Ras Sheehama

Born in 1966 in Namibia, Ras Sheehama (real name Omeho Yaaliyatala) is a Namibian reggae musician. In 1979 he was forced to go in exile in Angola and Zambia following his father’s pro-SWAPO stance. While in exile, the artist began to develop a passion for reggae music, whichprompted him to play the guitar. In Zambia, Ras Sheehama associated himself with the local Rastafarian and reggae cultures. In 1984 and 1988, Ras Sheehama performed in Lagos, Nigeria. He returned home to Namibia in 1990 to witness the first democratic elections in his country.

Since 1990, the artist has released several albums, which are only available in Namibia and South Africa. His recording band is composed of famous musicians from well-known South African bands such as Stimela and Bayete. In 1995 he opened for Cameroonian star Manu Dibango in Windhoek. In 1996 his song ‘Inotela’ won Best Song at the Namibian Music Awards and led to a performance at the music festival Le Printemps de Bourges in France. In May 1999, Ras Sheehama celebrated his first show in Germany at the Africa Festival in Würzburg, together with Lucky Dube's band, The Slaves. He has also performed in the UK, Cuba, Portugal and Switzerland. In 2001, he opened a show for Jamaican legend Don Carlos in Johannesburg, South Africa. In March 2005, Ras launched his fifth album, ‘Pure Love’, followed by ‘Traveling On’ in June 2006.