Kwela, musical genius

THE well-known singer Armas Johannes, also known as Kwela, died in the Onandjokwe Hospital in northern Namibia last month.

He was 62. He is survived by his wife, Theopolina Johannes, 12 children and 17 grandchildren.In a letter to The Namibian, Elia Kaufiwangali Irimari of Ondangwa hails Kwela as a genius, a man whose music was inspirational and will remain an inspiration.Irimari says Kwela’s music created a sense of belonging for many.”[He was] a man who shared ideas of progress, [who gave us] a critique of colonial rule during the past dispensation; [he was] a man with a rich message aimed at shaping a new reality …a reactivator of ancestral consciousness and lost knowledge.”But in interpreting the present, he still conveyed “ancient northern Namibia”.”Kwela was a force of cultural wealth among the Oshiwambo-speaking people …an advocate of national consciousness,” Irimari writes.”The moulder of minds has gone, but his musical career will be studied by many for year.Rest in peace father and pioneer of the Oshambo music.He is survived by his wife, Theopolina Johannes, 12 children and 17 grandchildren.In a letter to The Namibian, Elia Kaufiwangali Irimari of Ondangwa hails Kwela as a genius, a man whose music was inspirational and will remain an inspiration.Irimari says Kwela’s music created a sense of belonging for many.”[He was] a man who shared ideas of progress, [who gave us] a critique of colonial rule during the past dispensation; [he was] a man with a rich message aimed at shaping a new reality …a reactivator of ancestral consciousness and lost knowledge.”But in interpreting the present, he still conveyed “ancient northern Namibia”.”Kwela was a force of cultural wealth among the Oshiwambo-speaking people …an advocate of national consciousness,” Irimari writes.”The moulder of minds has gone, but his musical career will be studied by many for year.Rest in peace father and pioneer of the Oshambo music.