Musician takes to the streets to make ends meet

In a small village called Mavanze, about 10 kilometres outside Rundu, lives a dedicated musician who has taken his art to the streets to make ends meet.

Valerian Sambweko (51), walks about 20 kilometres every day with his guitar in hand, offering passersby the chance to experience his music while also supporting his family, including his three children and one grandchild.

Sambweko, driven by a deep passion for both his craft and his loved ones, has turned his daily walks into meaningful and remarkable ones. For N$20 per song, he targets mostly tourists in Rundu and occasionally fascinated pedestrians to make a living.

“I started playing the guitar during my teenage years in 1985 when I was still in Angola. In 1989, I moved from Angola to Namibia because of the war. Life was very tough that side so I decided to move to Namibia, hoping to find help but when I got here, unfortunately, I also didn’t have it easy.

“Now I live at Mavanze village where I walk to Rundu every day with my guitar – playing songs for people in exchange for money. Growing up I always knew that I was destined for great things and when I first started playing the guitar, I knew right there and then that I was destined to do this," he said.

Optimistic and grateful

Despite financial hardship, Sambweko remains optimistic and grateful for the support he receives from the ones closest to him.

“I bought my first guitar when I was part of a youth choir at church. After some time, the guitar got old and my pastor at the time, Siyowo Sondaha, got me a new one. I am grateful for him as well as the people who helped produce my first album free of charge. The album helped me financially as I got to sell CDs,” he said.

Sambweko added that during Covid-19, he recorded another with a man only known as Zulu.

“Zulu and another friend Sinawaso from Zimbabwe assisted me a lot in the past till today with no strings attached. I am grateful to all the people who helped me. I wish them nothing but all the success in the world,” he said.

"I am also grateful for my family, especially my wife who has been there for me during my struggles. I wouldn't trade her for anything in the world."

Sambweko called on individuals to assist him so that he can continue pursuing his dream of becoming a professional musician. “I am also pleading for help from the government of Namibia to somehow assist me with my music career by providing me with guitars so that I can continue providing for my family,” he said, adding that he has dreams of hosting his own concert one day.

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