The passing of Namibia’s first president, Sam Nujoma, has plundered the nation into mourning. 

Despite the loss of the country’s liberation icon, local artists such as Big Ben, Ally Tobias and Samuel Shines have opted to celebrate Nujoma’s stoic legacy through music. 

The artists have released songs capturing the essence of Nujoma’s legacy, courage, vision, and leadership in the liberation struggle that led Namibia to independence. 

In an interview with VIBEZ!, Big Ben who released ‘Calling Your Name Again’ said the song paints a spiritual picture of Nujoma as a soul sent by the ancestors to join the liberation struggle. “Now that his mission is complete, the ancestors are calling him back to their realm to report on his journey. The message is clear, tell the ancestors that Namibia is free and lives on. We will keep marching forward. At the same time, the song acknowledges that he didn’t achieve liberation alone but thousands of Namibians laid down their lives for our freedom, and we salute them alongside him. It’s about honouring all the sacrifices made for our nation’s independence,” he said. 

The artists said the song was inspired by gratitude after having reflected on Nujoma’s journey, the people who stood by him, and all those who sacrificed for Namibia’s freedom. 

“I wanted to create a piece that didn’t just honour him but also remembered the collective struggle. The melody is meant to carry that sense of longing and respect, and the lyrics weave together his story and the stories of the many who fought for our country. It was important for me to capture that balance,” he said. 

He added that Nujoma’s leadership paved the way for endless opportunities, and his courage taught him about vision and resilience. 

But his story is also a reminder that great leaders don’t walk alone. 

“His legacy is intertwined with the sacrifices of many Namibians. That’s why the song carries a tone of respect and gratitude, not just for him but for everyone who contributed to our freedom. It’s his way of saying, ‘We remember, and we will carry the torch forward’. I hope the song inspires reflection not just on Dr Nujoma’s legacy but on the collective effort that won us our freedom. I want people to feel proud of our history and to honour all the heroes who made independence possible. It is about remembering his leadership while also acknowledging the thousands of Namibians who sacrificed alongside him. I hope it encourages us to keep building on the foundation they laid,” he noted. 

Nujoma died on 8 February at a local hospital. He was 95 years old. 

-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na