The Five Lives of Josef ‘Jossie’ Kauandenge

He is also a responsible father, husband and seasoned farmer.

In his musical career, Jossie is known for producing hit songs like 'Mbakotoka' and 'Namibia', which resonated with his fans over the years.

His favourite song, 'Pandeka', complemented by a music video, has been enjoying airplay both on NBC's 'Whatagwan' and One Africa television over the years.

In an exclusive interview with The Weekender, the National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) National Assembly member talks about his life in music, being a politician, and what he has been up to for the past two years.

In 2019, Jossie shocked his fans when he announced that he was retiring from music to focus on his political career.

“Yes, I announced that I was quitting music, simply because the demand of my work in my party, being an MP, while pursuing further academic qualifications was not giving me space to do music,” says Jossie.

But that did not last as he returned to the limelight with some fresh new songs.

He says he cannot escape from music even if he wants to. “It won't be possible because my family will still drag me back.”

This is because his wife, Meisie Henguva Kauandenge, is also a musician – being one of the best-known oviritje singers and a legend known to many in the genre.

His older son, Penaa Kauandenge, stage name 'Pen-K', and his last-born, Josef 'Mbemuundja' Kauandenge, all have interests in music.

“So music for me is a passion and runs in the blood. Music is in my bones, I breathe it. I remember at a tender age I liked to listen to music, hence I'm not giving it up,” he says.

He adds that he has noticed that in other countries politicians, some of them leaders of their parties like Bobby Wine in Uganda, are doing music part-time now.

Jossie says for over a decade he has been actively involved in music and cultivated a lot of support across all races and tribes in Namibia.

“The time I tried quitting, my fans would often SMS, call or come to me asking whether I will not release anything soon, even a single. I responded to my fans by giving them what they asked for. Sadly after giving one single, they demanded another single. That is why I'm doing this music now on an ad-hoc basis from time to time.”

According to Jossie, once a musician always a musician.

“I've come to accept that this is indeed true because our work as politicians is full of stress, and one must seek a hobby to relax to remain the same,” he says.

NEW SINGLES

Last year, Jossie released two singles, 'Mbemuundja' and 'Job', both with music videos.

He says the first single is dedicated to his last-born.

“This son has a special meaning to me. I have waited for so long for his birth and finally, he is here,” says Jossie, who has five children – four boys and a daughter.

The second single, 'Job', drew positive reviews and support from the public.

“It's a song about God's servant Job. Here I'm trying to urge and motivate anyone who is going through difficult situations to never lose hope and to believe in the almighty, as his time is not our time and our time will come.”

He says he worked on all his new singles alone, and backed himself.

“I'm a loner and I often sing about practical things that other singers don't sing about. I prefer to sing and bring music to the world just as 'Jossie' and to be recognised just like that.”

SPECIAL ALBUM

After feeling hopeless when he saw Namibians losing their loved ones to Covid-19, Jossie says he composed a six-track gospel album titled 'What Have We Done Lord?'.

The album was released last year, in addition to his two singles.

The album contains tracks that comforted Namibians during the difficult times of Covid-19.

“When I released the album, I was surprised as it sold in such big numbers. Most of those who bought it asked me to release another one but time is not on my side to compose songs, and it's not as easy as people think.”

He adds that one must have melodies and have to harmonise them with own words and most importantly come up with coherent words that will touch someone's inner being, especially in gospel music.