The family of the late Namibian musician Jackson Kaujeua Jr. is urgently seeking public assistance to raise N$200 000 to repatriate his remains from Norway, where he passed following a cancer battle.

In an interview with New Era, his younger brother, Ndjambi Kaujeua, confirmed that efforts are underway to return Kaujeua’s body to Namibia for burial in the north.

A tentative burial date has been set for 27 September, subject to the successful raising of the required funds.

“It does not sit well with us as a family to have him buried in Norway. Which ancestors of his are there? It’s not just a cultural thing – it’s spiritual. It gives us peace knowing he’s laid to rest at home,” Ndjambi said.

The estimated amount would cover costs for the undertaker in Norway, storage, flights, his children abroad and other logistical arrangements.

A GoFundMe campaign, ‘Jackson Junior Tribute’, has been created by his daughter, Nanda Kaujeua.

Local donations are being coordinated by the family directly.

Kaujeua had reportedly been living in Norway for some time.

He has been in and out of the hospital over the past few months.

Ndjambi told New Era that the late musician kept his battle with what he described as “aggressive cancer” largely private.

“He told me not to tell anyone that he had been operated on. He said he would come back and tell the story himself, but unfortunately, he never got that chance,” he added.

The Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music (NASCAM) confirmed a N$15 000 payout to the family.

They cited it as the standard contribution for registered members.

NASCAM CEO Albert Nicanor said the organisation is not involved in repatriation efforts, as it falls outside of its mandate.

Ndjambi, however, expressed disappointment, calling for a re-evaluation of how artists are supported in life and death.

“N$15 000 is not enough. It’s something, yes, but we’re still far from our target. And more importantly, why does help only come when someone dies? Our artists are struggling long before that,” he said.

Ndjambi added that many Namibian musicians, including his late brother, have devoted their lives to music without much financial reward.

He called on cultural bodies and the government to do more to prevent such situations in the future.

The family has not yet confirmed the final date or location of the memorial service.

They, however, said it would likely be held in Windhoek.

Kaujeua was the son of legendary freedom singer Jackson Kaujeua.

Although he pursued a slightly different musical path, he was widely respected for keeping his father’s legacy alive.

“He was a humble, hardworking man who tried his best. He may not have reached the same heights, but he carried the name with pride. Let’s honour that,” Ndjambi remarked.

-isipunga@nepc.com.na