Tributes pour in for Jackson Kaujeua Jr

The Namibian music community is mourning the death of Jackson Kaujeua Jr, the son of late music legend Jackson Kaujeua, who died in Norway yesterday morning.

He was affectionately known as ‘Junior’ among family, friends, and colleagues.

Kaujeua Jr, born a twin alongside his late sister Jacqueline ‘Jacky’ Kaujeua, had lived in Norway for more than 15 years. Jacky died of cancer in 2023.

According to relatives, Kaujeua Jr returned to Norway in March after spending four months in Namibia, where he frequently complained of back pain. He later sought medical attention and was diagnosed with cancer in his spine.

His condition worsened rapidly, leaving him wheelchair-bound while hospitalised. He slipped into a coma last Monday and died yesterday.

Family friends described his death as a painful blow, particularly as the music industry has recently lost several key figures.

“This is really a sombre moment for me. I lost not only two fellow musicians, but people I regard as brothers. I have known Junior, his father Jackson, and his twin sister Jacky since our exile days in Kwanza Sul, Angola,” says fellow artist Jackson Wahengo.

Wahengo recalls reuniting with Kaujeua Jr in 1992, when both returned to Namibia, and later reconnecting in Windhoek as young musicians.

“Junior joined the industry as a back-up singer for his father right away. He was a brilliant singer and a real people’s person. I was fortunate to have worked alongside him and his father,” he says.

Childhood friend Wilhelmina Lucas remembers growing up with the twins in Lubango, Angola.

“Since I was an only child, Junior and Jacky were like my siblings. He never let anyone bully us and always defended us. Rest well, my brother,” she says.

Veteran musician Banana Shekupe also paid tribute yesterday, recalling his first encounters with Kaujeua Sr in exile before meeting Kaujeua Jr after independence.

“Junior really wanted to be like his father. He wanted to keep the fire burning and continue his father’s legacy. He respected me deeply and even called me father,” Shekupe said.

He said Kaujeua Jr had been instrumental in connecting Namibian artists abroad.

“Whenever I needed information about shows in Europe, I was referred to him. He was always encouraging, always on fire, wanting us to perform internationally. But he often lamented how Namibian embassies are not doing enough to connect our musicians with the world. Musicians themselves have to carry the burden of promoting Namibian music globally,” Shekupe said.

Kaujeua Jr’s death follows the loss of Jacky just two years ago, leaving the family and Namibian music fraternity grappling with another painful chapter.

For many, his death marks not only the loss of a talented singer, but also a bridge between Namibia’s musical past and its present.

As Wahengo reflects: “Junior carried the spirit of his father while forging his own path. His absence will be felt deeply.”

Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in due course.

Kaujeua Jr is survived by his elder sister and three children.

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