The Land of the Brave’s legendary queen of Otyaka, Maria Tuna-Omukwathi Uushona, better known as ‘Tunakie’, died in Cape Town, South Africa, on 24 April.
Those who were close to her say they will always remember her for her humbleness, honesty, kindness, love for life and passion for music.
Her voice may be silent, but her legacy lives on as fans, family and friends will always keep her in their hearts.
Uushona was born in exile to Namibian parents in Angola on 25 November 1982.
She returned to Namibia when she was eight years old.
Her father passed away when she was a little girl, and she lost her mother when she was 16 years old.
Uushona was raised by her grandmother Ndapewa Baumullen at Ontananga village near Ondangwa.
Baumullen says the award-winning artist always loved music.
“In exile she was always dancing, but we did not realise her talent until she was older. I am glad she followed her talent. She made beautiful music for the people and she enjoyed every moment of it,” she says.
“She liked to cook for the family. She would cook and we would come together and eat. We will miss her so dearly. She has three children – twin boys and a girl. We will take good care of them so she can rest in peace,” Baumullen says.
The traditional artist’s sister, Secilia Aludilu, says Uushona was always singing and dancing growing up.
“She would always talk about music. I was not surprised at all when she started releasing songs. She was working very hard to make a success of her music career. By losing her I have lost so much. She was my sister and best friend. I still can’t believe that she is no more,” Aludilu says.
She says a few days before Uushona passed away she sent her two songs she wanted to record in Windhoek.
The songs were part of an album she planned to release later this year.
Papa Ndasuunje Shikongeni met Uushona in the 90s when she became part of a group called Onongo Pamwe with him and Jackson Kaujeua.
They performed in places like China, New York and Washington DC.
Shikongeni says Uushona was a true representative of cultural music.
“Her music was original. I don’t like music that is copied from outside our country. I hope that young female artists will find passion, gain knowledge and take Uushona’s type of music and message further. Uushona’s music was touching and was about our people. Her music was telling the truth, and she liked to sing about what she saw happening. Her songs were educational, eye-opening and straight to the point,” he says.
Uushona’s producer and ex-husband, Trace Garren, says he was officially introduced to her by top gospel artist Naftalie Amukwelele, commonly known as ‘D-Naff’, in 2008.
Together, the powerful team worked on collaborations with talented artists such as Sally Boss Madam, D-Naff and TeQuila.
“I got to work on her second-last album ‘Ondjila’ in 2013, which included a few tracks from local producer Vilho. I also composed and produced the song ‘Efeinge’ on her last album in 2016. She had great energy and was ready to create music at any time. I never forced or pushed her around when it came to studio time or any preparations. She was always ready to go. She sang every song with passion,” Garren says.
He says her legacy will live on because she does not sound like anyone else.
He describes Uushona as a survivor with great determination, despite facing numerous challenges in her life.
“Tuna was always polite with people and a caring human being. Throughout her life she always had great determination, and considering the fact that her mother left her when she was very small, she had to adapt to so many situations not many people can handle. I would say she was a very strong woman. She went through a lot, but it did not stop her from doing what she loved doing. She gave me two handsome boys. I will always cherish them as a magnificent gift forever. I really thank her for that,” Garren says.
D-Naff says he met Uushona in 2004 at the World Music Day show at the Warehouse Theatre in Windhoek.
“When I first saw Tunakie she was one of the girls in the front row screaming and making noise, and it was Arafath who told me she was actually Tunakie. I will miss her hunger for the stage, her love for shambo music, her dressing and the fact that she was always happy with everyone,” he says.
The duo shot a video in the United States during the Obama election campaign.
They have also performed together in the US, London and South Africa, and Uushona has appeared in D-Naff’s ‘Omwa’ music video, featuring TeQuila.
“She was quick to create her own verses within a given time and was always ready to travel for the shows. She loved God, and I prayed with her all the time whenever we travelled together. She was just a normal Omuwambo lady with all those values and morals embedded in her,” D-Naff says.
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