Renowned coastal singer song-writer, Savannah Collins, recently performed to raise
awareness for autism at Private School Swakopmund (PSS).
Hailing from Swakopmund, Collins is not new to the music scene with a career that spans
well over 10 years of which she has performed as a live, solo, acoustic artist in Namibia as
well as having toured in France, the United Kingdom and South Africa.
“It is with absolute pleasure that I accepted to be part of such a wonderful initiative for a very important cause, for children in need.”
“As a music teacher (of Songbird Vocal Studio singing school), I have a special place in my
heart for kids and that is why I chose to be part of this event.”
“I love giving back to charity, through music, and I feel proud as a Namibian musician to do
so,” she said, explaining the importance of being involved in the event.
With her roots planted in rock ‘rock, country and blues, the musician is known for her vibrant acoustic guitar and rich, husky vocals, she creates a raw and powerful original sound.
Three of Collins’ students from Songbird Vocal Studio namely: Katja Pfaffentaler; Paulina
Indombo and Annika Henckert, performed as opening acts at the event.
“The songs which each of them chose had special and profound meanings. They dedicated these songs to the children attending with autism.”
“We did this to inspire and uplift the audience through music,” said Collins.
Savannah Collins was joined by drummer Adam Brandon-Kirby as the vibrant acoustic guitar and electric drum duo performed a number of their favourite songs to culminate the evening.
She added that more awareness needs to be created for autistic people.
“It is so important for people to come together with the means and capabilities they have, to try and assist, provide benefit to those in need.”
“We were a small team of people who planned this event. However, I am glad that it made a huge impact for the children,” she said.
Savannah Collins will be working on new music this year as well as collaborations and tours. Also up her sleeve, is to host her third Coastal Talent Show at the Swakopmund Night Market on 27 August.
After studying music in Cape Town, Savannah Collins recorded her debut album titled Be
Free in 2016. One of the singles from this all original, 12-track album, enjoyed airplay on
various radio stations in the United States of America.
After winning three gold medals at the 2019 Namibian Championships of Performing Arts,
she went on to become the official head judge on the Voice of Namibia.
Since 2020 the masterminded the establishment of The Coastal Talent Show and opened her own singing school known as Songbird Vocal Studio, which is based in Swakopmund.
Savannah Collins has opened for international artists such as Freshly Ground, Prime Circle
and Arno Carstens.
Among others, her collaborations include writing the 2018 Gondwana Collection hit song
“Namibia my Friend” to raise awareness for the wild horses of Namibia. This jam features
South African duo Mi Casa. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a diverse group of conditions, characterised by some degree of difficulty with social interaction and communication.
Other characteristics are atypical patterns of activities and behaviours, such as difficulty with transition from one activity to another, a focus on details and unusual reactions to sensations.
Funds raised through the event will go towards the Stepping Stones School – a preschool and a primary school in Swakopmund for children with autism and learning difficulties.
