Namibia´s traditional folk singer Meekulu Monica Aimene ''Nanghili Nashima'' 16 Feb 1998 . Meekulu Monica Aimene, also...
Meekulu Monica Aimene, also known as Nanghili Nashima, was a renowned Namibian traditional folk singer who made a significant contribution to Namibian music and culture. Born on 28 June 1926 in Omukwiyugwemanya in Ondonga, she grew up in Ongali village, 45.8 km west of Omungwelume town in the Ohangwena region in Oukwanyama. Her family ancestry and origin came from the Ongandjera kingdom.
As a young girl, Nanghili Nashima was already interested in singing and was known for her beautiful voice, featured at wedding parties and on national radio. She began singing her songs when she was just a teenager in the 1940s. Her music was deeply rooted in the traditional Ovambo folklore, and she used her platform to preserve and celebrate the culture and heritage of the Namibian people.
In the 1950s, Nanghili Nashima's music gained popularity across Namibia and beyond. She was invited to perform at many festivals and events throughout the country, and her live performances were always electrifying and mesmerizing. Her powerful and soulful voice was accompanied by the sound of the ombundu, a musical instrument made from a hollowed-out wooden gourd and covered with animal skin.
Nanghili Nashima was not just a musician, but also a community leader and role model. She used her talent to advocate for women's rights and to promote education in rural communities. She was passionate about empowering young girls and encouraging them to pursue their dreams.
Nanghili Nashima moved to Onghala in the Ohangwena region after getting married. She was regarded as a ''Queen of Otyaka'' that every man was peering and dreaming for. According to the oral history of Ovambo culture and the short interview conducted by Kelly Kowalski in 1998 as an episode of the Power Stone (Emanya lomundilo woshilongo) Nanghili Nashima was a victorian lady who drew much attention and affection among men wherever she goes.
Hashinhunda wokOngali, Hashoongo wokOngali ya Mbangula. Hainhakula yokamutima moxuxwa, Hailapa yexuli mekondobolo. Aame Haihambo ya nhofaelwa komata, Haixumba ya lokwa oshinyanyangela. O Ndinondjene yaMweneni, Popyeni yaNghoomhoka, Ndakomhani yaNdemupelila, Nghishiikomesho yaWedeinge, Teeleleni yaTai kaxula, limwe o Naahalambe Ingashipola. Aame Hamunyela dja po eedila di tuke, Hamukwaya dja po eenhwa di nhambele. O Kalambalalwa waHedimbi, Kalandulwa waNakapunda. Naimbangu ya fyaala poshivanda, Naipeta ya fyaala poshitunhu. Aame Pali iha papu!During her golden time being a popular Ovambo singer of the traditional music genres 'Eeloli' along with other Namibian folk singers like Tate Kwela (folk guitarist), Iita YaKadha, Jackson Kaujeua, and other Namibian prominent singers. She earned herself intimate respect, fame, and love among the Namibian communities as well as adored by the visiting foreigners who frequented her residential place in Onghala to conduct interviews and ask her historical-related questions.
She is the trademark of the Shambo, a traditional genre that is sung in the Oshiwambo language and widely popularized by the late generation the likes of Ngatu, Setson, and the Mighty dreads. Meekulu Nashima her legendary solo lyrics transcend the national borders and inspired many fans across all tribal lines from Kaokoland far in the west to Kavango in the east to including Ombishi (Angola) in the north.
Most of her songs became the synergy of the workaholics, it looks like her songs possess some charging energy when people sing those lyrics of her during working ceremonies like weeding the Omahangu fields, the productivity is always immeasurable. I have observed some young women when threshing (iilya poyiipale), but once started singing those Eeloli songs you couldn't enable to stop them.
Video by Kelly Kowalski in 1998 as part of the Power Stone (Emanya lomundilo woshilongo).
Nanghili Nashima passed away on 18 July 2007 at the age of 81. However, her music continues to be celebrated and recognized for its significant contribution to Namibian culture. In 2011, a collection of her songs was released as an album titled "Nanghili Nashima: The Queen of Otyaka," which received critical acclaim for its authenticity and cultural significance.
In recognition of her contribution to Namibian music, Nanghili Nashima was posthumously awarded the National Heritage Council of Namibia's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. This award was a testament to the impact that her music had on Namibian culture and the lasting legacy she left behind.
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Despite the attention she received from men, Nanghili Nashima remained focused on her music and her responsibilities as a community leader. She was respected and admired not just for her beauty and talent, but also for her dedication to her craft and her commitment to promoting education and women's rights in rural communities.
Nanghili Nashima's legacy as a musician, businesswoman, and community leader continues to inspire people today. Her music remains an important part of the Ovambo heritage, and her impact on Namibian culture will always be remembered and celebrated.