The leader of the official opposition, McHenry Venaani, said the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) mourns and remembers the composer and writer of Namibia’s National Anthem, Axali Doëseb, as a true luminary of music.
Venaani, over the weekend, expressed his sadness on the loss of Doëseb saying: “Namibia has lost a musical virtuoso, a conductor, and a composer who left an indelible mark on Namibian nation’s artistic heritage”.
According to the family, Doëseb (69), died last week Friday morning after he was admitted to the Lady Pohamba Private Hospital on Thursday night.
Doëseb was known for the role he demonstrated in writing meaningful and strong words for the national anthem “Land of the Brave”, and composing them into a song that has been the country’s national anthem since 1991.
Mourning the musical genius, Venaani described Doëseb’s composition as a testament to his exceptional talent.
“His composition has not only served as a source of pride for Namibians but also as a unifying anthem that resonates with our nation’s diversity and historical journey,” he said.
Venaani also conveyed that many people remembered Doëseb a man whose heart was filled with pride.
At the same time, Venaani stressed that the country has lost a national symbol’s creator, and a man of the truth to the love of the “Land of the Brave”.
He urged Namibians to respectfully pay tribute to the passing of Doëseb, as he played a role that cannot be forgotten in Namibian history.
Doëseb has also served as the conductor of the Namibian National Symphony Orchestra.
To this, Venaani said he has elevated the country’s musical prowess and enriched the lives of countless individuals who had the distinct honour of working alongside him.
According to Venaani, Doëseb’s career was punctuated by numerous achievements.
These include the composition he made on liturgy for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia, which he said contributes to the spiritual and cultural life of the country.
Venaani also touches on Doëseb’s music education, saying he has obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Musicology from the University of Marlborough in the United Kingdom, which displays his unwavering commitment to the art form.
At the 2014 Namibian Annual Music Awards, Doëseb was honoured with an award for his many excellent achievements in the music industry, he added.
Venaani said a loss for Doëseb is a loss for many, adding that although he has left Namibia in grievance, his music remains exemplary to the inspiration of generations to come.
“His music remains a source of pride and unity and our claim to identity for our nation, and his memory will forever echo in the hearts of Namibians,” he said.
