Nascam increases funeral grant

THE Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music (Nascam) on Wednesday announced that it will increase its funeral grant from N$3 500 to N$15 000, with the late reggae legend Ras Sheehama’s family being the first beneficiary.

The announcement was made during a tribute concert and memorial service for Sheehama in Windhoek on Wednesday evening, where fellow musicians, fans and industry representatives gathered to celebrate his life and legacy.

Sheehama, who died last Friday aged 59, was hailed as a pioneer of Namibian music and a long-standing member of Nascam. He registered as a member in 1995 when the organisation was established and remained active until his death, with 98 works registered locally and 18 in the United States under ASCAP.

Nascam vice chairperson Shinana Nghixulifwa said the decision to increase the grant forms part of wider reforms aimed at improving social support for members. Future measures may include medical assistance, pension schemes and studio access.

“Currently, we pay out N$ 3 500 when a member dies, but we took a bold decision to immediately increase the funeral grant to N$15 000. Ras Sheehama’s family will be the first to benefit, and the same support will be extended to the family of the late Jackson Kaujeua Jr.,” Nghixulifwa said.

He stressed that Namibians must stop perpetuating the perception of artists as poor or beggars while failing to pay for their work.
“We must appreciate our artists while they are alive. Nascam is one tool to ensure Namibian artists can live dignified lives,” Nghixulifwa said.

Before his death, Sheehama was working with Nascam on a campaign to urge music users, from DJs, restaurants to smartphone and USB owners, to pay licence fees.

The campaign, due to launch in October, aims to secure fair earnings for artists and protect their works from exploitation.

Reflecting on Sheehama’s legacy, Nghixulifwa also linked his death to World Suicide Prevention Day, calling on men in particular to speak up and seek help.

He cited losses within the music industry to suicide, saying that ‘it cannot continue like this.’

Born in 1966, Sheehama built a career spanning 35 years, becoming one of Namibia’s most celebrated reggae musicians. His music, including works such as ‘Cassinga’ and ‘Inotila’, carried messages of hope and justice that earned him a reputation as “a legend of his time.”

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