‘Secretary General (SG)’, released a brand new single titled ‘Back to School’, featuring Sunny Boy.

The song was released ahead of the national mental health tour the singer intends to host this year.

SG, formerly known as Shotgun, says the ‘Back to School’ anthem, produced by Mr Glo, was released last week on all social media platforms and online music sales platforms, along with its visuals.

The song is all about telling youg people the future is in their hands, and encouraging teachers and parents to help young people to succeed.

SG has been in the entertainment industry for more than 15 years, with six albums, many singles, and several Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMA) nominations.

SG says his former name, Shotgun, was more of a gangster name with a kwaito feel.

“As I am growing older, I realise that spiritually, some of these names come with curses in one’s life. So in the case of business, I realise that sometimes I miss opportunities, not because I am not qualified, but because of the name Shotgun.

“In the corporate world, some organisations will ask you the meaning of the name, and in this case, I am a mental health advocate.

“I then had to rebrand to SG, which comes from Shotgun anyway, because it’s hard to run far away from it. I have been known as Shotgun for more than 16 years,” SG says.

MENTAL HEALTH TOUR

SG was appointed as a co-ambassador for voluntary medical male circumcision by the Ministry of Health and Social Services for 2016/17 after presenting his songs advocating mental health.

After the release of his ‘Mental Health’ song in 2022, SG, in collaboration with the ministry, launched a national mental health awareness campaign at Soweto Market last year, which was supported by the United Nations Population Fund.

The aim of the campaign was to host a mental health roadshow, which is set to commence after the burial of president Hage Geingob, he says.

SG says the tour will focus on schools, universities and colleges.

“We want everyone in Namibia to understand the value of life during this campaign. It’s all about mental health issues we are facing in our communities daily,” he says.

SG says the objective is to start educating young people on dealing with stress and anxiety, suicide, and emotional and physical abuse.