Axali Doëseb: Tributes pour in for composer, conductor and patriot

President Hage Geingob led tributes as Namibia mourns the revered composer of its national anthem, Axali Doëseb, who died in Windhoek on Friday morning at the age of 69.Doëseb, who composed ‘Namibia, Land of the Brave’, leaves behind a rich legacy that has played a significant role in the nation&#039;s cultural and artistic heritage.Winning a contest, he was chosen to write the anthem after Namibia became independent in 1990.Geingob expressed his condolences to Doëseb&#039;s family and acknowledged his invaluable contributions to the nation, emphasising his role in composing the anthem which has served as a symbol of unity and pride since its adoption in 1991."I have learnt with sadness about the passing of Axali Doëseb, artist and composer, who was instrumental in the composition of our national anthem. His contributions [helped] our nation shine bright and shall therefore not be forgotten,” he said in a statement released by his office.“During this difficult moment of sorrow for our nation, I extend on behalf of the people and the government of Namibia condolences to his wife, Amalia Doëses, his children and family. May his soul rest in peace.”Lifetime achievementDoëseb, a member of the Ugly Creatures band, was born in 1954 in Okahandja and hailed from a musically gifted family. Apart from composing the national anthem, he also conducted the Namibian National Symphony Orchestra.His educational journey took him to the Musikschule Herford in Germany, where he earned a degree in music. He later obtained a bachelor’s degree in musicology from the University of Marlborough in the United Kingdom.He was also recognised with a lifetime achievement award at the Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) in 2014.jemima@namibiansun.com

Axali Doëseb: Tributes pour in for composer, conductor and patriot

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

Please login to leave a comment

Axali Doëseb: Tributes pour in for composer, conductor and patriot

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

Please login to leave a comment

Login