The Ndilimani Cultural Troupe honored the late Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, Namibia’s founding president, who greatly influenced their music and cultural unity. Band manager Jessy Nombanza expressed deep sadness over Nujoma’s passing, recalling his support for their efforts to unite Namibia through the arts. Nombanza also urged Namibians to honor Nujoma’s legacy by striving for unity and economic liberation.
The Ndilimani Cultural Troupe, aligned with Swapo, paid homage to Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, Namibia’s founding president and a transformative figure in their musical journey. Jessy Nombanza, the band manager, shared his deep sorrow over Nujoma’s passing, emphasizing that his death profoundly affected long-time band members. He reminisced about Nujoma’s influential voice in offering hope for Namibia and the memories created when he recorded two songs at their studio.
Nombanza acknowledged Nujoma as a staunch advocate of culture, who motivated Ndilimani to foster unity in Namibia through various art forms. He noted Nujoma’s enthusiasm for freedom songs and how he energized Swapo members during their struggles. Occasionally, Nujoma sang ‘Ndamona Ovakwayita Tavalu’ to inspire the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia fighters, highlighting his commitment to cultural unity.
The leader remembered Nujoma organizing cultural events during their exile to strengthen community bonds. Post-independence, celebrating Nujoma’s birthday on May 12 became a tradition, and Ndilimani regularly performed at Swapo rallies and national events. Nombanza recalled meeting Nujoma in Angola in 1980 during a significant address to the Swapo Pioneers Movement, where he later engaged with Nombanza and others for personal tutorials.
The loss of Nujoma left a significant void for Nombanza, who expressed the challenges of moving forward without his guidance. He cherished the memory of Nujoma visiting their studio, sharing jovial stories of the struggle, and instilling the importance of preserving Namibian culture. Emphasizing Nujoma’s vision, he urged Namibians to set aside political differences and unify in honor of the founding president’s legacy.
Nombanza extended condolences on behalf of Ndilimani, their fan base, his family, and personally expressed his sympathies to Nujoma’s family and the entire Namibian nation. He affirmed their commitment to achieving economic liberation, as envisioned by Nujoma, concluding his tribute with a heartfelt farewell: “Farewell my commander. Farewell my president.”
In conclusion, the Ndilimani Cultural Troupe profoundly mourns the passing of Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, highlighting his significant impact on their music and cultural identity. The exhortations to foster unity among Namibians in honoring his legacy underscore the values he stood for. The band remains dedicated to fulfilling Nujoma’s vision while cherishing the memories of his guidance and leadership.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
