The Dogg

Infobox musical artist |
Name = The Dogg


Img_capt = The Dogg performing in Zoo Park 2006
Img_size =
Landscape =
Background = solo_singer
Birth_name = Martine Morocky
Alias = The Kwiato Master, Mr. Skeleton, TeeDee
Born = birth date and age|1983|03|31 Maheba, Zambia
Origin = Ovamboland, Namibia Windhoek
Genre = kwaito, hip hop, house, afro pop
Occupation = musician, producer, songwriter, executive producer, CEO
Years_active = 2002–present
Label = Mshasho, [http://www.koolproductions.cc KOOL Productions]
Associated_acts = Sunny Boy, Tre Van Die Kasie, OmPuff, DJ Kboz Elvo
URL = [http://www.mshashoonline.com Mshasho Online] [http://www.koolproductions.cc www.koolproductions.cc]

Martine Morocky (born March 21 1983), known by his stage name as The Dogg, sometimes The Kwaito Master, Mr. Skeleton, TeeDee or simply as Dogg is a Namibian multi-award winning kwaito musician and producer. He has opened concerts for well known South African artists such as Mzekezeke, Malaika, Mafikizolo, Mandoza, Brown Dash, Brickz and Ishmael. He's one of the most respected artist in Namibia and has won an international award for best new comer at the 2007 Channel-O Spirit of Africa Music Video Awards for his song "Baby Don't Go". [ [http://www.museke.com/?q=node/1534 2007 Channel-O Spirit of Africa Music Video Awards] , Channel O] He is considered as one of the pioneers of Namibia's Kwaito genre. He is one of the African artists managed by [http://www.jaymalgas.com Jay Malgas'] artist management team, [http://www.koolproductions.cc KOOL Productions] .

Early life

Morocky began his formal education at "Onayena Primary School" situated in Onayena village, a village in east Ondangwa. Morocky has been living there after returning from exil, Zambia, in 1989. Morocky is the youngest member of four children in his family. His aspiration as a child was to become a mechanical engineer while music remained to be a dormant passion. In 1997, he moved to Windhoek City to attend his secondary education at "Augustineum Secondary School" in Khomasdal. After graduating from high school, Morocky chose to study for a Marketing degree at the University of Namibia. He left the University, after one academic year to pursue a career in music. [ [http://www.mshashoonline.com The Dogg's biography at www.mshashoonline.com] ]

Musical career

The Dogg used to perform at school concerts in his high school years. When he was in grade nine, him and long time friend Joe Basson, now known as Auntie Sousa, created a kwaito dancing group called "Amasilkies". Before pursuing a career in music, he was a backup artist, a dancer and he also opened shows for his famous cousin Killa B and well known friend Jossy Joss. The Dogg rose to fame following the release of his hit single "Jesus Otati" in 2003. He later signed a record deal with RC-Ghetto Records, were he and Gazza became label mates. [ [http://www.nammusic.com/index.php?option=com_artistavenue&task=singleArtist&id=2&Itemid=160 Artist biogrphy www.nammusic.com] retrived on 13 October 2007]

2004: "Shimaliw' Osatana", "Omalaeti O'Swapo" and "Take Out Yo Gun"

In early 2004 RC-Ghetto released Dogg’s debut album "Shimaliw' Osatana" which became one of Namibia's best selling albums and most requested on local radio stations. The album was a success earning him awards for artist of the year and best selling artist in 2004 at the Sanlam-NBC Music Awards. [ [http://www.mnetafrica.com/bigbrother/Article.aspx?id=438 Who Let The Dogg Out?] ] The album created a fabulous fan base for The Dogg and cought Swapo politicians attention to put him on the " Omalaeti O'Swapo" album were he worked with Elvo, Gazza and Pablo. This album was sponsured by the Swapo political party to promote the 2004 presidential elections. After the "Omalaeti O'Swapo" album, Dogg devote his time to finish his second album entitled, "Take Out Yo Gun" which earned him respect to be hailed as Namibia’s top kwaito artist. The album’s title was criticized for promoting violence among the youth. Despite its criticism, the album did well in sales, topped music charts and maintained a blasting effect on the radio waves with hits such as "The Dogg Is Back", "My Life" and "Ngenge Ndasi". The album’s success also pushed Dogg to win the artist of the year award that send him on a trip to France to give broadcast Namibian music to international audiences.

2005 - 2006: "Introducing TeeDee"

In early 2005 Morocky strengthened his grip on his career by acquiring the services of the music management company, KOOL Productions. After finalizing the deal with KOOL Productions and getting Sunny Boy on his label, Morocky eventually began working on his and Sunny Boy's album. His album, originally titled "Mshasho Mos!" was set to be released in December 2005 a week before Sunny Boy's. The album was highly pirated and cause The Dogg to cancel it. After releasing Sunny Boy's "Young, Black en Gifted" in December 2005, The Dogg started recording new songs for a new entitled album "Introducing TeeDee". "Introducing TeeDee" serve as a remix version of "Mshasho Mos!" and consisted of revised songs which were originally recorded for "Mshasho Mos!". The long awaited album was released in May 2006 and was rated as the number one top selling album for seven consecutive months in 2006 by Universal Sound Store. [ [http://www.promoteafrica.org/TheDogg.html] ] [ [http://www.nammusic.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=174 A journey through The Dogg's Musical Career By Zenao from nammusic.com] ] The album topped the Namibian music charts with songs such as "Baby Don’t Go", "Like This", "The Dogg Is Here to Stay", "Small Town Girl" and "Inakusha". On the album The Dogg also introduced his label's artist (OmPuff, Sunny, Tre and Nasti) who all appeared on the album.

2007-2008: "You Can't Ignore"

In 2007 The Dogg won "Best New Comer" at the Channel-O Spirit of Africa Video Awards [ [http://www.mio.co.za/newsitem.php?id=3185 2008 Channel O Music Video Awards Nominees] July 28, 2008] . He released his forth album, "You Can't Ignore" on October 5 2007. [ [http://www.mnetafrica.com/bigbrother/Article.aspx?id=438 Who Let The Dogg Out?] ] an official CD launch was held at the Unam stadium the same day. The album was to be called "Mshasho: You Can’t Ignore", which is his company’s slogan. Mshasho Online has reported an up coming Best of The Dogg compilation album and a vootage DVD of his life that will both be released in November. The DVD will also feature his best and popular music videos. On 30 August 2008 during Gazza's "Still The King" album launch in Oshakati, The Dogg and Gazza ended their three year old beef at a request initiated by South African kwaito monster Zola. [ [http://www.informante.web.na:8080/informante/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2855&Itemid=51 Zola unites The Dogg and Gazza] ] Zola, a pioneer of kwaito music, took the opportunity to preach about the importance of a united front between die hard fans of G. M. P. and Mshasho. The two perfomed their old collaboration hit "Shidolodolo". Qonja, Ghetto Son and artist from The Dogg's Mshasho label perfomed at the launch. The Dogg performed at the first eviction show of Big Brother Africa 3 on 27 September in Johannesburg. [ [http://www.mnetafrica.com/bigbrother/Article.aspx?id=438 Who Let The Dogg Out?] ] [ [http://www.informante.web.na:8080/informante/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2833&Itemid=44 The Dogg for Big Brother Africa Sunday 27 September] retrieved on 19 September 2008] [The Namibian newspaper friday 19 September] He is the only Namibian artist and one of three Southern African artists to be lined up for the show amongst an A-list of African artists slated to perform for Big Brother Africa 3 until the show wraps up at the end of November [ [http://www.informante.web.na:8080/informante/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2833&Itemid=44 The Dogg for Big Brother Africa Sunday 27 September] ] . The Dogg won the award for "best kwaito video" with his hit song "Can U Feel It"on 9 October, 2008 at the 2008 Channel-O Spirit of Africa Video Awards. [ [http://beta.mnet.co.za/channelo/ChannelArticle.aspx?AId=196 And The Winners Are…] retrieved on 10 October, 2008] [ [http://www.mio.co.za/newsitem.php?id=3185 2008 Channel O Music Video Awards Nominees] July 28, 2008] ]

Producer

Beside being a musician The Dogg is also an active music producer. He has produced and appeared on several songs by other famous Namibian artist. In 2005 The Dogg produced half of Sunny Boy's debut album, "Young, Black en Gifted" and he was also the executive producer. The same year he produced his entire bootleg album, "Mshasho Mos!". He has also produced songs on his album "Introducing TeeDee" and in 2007 he produced all songs on his album "You Can't Ignore". He again executive produced OmPuff's debut album "Phone Call" and a few songs. He's also the executive produced of Tre Van Die Kas' debut album, "Bible and My Music, God & Me", and credited as producer for the majority of songs. The Dogg has produce for artists inside and outside the Mshasho camp such as Sunny Boy, Chipo, Kavax, Kamasutra, OmPuff, Tre Van Die Kasie, Nasti and Faizel MC. "I've tried a few different things, like mixing some house and rave beats with traditional kwaito beats. I'm working on establishing my own unique blend of music" says The Dogg in a interview with [http://www.mtc.com.na MTC.Com] , October, 2007. Through his production career The Dogg has collaborated with Elvo and DJ Kboz, the only two producers who have shared production credit with The Dogg. The Dogg is now collaborating with DJ Kboz and Elvo to produce for his up coming album.

Mshasho and business ventures

"see Mshasho Productions"
Apart from being a musician The Dogg has establish himself as a minor entrepreneur. The Dogg is the rightful owner to the Mshasho trademark. Mshasho is a company which was founded in 2003 by The Dogg. The company is well diversified with business entities like a record label, clothing line, and a car wash. Mshasho lays claim to the most successful clothing label designed and manufactured locally. [ [http://http://www.informante.web.na:8080/informante/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1506&Itemid=51 The Dogg, Jay Malgas: You Can't Ignore] ] The company is also looking into various business ventures outside music and fashion. "Mshasho: TeeDee Car Wash" is operating in Katutura, and will soon expand to Oshakati and Ondangwa. In August 2008 the Mshasho website reported that Dogg will be extending his business to include mineral water. [ [http://www.mshashoonline.com/ MSHASHO MINERAL WATER] ] He also show interest in starting a Namibian water bottling company. [ [http://www.promoteafrica.org/TheDogg.html] ]

Rivalry with Gazza

In 2003 when both Gazza and The Dogg were coming up, Gazza invited Dogg to feature on his first kwaito hit "Ghetto Life" since they were both signed under RC-Ghetto Records. The Dogg overshadowed Gazza on his song which left many people, including fans and radio DJ’s, crediting it to Dogg. In 2004 Gazza released his second album, were he featured a new and upcoming talented artist Sunny Boy, whom he discovered and signed to his G. M. P. label. Soon after signing with G. M. P. Sunny Boy announced his departure from the label to sign with Mshasho. Tension between the two giants (Dogg and Gazza) broke out in 2005 when they were traveling to Luderitz for performance sponsored by Namibia mobile network company, [http://www.mtc.com.na MTC] . According to Sunny Boy , who was also part of the journey, the two started arguing about the "”Ghetto Life”" song and the credits to the song. [ [http://www.informante.web.na:8080/informante/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=696 Exposé - the Dogg and Gazza - why they hate each other’s guts] retrieved from Informante.web.na on 9 July 2008] Sunny Boy revealed that they were all drinking and having fun, until a moment when Gazza overindulged in alcohol and embarked on a verbal offensive directed at both Dogg and him hinting that he had made them who they were. Gazza’s remarks also referred to Sunny’s move to Mshasho which he thought was unfair. [ [http://www.informante.web.na:8080/informante/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=696 Exposé - the Dogg and Gazza - why they hate each other’s guts] retrieved from Informante.web.na on 9 July 2008] All the arguments that took place resulted in hatred feelings from both sides and ended their friendship. The relationship between the two stars remained peaceful, even giving each other shoutouts (Dogg on the song "Like This" and Gazza on "Kick It"). However, the title of Gazza's album "Stof-Lap Chikapute" made many believe that it was directed to The Dogg. The two also released songs in which they diss each other indirectly. The feud resulted in Sunny Boy leaving Mshasho, since people portraited him as a bone between two hungry dogs. The feud also saw Auntie Sousa leaving G. M. P..

Songs

Both side G.M.P. and Mshasho/GreenHouse, have realesed songs with subliminal threats and/or antagonistic slants that has contributed to the feud. The Dogg has recorded songs such as; "Kakama", "Why?", "Is It Me", "Komusha Shomtu" and "He He He" which appeared on his albums "Introducing TeeDee" and "You Can't Ignore". Gazza has released songs such "Mokasie", "Oshinima", "Konakona" and "Odhinjidhinji" from his double album, "GMP/467 till I Die". His 2008 album title "Still The King" and songs from the album such "Skipa Njani", "Mwameme" and "Still The King" are also major contributes. Apart from the two (Dogg and Gazza), Sunny Boy, Chipolopolo, OmPuff and Tre Van Die Kasie have also been part of the feud. Sunny Boy has teamed up with The Dogg to record a song titled "Who's Gonna Be" that appeared on his 2006 "Elai Lineendunge" album. OmPuff released a song called "Taking Over" which features Chipolopolo, Sunny and Richie (YBGz). Tre released his debut album in mid-2008 where he included the song "Mugus" which features aggressive verses from Sunny Boy and The Dogg.

Reconciliation

In March 2008 The Dogg and Gazza were brought together by their managers to reconcile their differences. This was arranged by the managers to stop the violence that was behind the two crews in the streets all over the country. This arrangement failed when the two artist disagreed to share a stage during the MAD show organised to raise funds for the North flood victims. The two eventually ended their feud on 30 September 2008 at Gazza's "Still The King" album launch. Zola took the opportunity to preach about the importance of a united front between die hard fans of G. M. P. and Mshasho, who in the past have become violent towards one another in support of their favourite artist. [ [http://www.informante.web.na:8080/informante/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2855&Itemid=51 Zola unites The Dogg and Gazza] ] In his speech Zola said: "Really guys this is not America where it's all about East and West coast, 2Pac and Biggie beef, 50 and Game beef, 50 and Ja beef. No guys this is Africa, this is Namibia and we all have to keep it real". [ [http://www.informante.web.na:8080/informante/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2855&Itemid=51 Zola unites The Dogg and Gazza] ]

Alias

* Mr. Skeleton: Because of his slim and skinny body.
* The Kwaito Master: After winning both 2003 and 2004 best Kwaito song awards at the Sanlam-NBC Music Awards The Dogg took "The Kwaito Master" title to distinct his level from other Kwaito artist in the country. He could not take The Kwaito King because Kwaito is not a Namibian phenomenon.
* TeeDee: The initials to his stage name derived from "The Dogg".
* Ombwa: Some times The Mbwa. "Ombwa" is the oshiwambo name for a dog.
* Doglum: He was given the name by Gazza as a twofold to his Gazlum alias.
* Mshasho: The Dogg is also sometime addressed as "Mshasho" which is the name of his company.

Trivia

* With the release of "Shimaliw' Osatana" in 2004, The Dogg became the first Namibian artist to release an all kwaito material album .
*The Dogg has won the award for artist of the year for three consecutive years (2003, 2004 and 2005) at the Sanlam-NBC Music Awards and claim it back in 2007.
* In 2004, The Dogg participated in the recording of the Swapo party campaign album "Omalaeti O'Swapo" together with Gazza, Elvo and Pablo.
* The Dogg has mention in many of his interviews that he was inspired by American slain rapper Tupac Shakur, South African kwaito artist Mandoza, Zola, M'du, Arthur, Brown Dash, Kebelo and super group TKZee. He also mention some of their names on the song "Ondahala Okushiva" from his album "You Can't Ignore". In the song he raps: "I remember TKZee, Mandoza, no-M’du/ Tupac Shakur/ this guys was just very cool/ after that ondafiyapo oskola/...".
*The Dogg's role models are Tupac Shakur, former South African president Nelson Mandela, and former Namibian president Sam Nujoma.
* The Dogg is appointed as youth representative to spread the message about the thread of HIV/AIDS in Namibia
* In May 2007, The Dogg scored the first issue of the [http://www.shambukamag.com Shambuka magazine] cover page. [ [http://www.shambukamag.com The Dogg on the front page of Shambuka's first issue] ] .
* In September 2008, The Dogg became the first Namibian musician to perform live at the Big Brother eviction show. [ [http://www.informante.web.na:8080/informante/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2833&Itemid=44] ]

Awards

[ [http://www.mshashoonline.com The Dogg's Awarads at www.mshashoonline.com] ]
*2003: Sanalam-NBC Music AwardsArtist Of the Year
Best Kwaito song "(Jesus Otati)"

*2004: Sanlam-NBC Music AwardsArtist of the Year
Best Music Video "(Perfecto Tromentos)"
Best Kwaito song "(Perfecto Tromentos)"
Best Selling album "(Shimaliw' Osatana)"

*2005: Sanlam-NBC Music AwardsArtist of the Year
Best Music Video "(The Dogg is Back)"
Best Kwaito song "(The Dogg is Back)"

*2006: Sanlam-NBC Music AwardsBest Hip Hop song "(The Dogg is Here to Stay)"
Best Collaboration "(Baby Don’t Go)"
Best Afro-Pop "(Baby Don’t Go)"

*2006: Namibian Music AwardsBest Single "(Baby Don’t Go")
Best Collaboration "(Baby Don’t Go)"

*2007: Channel-O Spirit of Africa Music Video AwardsBest New comer "(Baby Don’t Go)"

*2007 Sanlam-NBC Music AwardsArtist of The Year
Song of the Year "(Can U Feel It)"
Best Single "(Can U Feel It)"

*2008: Namibian Music AwardsBest Collaboration "(Get Sum More)"
Best Single "(Can U Feel It)"

*2008: Channel-O Spirit of Africa Music Video AwardsBest Kwaito Video "(Can U Feel It)" [ [http://beta.mnet.co.za/channelo/ChannelArticle.aspx?AId=196 The Dogg wins "Best Kwaito Video" for the 2008 Channel O MVA's] retrieved on 10 October, 2008.]

Discography

Other albums

*2004: "Omalaeti O'Swapo" with Gazza, Elvo and Pablo.
*2008: "The Best of The Dogg" [ [http://www.mshashoonline.com The Dogg to release best of the dogg and DVD] ]

DVD

*2008: "The Dogg's Documentary" [ [http://www.mshashoonline.com The Dogg to release best of the dogg and DVD] ]

References

External links

* [http://www.mshashoonline.com Mshasho Official website]
* [http://www.nammusic.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=170&Itemid=237 The Dogg interview with nammusic.com]
* [http://www.namibianhiphop.com Namibian hip hop Official website]
* The Dogg interview with shambuka magazine, May 2007 [http://www.shambukamag.com shambukamag.com]
* [http://www.nammusic.com Home of Namibian stars]
* [http://http://www.informante.web.na:8080/informante/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2726&Itemid=55 SA stars to storm Gazza’s album launch, Local artists Verdicts, Qonja and The Dogg will also perform alongside the SA artists.] retrived on 29 August 2008.

Navbox Musical artist
name = The Dogg
title = The Dogg
background = solo_singer
group1 = Albums
list1 = nowrap begin"Shimaliw' Osatana"·wrap "Take Out Yo Gun"·wrap "Introducing TeeDee"·wrap "You Can't Ignore"·wrap "The Best of The Dogg"·wrap "The Kwiato Master" nowrap end
group2 = DVD
list2 = nowrap begin"The Dogg's Documentary"
group3 = Singles
list3 = "Jesus Otati" ·wrap "Mama" ·wrap "Perfecto Tromentos" ·wrap "The Dogg Is Back" ·wrap "My Life" ·wrap "Ngenge Ndasi" ·wrap "Baby Don't Go" ·wrap "Why?" ·wrap "Inakusha" ·wrap "Kankama" ·wrap "Can U Feel It" ·wrap "He He He" ·wrap "Get Sum More" ·wrap "My Girl"
group4 = Related articles
list4 = Mshasho·wrap KOOL·wrap Tre Van Die Kasie·wrap OmPuff·wrap Sunny Boy·wrap Gazza·wrap Gal Level·wrap Mandoza·wrap M'du·wrap Artur·wrap Zola·wrap TKZee·wrap Kwaito·wrap Music of Namibia nowrap end