How Nujoma Inspired the Soundtrack of the Struggle

Founding president Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma’s leadership during Namibia’s fight for independence not only shaped the nation politically, but also fuelled a cultural revolution.

Over the years, the country has produced talented musicians and live bands, including The Baronages, Deadwood, Children From Pluto, Doughnats, Gypsies, Locomotion, Poppets, Osibisa and the legendary Ugly Creatures.

During the fight for independence, these bands provided comfort and unity for many people.

At the same time, Nujoma was leading Namibia’s liberation struggle from Swapo refugee camps in Angola and later Zambia.

The goal was to free the country from colonial rule, and many Namibians joined the fight in different ways to help achieve independence.

Many Namibians went into exile and joined the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (Plan), Swapo’s military wing, to fight against the South African Defence Force and the South West Africa Territory Force.

Their goal was to push South Africa out of Namibia and achieve independence.

While Swapo had strong leaders driving the struggle from within the country, musicians also played a role by performing at public rallies, drawing many people to these gatherings.

MUSIC AND POLITICS

Music became a key part of Namibia’s fight for freedom, and its influence continues today. Musicians still perform at political and election rallies, a tradition now known as “Poli-Tainment” (short for politics and entertainment).

The country became independent, and Nujoma, known for bravery, courageousness and hard work, was sworn in as the first president of Namibia on 21 March 1990, amid great expectations and hope for a prosperous future for the country and its people.

The Weekender spoke to a few musicians to pay tribute to Nujoma, and to find out how the struggle icon inspired them in their daily lives.

Steven Alvin !Naruseb

“For me, our founding president represents hard work and perseverance. We have to thank Nujoma for keeping Swapo alive during the drawn-out liberation struggle. His drive and perseverance paid off, and today Namibia is an independent and sovereign country.

“That independence has liberated us as artists to the extent that we can sing about what we want, and we even do the music of our own choice without any restrictions.

“Independence freed us. We can enter the doors of places we never even dreamed of entering before indepedence.”

!Naruseb says some artists have the misconception that independence means they can sit idle at home and expect handouts from the government, adding that: “Everybody has to labour for his bread and butter, and the government has made the environment conducive for artists to grow.”

Jessy Nombanza

“President Sam Nujoma was an avid supporter of culture and he encouraged Ndilimani [Cultural Troupe], in its capacity of being Swapo’s revolutionary band, to help unite the Namibian people through music, drama and dance. I never saw him dance, but he loved singing revolutionary songs.

“His death has left a void in my heart that no one can fill. I have known and lived with the founding father from a very young age, as a guiding father through thick and thin. It is natural that I will find it very difficult to learn how to live without his guidance and leadership.”

The Ndilimani manager says the best memory of Nujoma and the band was when he went to record two songs at their studio.

Papa Sukali

“We look at the late Sam Nujoma as a father figure, not only politically, but also symbolically. For us who come from exile, he represents love and unity.

“Nujoma was a true African statesman who loved his country so much that he sacrificed his life to the liberation struggle.

“Now this is a great man who made sure we are free and independent today. The Constitution of our country opened doors for artists like myself to practice what we love. Make no mistake, comrade Nujoma was also someone who loved the arts and cultural values of our people.”

Volcano Vive band released a song titled ‘African Statesman’ in 2010 as a tribute to Nujoma.

Gazza

“I remember the founding father as a no-nonsense leader, fearless, selfless, inspiring, decisive, and visionary, and I understand that during his terms he was the only leader without a loan at the International Monetary Fund or the World Bank. I would like to emulate his work ethic and spirit of never giving up.

“He is the true definition of perseverance, and he never showed any spirit of surrender. Whenever I am faced with challenges, I always think about him in the bush. That environment was really tough and dangerous.”

The ‘Kick It’ hitmaker says despite challenges, Nujoma selflessly fought for the freedom cause.

Shikololo

“I remember the aura he carried when he visited the refugee camp in Kwanza Sul during the liberation struggle. Whatever bad mood we were in, and even an ill person would start feeling better because of his encouraging motivational speeches.

“He was our main source of inspiration.

“My personal encounter and proud moment was when I put a scarf over his shoulder as the leader of the Swapo Pioneers. There were other great moments, like meeting top African heads of state, like the late Daniel Arap Moi, Robert Mugabe, and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.”

Killa-B

“This giant of a man shaped my career, he surely influenced me more than anyone else ever did. I grew up a very politically influenced youth.

“As we crossed paths when he came back from exile, I used my talent to present him with his first portrait for the first State House. He recommended that I be sent to a good school to nurture my talent – that’s how caring he was. I was 13 and he paid my tuition fees.”

The entertainer says Nujoma will always be his tatekulu, hero and fearless warrior.

Setson Wahengo

“I must admit I am shocked by Nujoma’s death. He was the architect of the formation of the armed wing, Plan. He was instrumental in uniting the nation after independence, although it still needs to improve. Nujoma fought tirelessly for economic emancipation.

“His wisdom, acumen and tenacity inspired many of us who are known as the children of the struggle. We are saddened by his demise. The founding president was one of the best motivational speakers you could ever come across. He inspired us greatly in exile.”

The reggae star says Namibians should not only mourn, but also celebrate Nujoma’s legacy.