Editorial: The silent struggles behind the music

Ras Sheehama's death on Friday is a sobering reminder of the fragile lives behind the voices that carry our hopes and rhythms. A pioneer of Namibian reggae, his passing by his own hand leaves not only grief but urgent questions about how this country nurtures — or fails to nurture — its artists.

Times have changed. Elsewhere, musicians rely on live shows as their bread and butter. Concerts are the cash cows that sustain careers. Yet in Namibia, the culture of supporting live performances remains weak, leaving artists at the mercy of fleeting airplay and small endorsements. Even struggling radio stations are not paying for the music they use.

Digital platforms might have offered relief, but Namibian musicians were long locked out of YouTube monetisation. Without AdSense or PayPal access, even viral hits earned them nothing. Government has promised reform, and while many creators are hopeful, delays and uncertainty mean the promise of digital income is still far from reality.

Too many artists stumble through an unforgiving industry. Ras Sheehama’s death is a painful call to reform — so artists live not only for their art, but from it.