Hundreds Honour Reggae Legend at Tribute Concert

Crowds of mourners gathered at Zoo Park’s amphitheatre in Windhoek on Wednesday night to celebrate the life of Namibian reggae legend Ras Sheehama, who died at the age of 59 last week.

The Ras Tribute Concert brought together some of the country’s leading musicians, including Erna Chimu, Shemyetu, Big Ben, Gazza, King Tee Dee and Shikololo.

The event was organised by Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) in partnership with Ndilimani Cultural Troupe and the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC).

Ndilimani operations manager Jessy Nombanza described Sheehama as a “peaceful and gentle soul”. He recalled their time in exile together in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

“The year 1980 was difficult at Cuanza Sul, Angola. We faced food shortages, and many of our peers fell ill and later died,” Nombanza said.

“Whenever I met Ras, we would greet each other and remind ourselves that we were children of 1966, born in the heroes’ year. We told ourselves we should make it – and indeed, we made it.”

The concert formed part of a week of tributes following Sheehama’s death in Windhoek, which has sparked national reflection on the artist’s contribution to music and culture.

Ras Sheehama, born Hans Sheehama at Onakayale village in the Omusati region, was widely regarded as one of Namibia’s finest reggae musicians.

He joined Swapo in exile at just 12 years old and later studied in Nigeria, where he recorded his first demo tape. Upon returning to Angola, he performed with the Ndilimani Swapo Cultural Troupe before pursuing a solo career after independence.

Over three decades, Sheehama released several albums, blending reggae with socially conscious lyrics that resonated with generations of Namibians.

He shared stages with international stars such as Don Carlos, Manu Dibango and The Lucky Dube Band, and performed in Germany, the United Kingdom, Cuba, Portugal and Switzerland.

In his final days, Sheehama was working on new music.

His wife, Saskia, says he had been recording songs about love and planning a collaboration with Slickartie.

“Ras always said his legacy is in his music,” she says. “He would love it if people listened to his later songs too.”

Sheehama’s death has left fans, fellow artists and family mourning the loss of a figure who shaped Namibian music and inspired many through his lyrics, mentorship and performances.

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