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KANIBAL BOWS OUT…‘GOODBYE, THANK YOU’

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

By: Justicia Shipena

KaniBal, who was found dead at his house in Windhoek on Wednesday, had a farewell gig last December dubbed Goodbye, Thank You.

The show was meant to announce KaniBal’s retirement from music.

As part of the farewell, KaniBal, real name Shilongo Ashipala, issued a compilation of 19 of his greatest hits done during his career.

Looking at it now, one is compelled to think of someone who was closing the curtains and the lights going down.

Police said KaniBal’s brother found him hanging in his flat in Pionierspark Extension 1. He was last seen on 10 September around 17h00 by the gardener.

He was 38.

One of the masters of ceremony at that farewell gig was Michael Amushelelo who says that KaniBal’s music gave him hope.

Amushelelo said he came to love KaniBal’s from an early age, especially the song titled Dreamer.

“It kept me going in my time of hardships. The song resonated with my dreams,” Amushelelo said.

He further said that KaniBal was talented and his music carry messages.

“For someone who had such talent, KaniBal was underrated. He had talent but nobody noticed it. This becomes frustrating. It is sad we did not recognise his talent,” Amushelelo said.

He added that a lot of people are losing hope because of the current situation.

“It is only now when people say he was great. It speaks to a society that is hypocritic. People see you dying of hunger and they will not help. But when you die, they will buy food for you. It speaks to how broken the society is,” Amushelelo said.

Singer Lioness, real name La-Toya Mwoombola, who is also a distant cousin to KaniBal said the rapper pushed her to do better in her music career.

Lioness worked with KaniBal on the 17-track project titled ‘Omapiaano’ features Hilifa94, Jackson Wahengo, Sinna G, Ray, JBlack and GC Jordan, as well as a few instrumentals.

“I am glad I had the opportunity to work with him,” she said. “KaniBal and I were every close as he was my cousin.”

The songstress said she will always remember KaniBal as a believer because he was one of those people who believed in her musical career from the start.

“It is unfortunate that the journey ended but we will remember the legacy he has left behind,” she added.

Another songstress Sally Boss Madam said if feels like being ripped off to die like that.

“It’s a bit traumatising. The why is more painful. Just like that you feel ripped off. It’s a difficult situation,” she said.

Wahengo who is outside the country posted on his social media a message describing KaniBal as a jack of all trade and master of all.

“My brother KaniBal took his life today, as am getting calls from home about his passing Kani & I worked on many projects, him featuring me on his songs, him producing, recording mixing & mastering my song Ove,” he wrote and then sang a tribute song.

Wahengo also said that KaniBal was fast and ruthless on the soccer field.

“Namibia, what are we doing wrong that we are losing so many creatives at a very young age?” He asked.

Another creative Quido said: “You are home my brother. Free from all the earthly things that troubled you. Hard headed/stubborn but loving person you were. I am sorry. #RIP #KaniBal @kanibal061 #GOAT I am blessed to have walked a path in your Journey through Life.”

Dice said they were pretty close since KaniBal was his first producer when he was still in school.

“He contributed to the industry effortlessly not only as a musician but as a producer as well. He was the go-to guy when it came to so many things in the industry,” he said, adding that when he last spoke to KaniBal, he seemed pretty normal.

Dice said he knew KaniBal was struggling with his addiction but he was always open about it to him.

When he announced his retirement, KaniBal said he did not want his son to call him a rapper.

“Amongst other things, I really don’t want my son to call his dad a rapper,” he said.

 

Justicia Shipena

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