As Namibians prepare to give founding president Sam Nujoma a dignified send-off on 1 March, artists have been paying their respects through commemorative songs.
Namgospel United has dropped a tribute, titled ‘Dr Sam Nujoma’, featuring Ty2.
“We are inspired by Nujoma’s achievements at 95, the sacrifices he made for his people, and the love he bore for Namibia. We are because he was,” Namgospel United co-founder D Naff says.
The response by the public has been emotional, he says.
“The public clearly loves the song, and there are people who weep when they listen to it. We hope it will bind the family, friends, and the entire Namibia in this moment of mourning.”
Rapper and record producer Young T also released a tribute song, titled ‘You Were Him’.
The song captures Nujoma’s divine selection as the leader who steered Namibia to independence.
“The significance of Nujoma’s life and his enormous contribution to the independence of Namibia inspired me to write this song,” Young T says.
“He was such a brave man.”
Young T, who also produced and mastered the song, says the writing process was fun.
“The part of making the record is always the most fun. I let whatever is in my head seep into the keyboard and just ride with it.”
He belives the public’s response so far has been satisfactory.
“The public have embraced the song nicely, the same way they have my other songs. I did not expect this level of buzz, but it cannot be surprising,” he says.
Another artist, Paulus Ndjambi, also known as My Ngg Get Rich, has also stepped forward with a tribute song titled ‘Father of the Nation.’
The song was produced by Haward Grootfontein Beat, and vocals were mastered by Simon Rundu.
“I was raised with Sam Nujoma as the father who liberated us from colonialism,” he says.
“This song is a declaration of how proud we are as a nation of his struggle.”
He says his creative process was an emotional rollercoaster.
“I travelled through space with my mind, stringing out every contribution he made and pitting them against a soul-stirring beat.”
In the future, My Ngg Get Rich says he will continue with his musical tributes.
“The top priority is to continue performing and dropping songs paying tribute to our heritage, especially on days celebrating the struggles of our great leaders,” he says.
As memorial events are happening across the country, artists have been preparing to honour the stage in remembering the individual behind their country’s transformation.
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