Local artists remember 'Pablo Diablo'

Popular local artist Max Mweshininga died yesterday morning in Tsumeb. Mweshininga, who was also known as ‘Pablo Diablo the Outlaw’, was found dead in an apartment belonging to one of his friends. Deputy Commissioner William Peter yesterday confirmed the musician’s death but said the cause of death hadn’t been determined. Mweshininga rose to fame with his albums ‘Second Half’ and ‘Is Daai Tyd’ and his hit song ‘Telele Kashona’ is still a party favourite. He was part of the 2004 group that recorded the ‘Omalaueti O’Swapo’ album which boosted the Swapo Party election campaign that year. He recorded the album alongside Martin Morocky, also known as The Dogg, Lazarus Shiimi, also known as Gazza, and producer Elvo. The four were selected to do the album because they were among the most popular local musicians that year. Soon after working on the 2004 Swapo campaign album, Mweshininga signed a contract with Omalaeti Records. The young artist had disappeared from the limelight since then, with many believing that he would make a comeback with another hit song. Yesterday, Gazza expressed shock at Mweshininga’s death, describing it as “talent gone too soon”. Gazza said he had known Mweshininga since their childhood in Tsumeb. “His house was next to my school, so I know him outside music. Pablo was such a humble person, he was never part of fights and stuff, he was always the peacemaker. His death is so unfortunate,” he said of his friend. Gazza said working with Pablo on their 2004 album was an experience. “He always had a different way of looking at music and he contributed a lot to that project,” Gazza said. Singer Tunackie, who was one of the first artists to express her condolences on Facebook, said that Pablo was one of the most talented musicians a few years ago. “I honestly don’t know what went wrong that he went so quiet but his hit ‘Helekashona’ was so big and he was such a nice person. This truly is a loss,” she said. The Dogg also expressed shock, saying Pablo’s talent was undeniable. The Dogg met Pablo at the University of Namibia where they became friends. “Pablo could be on any record. He was an authentic artist who did his own thing. He was extremely creative. He was one of those artists you just fear putting on a track of yours as he might outshine you,” he said. WINDHOEK GORDON JOSEPH