President, Prime Minister and NEFF among voices paying tribute to Ras Sheehama
Tributes have poured in from across Namibia following the death of Ras Sheehama, the revered reggae artist remembered for his music of resistance, unity and hope.
In her message, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed “deep sadness” at the passing of what she called “a true legend of Namibian music and culture.” She said: “Ras Sheehama was more than a reggae artist; he was a voice of hope, resistance, and unity who inspired generations before and after independence. Through his music, he embodied the spirit of freedom and reminded us of art's power to heal, challenge, and uplift.”
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare described the loss as “immensely painful.” In a message shared on social media, he wrote: “May His Revolutionary Soul Rest In Eternal Peace. I join Her Excellency the President to convey our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and nation. Undoubtedly, Ras Sheehama was one of the exceptional trendsetters of Namibia’s creative industry. May His legacy of hard work, natural talent and musical ingenuity live on to the present and future generations.”
The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) also issued a statement on Friday, 5 September, expressing their condolences. “Ras Sheehama was more than a pioneering reggae artist in Namibia. He was a cultural icon, a voice of truth, love, justice, equality, and unity. His music transcended race, politics, creed and cultures and served as a uniting force that brought our peoples together. Through his music, he also told the everyday stories of our people to the world, serving as a true ambassador of Namibian culture.” The statement also highlighted his recognition in 1996, when he won the Music Award category for ‘Inotila’ leading to his performance at the prestigious Le Printemps de Bourges Festival in France.
Among artists, Namibian singer, songwriter and producer Neslow reflected on Sheehama’s influence. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of one of Namibia’s most iconic veteran artists, a true light who inspired us to rise, to serve others, and to live with courage and selflessness,” he said. “His art was more than expression; it was wisdom, strength, and love for the people. He touched my life personally, teaching me to stand for what is right, and his legacy will forever live in the spirit of those he inspired. May his soul rest in peace, and may we honour him by carrying forward the values he embodied.”
In her message, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed “deep sadness” at the passing of what she called “a true legend of Namibian music and culture.” She said: “Ras Sheehama was more than a reggae artist; he was a voice of hope, resistance, and unity who inspired generations before and after independence. Through his music, he embodied the spirit of freedom and reminded us of art's power to heal, challenge, and uplift.”
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare described the loss as “immensely painful.” In a message shared on social media, he wrote: “May His Revolutionary Soul Rest In Eternal Peace. I join Her Excellency the President to convey our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and nation. Undoubtedly, Ras Sheehama was one of the exceptional trendsetters of Namibia’s creative industry. May His legacy of hard work, natural talent and musical ingenuity live on to the present and future generations.”
The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) also issued a statement on Friday, 5 September, expressing their condolences. “Ras Sheehama was more than a pioneering reggae artist in Namibia. He was a cultural icon, a voice of truth, love, justice, equality, and unity. His music transcended race, politics, creed and cultures and served as a uniting force that brought our peoples together. Through his music, he also told the everyday stories of our people to the world, serving as a true ambassador of Namibian culture.” The statement also highlighted his recognition in 1996, when he won the Music Award category for ‘Inotila’ leading to his performance at the prestigious Le Printemps de Bourges Festival in France.
Among artists, Namibian singer, songwriter and producer Neslow reflected on Sheehama’s influence. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of one of Namibia’s most iconic veteran artists, a true light who inspired us to rise, to serve others, and to live with courage and selflessness,” he said. “His art was more than expression; it was wisdom, strength, and love for the people. He touched my life personally, teaching me to stand for what is right, and his legacy will forever live in the spirit of those he inspired. May his soul rest in peace, and may we honour him by carrying forward the values he embodied.”
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