ML Musik commemorates Cassinga Day

UNWRAP.ONLINE ARTISTS and musicians should use their power of influence to keep the memory of Cassinga Day alive.

These are the sentiments expressed by singer ML Musik whose aunt is a Cassinga massace survivor.

ML Musik highlights that often Namibians tend to commemorate only those liberation fighters that have died and not enough is done for veterans that are still alive.

“My aunt was only 13. History affects us differently and not everybody might commemorate Cassinga Day. But as artists we have the power to dedicate our songs to Cassinga massacre so people can remember,” she said.

Two years ago, ML Musik released a tribute song that has more than 19k views on YouTube.

“The song is a special tribute to my aunt who inspired it, and to other survivors as well, who are our living heroes in an independent Namibia.”

Artists like Ras Sheehama are some of the few that have produced songs in memory of this fateful day.

The massacre of Cassinga took place in 1978 where hundreds of Namibians including women and children were massacred by brutal apartheid South African forces who attacked a Swapo camp in southern Angola.

Today, Namibia commemorates Cassinga Day as a public holiday on 4 May to reflect on the gruesome murder of civilians during the liberation struggle.

The camp was inhabited by exiled Swapo sympathisers and their families. At least 165 men, 294 women and 300 children were murdered in this attack.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.

The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.