The Namibian music industry is mourning the tragic loss of Fasie Kay, real name Ngajozikua Karutjaiva, a young artist who died in a car accident over the weekend in Opuwo, Kunene region, which claimed four lives.

The crash took place around 03h20 at the Orutjandja location near the “Welcome to Opuwo” sign.

Big Ben, a veteran music producer and mentor to Fasie Kay, shared his memories of the rising star “Fasie Kay, or ‘Fuzzy’. “He first approached me for mentorship sometime before the Covid pandemic. Fuzzy was eager to become a musician, but I initially brushed him off. A year or two later, he played in a school band that went on to win the Old Mutual High School Band competition I can’t recall the exact year. After that victory, he approached me again, and this time, I couldn’t ignore him. I agreed to mentor him.”

Big Ben emphasised Kay’s dedication and humility. Compared to others he has mentored, working with Fasie was relatively smooth. He was a quick learner, with a genuine curiosity and a willingness to follow instructions. While funding was often an issue, his family and friends always found a way to step up when it mattered most.

“Fasie Kay had an admirable mix of humility and stage presence. Offstage, he was a soft-spoken and respectful young man, embodying the values of someone raised in a traditional Kunene household. But on stage, he transformed, displaying an unpredictable energy that left audiences captivated and intrigued,” he said.

Despite his untimely passing, Big Ben believes Kay’s legacy will forever be cherished. 

“Even though Fasie didn’t get the chance to fully unleash his potential, the few songs he recorded are treasures. They can still be shared, studied and appreciated by other artists. His versatility as a musician is something I hope others and even I can learn from. His legacy is a testament to what humility, dedication, and raw talent can achieve, and I believe his story will continue to inspire future generations,” he said. 

Unore Karutjaiva, Fassie Kay’s older brother, said Fasie Kay has always wanted to live the life of an artist, and he always wanted to make a living out of music. 

“Most of my brother’s earnings were spent on music, which demonstrated how he loved music. He really communicated his life and everything in his songs,” he said. He added that his fans embraced him Fasie used to say he would never give up on music.

“Even when the strings fall off, he will forever be in our hearts, and we are grateful to have had him,” he said. 

-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na