The Namibian music scene is mourning the loss of AliThatDude, a revered member of the rap group Black Vulcanite, whose death came to light on Sunday.
Tributes from across the entertainment industry highlight the immense contribution AliThatDude, real name Alain Villet, had on the music industry, his lyrical genius and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.
His death has been confirmed by group member Mark Mushiva in a tribute on social media.
“I don’t have the words. Remembering you won’t be a thing for a day or a week or a year. You gave me the best years of my life. I love you, bro. I’m angry. I’m starting to make some kind of peace but nothing makes sense, I go from understanding to rage and then back again. Protect us man, protect us dawg, you’ve wrecked me. I wish I was your light. I’ve been so far for so long. It’s just me and Niko now, all the colour is gone. Peace to everyone hurting right now,” Mushiva wrote.
AliThatDude, who rose to fame as part of Black Vulcanite alongside Mushiva and Okin, was instrumental in putting Namibian hip-hop on the global stage.
The group gained international recognition with their 2013 EP ‘Remember the Future’, which led to features in Rolling Stone South Africa and OkayAfrica and tours across Europe.
In addition to his group achievements, AliThatDude built an impressive solo career, releasing introspective projects like ‘Mood Ring’ and ‘Stranger Things Have Happened’ on SoundCloud. He collaborated with Sean Kamati on the track ‘TIME’ and worked with Gina Jeanz on the popular song ‘We Move.’
Reflecting on their collaboration, Jeanz wrote: “Ali, you were always supportive of so many artists. You believed in the growth of our scene and it was an absolute honour to have worked with you. What a loss. Rest in eternal peace.”
Renowned rapper J Black also shares his thoughts, highlighting AliThatDude’s artistry and influence.
“We were acquaintances and whenever we met, we’d show love — whether it was about music, business, or life. I’ll remember him most through his music and how diverse he was as an artist. He was an immaculate lyricist and an incredible performer.
“His contribution to hip-hop is enormous, especially with Black Vulcanite. They paved the way for many creatives by achieving milestones like being featured on MTV Base and touring Europe. Rest in peace to an icon,” J Black says, urging people to celebrate legends while they are still alive.
DJ Loudima Dreamer, a close friend, shares: “Thank you for everything you blessed us with. I’ll never forget the laughs, the care you put into everything, your vision and the effortless flow. I’ll do my best to honour your memory.”
Other industry figures echoed the sentiment. Comedian Kgosi Makaza wrote: “A true legend and a good brother indeed. Rest easy, man.”
Music producer Quido offered condolences to those affected by Ali’s death.
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