Namibian musicians pour hearts out in tribute to Geingob

Local artists have paid homage to president Hage Geingob with six tribute songs released in the wake of his death.

One of these heartfelt tributes, ‘Leader of the Brave’, was swiftly released by Big Ben the day after Geingob died.

In an interview with Desert Radio last week, Big Ben said he penned and composed the song just two hours after hearing the sad news.

He said as an artist, he has the ability to swiftly process emotions and convey them through music.

Describing Geingob as a beacon of hope, he said the lyrics reflect on his leadership and the unity he championed.

Jael MK, James K, Samuel Shine, Get Rich, Ndiliminani Cultural Troupe and Nam Gospel United, consisting of gospel musicians Maranatha, Pride, D-Naff, Tony the Poet, Alex Shiwayu, Nyasyo and Effy, are among the creatives who also produced music in honour of the late president.

Jael MK said releasing her pain after hearing the news is what prompted her to do the tribute song, ‘Legendary Father-Omake’.

“I was so broken and felt as if I just lost a father. The message behind it is honouring a fallen hero who carried very unique values and a unique character,” said MK.

“Namibia has lost a legend. A man who loved people around him. The only dancing and coolest president, although he was misunderstood at times. The media said so many hurtful things about him, however, I personally loved the president, regardless.”

Mr Glo Solani of Glo Productions produced the song in about four hours, said MK.

Maranatha said hearing the news of Geingob’s death was very emotional.

“It hit us hard. We decided to go into studio and wrote a song of tribute and honour of the legend he was. The song celebrates the life of a legend and speaks of the celebration of his life. The song was also produced by Mr Glo Solani, she said.

One of 4×4’s vocalists, James Kitambala’s tribute song, ‘Forever in Our Heart’ was produced by Elvis Pacific.

Kitambala said the song signifies Geingob’s impactful leadership, dedication to his country and positive changes he brought during his tenure.

“I never met the late president personally, but I loved his leadership skills and the good diplomatic relations between Namibia and Congo DRC,” he says.

Hip-hop artist Ndjambi Paulus, also known as Get Rich, said as a nation “we find ourselves united in mourning the loss of our esteemed leader and through my tribute song to him, ‘Legacy’, he still continues, through the power of music”.

“The song is testament to the love and respect we hold for him and serves as a reminder of the profound impact he had on our lives,” said Get Rich.

Samuel Shines shared the inspiration behind his song, simply titled ‘Hage Geingob’.

“My homage emanates from a deep-seated admiration and respect for his leadership, driven by a profound desire to honour his enduring legacy and contributions to our nation.”

Shines described Geingob as a remarkable leader who possessed a delightful sense of humour.

“I vividly recall our first encounter at State House during a press briefing where he humorously enquired about my work visa due to my accent, initiating a playful banter that evolved into a personal relationship,” said Shines.

The song was produced by Uncle V, also known as Zomblam, with assistance from Lizzoh Namibia.

It was also composed on 5 February, a day after Geingob’s death.

“Due to time constraints, we recorded everything during a lunch break, completing the production in less than 45 minutes.”

Ndilimani Cultural Troupe head of production Ileni Castro Masaba said the song ‘Hage, Son of the Soil’ was compiled by the backing vocalist and instrumental team.

“We have lost a giant of the soil, we are touched and have lost somebody closed to us. The former president used to rehearse with our band on many other tracks the band compiled during his tenure,” said Masaba.

The troupe performed alongside the late president during his presidential campaign and other historic events.

Ndilimani was established in 1980 at Lubango under the leadership of Swapo’s People’s Liberation Army of Namibia.