Mourners from all walks of life have gathered at Omusati Region's Onamulunga village to honour the life of late music icon Ras Sheehama, who died on the fifth of September in Windhoek.

The ceremony at the late David Shikomba's homestead drew family, friends, artists, fans and high-ranking officials who have gathered to pay their respects and celebrate his life and legacy.

Those paying tributes remember the dreadlocked Rasta as a humble and iconic reggae musician who was revered locally and internationally.

The Rastafari United Front, led by its president Brian Jaftha, described Sheehama as a pioneer, both of the Rasta movement and the local reggae music industry.

He inspired many Rastafarians to become Rasta through the messages in his music.

"He often reminded us with his words to share the riches with the poor before they share the poverty with you. This was his call for justice, his cry for equality. Today as we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate his life, his courage and his message."

Avo Emilio was 19 years old when she joined the Ras Sheehama band in 1999 as a vocalist.

In her tribute to the late Sheehama, she says her passion for music has always driven her and continues to do so.

"To us Ras was not only a leader but also a brother, a friend, a mentor and a legend. Being with him was a blessing because we have learnt so much from him, and it is because we knew what his expectations were and what he wanted us to deliver. Ras was a man of rules, he had his own set of rules, being in music or in life."

Musician Big Ben, who met Ras Sheehama in the 90s, also paid tribute to the late reggae legend.

"Your child, Ras, was an uncle to us, a brother, a mentor. In one of my first concerts as a young person who wanted to make live music, one thing that hit me most was seeing Ras in the crowd at one of my first concerts. After that, he would go to the backstage and pull me aside and give me a lecture on simple things like how to hold a microphone, perform to the crowd, stop looking at the band (they know what they are doing), and perform your music."

Natasha Nambundunga is a child of Rastafarians representing the Rastafari community and a student at Hans Daniel SS.

"We gather here today with heavy hearts but also with deep gratitude to honour the man whose voice, spirit and messages touched the entire nation at large, Hans Sheehama. He may not be my uncle by blood, but to me and many others, he was a father by spirit, a powerful Rasta brother and a powerful messenger."

He is survived by his wife, Saskia Sheehama, and seven children.

Ras Sheehama will be buried on Saturday at Anamulenge cemetery.