Renowned Oviritje artist Jane Kavita has died following a long battle with cancer. She died at the Windhoek Central Hospital this week, where she had been admitted for the past three weeks. 

She was 44.

Kavita, who began her music career around 1999, rose to fame as one of the founding members of the popular Okazera music band in 2006.

Alongside fellow artists such as Jenmodish Kapuki Meroro, her brother Ngatuuane Karuaihe, and under the leadership of Saddy Kandovazu, Okazera became a household name in the traditional Otjiherero music scene.

In 2018, Kavita moved to Canada, reuniting with her longtime singing partner from Okazera who had relocated earlier. The two collaborated on a joint album in celebration of their musical journey and cultural heritage abroad.

Her health began to decline around two years ago after she was diagnosed with cancer.

Despite undergoing treatment, the illness progressed to an advanced stage. Kavita made the decision to return to Namibia two months ago to be close to family and friends.

A memorial will be held in her honor in Thursday in Windhoek at 18H00 at St Stephanus HMC.