OUTAPI – Hundreds of mourners gathered in the Omusati region over the weekend to lay to rest Ras Sheehama, whose music inspired generations and carried the nation through its darkest and brightest moments.
Sheehama died on 5 September 2025 in Windhoek, reportedly after taking his own life.
He was laid to rest two weeks later, on 20 September, at Anamulenge Cemetery in the Omusati region.
The solemn ceremony was marked by moving tributes, tears, and heartfelt songs. Ras Sheehama’s children, widow, and family members released white doves into the air as his casket was lowered, symbolising peace and the eternal spirit of a man who dedicated his life to truth, justice, and music.
His wife, Saskia Sheehama, spoke with grace and courage as she paid tribute to her late husband.
She said the love and support shown during this painful period had been overwhelming, describing it as a true blessing to be married into such a wonderful and beautiful family.
Saskia remembered Ras as a man who valued honesty above all and had no tolerance for insincerity.
Reflecting on their life together, she said their marriage was not a fairytale but a deep, real, and unshakable bond.
“I first saw him performing 22 years ago at the Warehouse Theatre in Windhoek, shortly after arriving in Namibia. His powerful voice and original songs captivated me, marking the beginning of our life-changing journey together,” she said.
Among the mourners was Swapo Party Secretary General and cousin to Ras, Sophia Shaningwa, who described him as a musician of exceptional calibre.
“His music was a weapon during the liberation struggle,” she said.
Noting that the rhythms and lyrics of songs such as Cassinga kept the spirits of freedom fighters alive during the most trying times.
“The loss of Sheehama is not only felt by his family, but by the Swapo Party, the Namibian people, and the entire music fraternity,” she added.
Omusati governor Immanuel Shikongo echoed the same sentiment, saying Ras Sheehama’s music was more than entertainment.
“It carried the weight of our history, our struggles, and our dreams. His music was a healing balm for a wounded nation,” he said.
The Rastafari United Front, through its president Brian Jaftha, hailed Ras as a pioneer of both reggae music and the Rasta movement in Namibia.
“He reminded us to share the riches with the poor before they share the poverty with you. That was his call for justice, his cry for equality,” Jaftha said.
Veteran musician Big Ben remembered Ras not only as a legend but also as a mentor.
“At one of my first concerts in the 90s, he came backstage after my set and taught me simple lessons on how to hold a microphone, how to command a stage, how to believe in my music. That was Ras: always giving, always guiding,” said Big Ben.
After the burial, mourners gathered at Kamsele pub in Outapi for the after tears celebration, where music became both therapy and tribute.
Performances by Exit, Setson, and Ras Sheehama’s own band reignited the crowd’s spirit.
When the band struck the chords of Cassinga, the crowd erupted, singing and dancing in unison, proving that even in death, Ras Sheehama’s music remains alive.