Fighting injustice through music

By Martha Nangombe

MUSIC has the power to change society and influence a generation and many musicians use their talent to raise awareness on a variety of issues.

Such is the case of local talent, 36 year-old, Johanna Tommasi aka NaJah who describes her music as her weapon to speak against injustice.

The songstress grew up listening to musicians from artistes such as Lucky Dube, Bob Marley, Brenda Fassie, Marvin Gaye, Fela Kuti, Ras Sheehama and Jackson Kaujeua who have paved the way for her.

The songwriter, composer, multi-Instrumentalist and creative director told Confidente that her music was a fusion of soul, reggae, blues, elements of shambo and folk.

“Creating music is my calling, my purpose is to use my craft and gift to inspire and heal people from all walks of life. Music is also my weapon to speak against injustice and encourage positive change in society,” she explained.

NaJah said she was fond of live shows as they allow her to express her thoughts and feeling in front of a live audience.

“My music is centred on a newly independent Namibia. I love live show as performing live brings an awesome feeling, I enjoy being on stage and seeing how people appreciating my music is no greater gift. It is healing and uplifting for me to express my thoughts, feelings and ideas through music.

“My band and I, have strong work ethic, drive and passion to take our music to the international bigger platforms across such as African and international music festivals, where we will fly the Namibian flag high amongst the best of the best in live music,” she further added.

NaJah sing in both English and Oshiwambo and her lyrics reflect much of her life in Namibia with songs highlighting corruption, capitalism, poverty, injustice, love and culture, often loaded with moral questions, messages and references.

The multi-talented musician studied African Performing Arts at the College of Arts in Windhoek where she majored in Music Theory and Guitar. She was also trained in playing the African Drums (Ngoma and Djembe), Marimba and Mbira.

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