Tributes pour in for Oshakati’s DJ Omzala

Oshakati’s Jeremiah Nghipunyati, popularly known as DJ Punyati, has united with fellow Oshakati residents to honour the memory of the late Martin Nembia, widely known as DJ Omzala.

Omzala died at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital on Wednesday at the age of 57.

Punyati describes Omzala as a peaceful and straightforward person.

“I met Omzala in 1991 at Moby Jack, a bar in the Oshakati West area, and he inspired me to also become a DJ,” he says.

“He has always been kind, peaceful and straightforward,” he says.

Punyati says he was quite close to Omzala.

“We attended quite a lot of events together where he was booked to provide his entertainment services, and I would always assist him with setting up, more so after his amputation in 2015,” he says.

Punyati says Omzala was a man of many talents.

“He used to be a photographer and he also had a great sense of humour,” he says.

Punyati wishes Omzala’s family and friends strength during this difficult time.

“Omzala’s death is a great loss to the entire Oshakati community and we will forever remember him for his contributions to the entertainment industry,” he says.

Omzala’s younger sister, Frieda Nembia van der Merwe, says he was a caring elder brother.

“Back in the day, Omzala would go shoot birds when we didn’t have relish at home and he would bring them for us to prepare and eat,” she says.

He performed at several popular entertainment spots at the time, including Club Fantasy and Moby Jack, says Van der Merwe.

“Somewhere along his journey, he was diagnosed with diabetes, which gradually became chronic and led to his amputation,” she says.

However, diabetes did not lead to his death, as it was moderate at the time of his passing, she says.

“He suffered kidney failure, which unfortunately led to his death.”

Van der Merwe says Omzala was a family man.

“He always encouraged us to stick together,” she says.

She says he enjoyed telling funny stories and teasing his loved ones.

“Omzala would sneak up on us to take pictures unexpectedly while we cook, or whenever we are busy with chores around the house,” Van der Merwe says.

Remind Ekandjo, popularly known as DJ Remind, says Omzala was one of the best entertainers of his time.

“Though Omzala was older than me, we grew up in the same street, and I have known him for close to 40 years,” he says.

Remind says he was inspired by Omzala to pursue the art of DJing, and has accompanied him to many events.

“Omzala would let me play music at Club Fantasy when he was tired and wanted to rest,” he says.

“I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the entire bereaved family and the Oshakati community for the loss of our gentle giant. His legacy will live on in our hearts,” Remind says.

David Shikalepo, popularly known as Exit Rockaz, says Omzala brought music to Oshakati.

“Everybody who went to Club Fantasy those days knows this,” he says.

Exit says Omzala lived a relatively private life, which he found an admirable characteristic.