President, PM lead tributes to legendary musician Ras Sheehama
Tributes have poured in from across Namibia from fans, friends, fellow artists and senior politicians, including the president, after the sudden death of Ras Sheehama, the revered reggae musician celebrated for songs of resistance, unity and hope.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said she was “deeply saddened” by the loss of what she described as “a true legend of Namibian music and culture”.
“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.”
Sheehama, 59, died by suicide, police confirmed. His body was discovered early on Friday alongside a note, a statement added.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, who in July candidly shared his own battle with suicidal thoughts, 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."
The premier added: "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.”
Voice for the people
The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) also issued a statement on Sheehama's passing.
“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."
The statement added: "Through his music, he also told the everyday stories of our people to the world, serving as a true ambassador of Namibian culture" and highlighted his recognition in 1996, when Sheehama 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.”
Struggling artists
Many Namibians, particularly those in the creative sector, highlighted the difficulties facing artists in the country, including a lack of institutional support.
Musician Riaan Smit paid tribute to his “musical brother” and added: “It’s a tough life giving your spirit to uplift the world and sometimes getting very little back. This man gave a lot more than he received. Rest in peace, Ras, it was a pleasure sharing some beautiful moments together.”
Smit also pointed to the financial hardships confronting many artists. "Elder musicians in this country aren’t respected or honoured. Even those who inspired through the struggle," he wrote. He cited the steep costs artists face of hiring venues to perform their craft.
“Namibia doesn’t care about the artists. And this is the outcome,” he added.
Another creative, Hella Nghifindaka, wrote on social media: “Oh man! government and corporate industry need to do better for the creatives of our country!”
Musician Lieutenant Shitana added his voice, noting that the plight of living artists is ignored.
“This is all what they like to do: showing love to the dead man instead of showing love to the man when he was still alive. He cried a long time ago, and all ears were not functioning. Now they are functioning to hear the death of the same man they ignored.”
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said she was “deeply saddened” by the loss of what she described as “a true legend of Namibian music and culture”.
“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.”
Sheehama, 59, died by suicide, police confirmed. His body was discovered early on Friday alongside a note, a statement added.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, who in July candidly shared his own battle with suicidal thoughts, 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."
The premier added: "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.”
Voice for the people
The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) also issued a statement on Sheehama's passing.
“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."
The statement added: "Through his music, he also told the everyday stories of our people to the world, serving as a true ambassador of Namibian culture" and highlighted his recognition in 1996, when Sheehama 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.”
Struggling artists
Many Namibians, particularly those in the creative sector, highlighted the difficulties facing artists in the country, including a lack of institutional support.
Musician Riaan Smit paid tribute to his “musical brother” and added: “It’s a tough life giving your spirit to uplift the world and sometimes getting very little back. This man gave a lot more than he received. Rest in peace, Ras, it was a pleasure sharing some beautiful moments together.”
Smit also pointed to the financial hardships confronting many artists. "Elder musicians in this country aren’t respected or honoured. Even those who inspired through the struggle," he wrote. He cited the steep costs artists face of hiring venues to perform their craft.
“Namibia doesn’t care about the artists. And this is the outcome,” he added.
Another creative, Hella Nghifindaka, wrote on social media: “Oh man! government and corporate industry need to do better for the creatives of our country!”
Musician Lieutenant Shitana added his voice, noting that the plight of living artists is ignored.
“This is all what they like to do: showing love to the dead man instead of showing love to the man when he was still alive. He cried a long time ago, and all ears were not functioning. Now they are functioning to hear the death of the same man they ignored.”
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