2024:A Year of Growth and Resilience

… Local creatives celebrate wins while embracing challenges

Following an eventful 2024, some of your favorite local creatives took the time to reflect on this rollercoaster year, sharing their triumphs and challenges.

From the death of president Hage Geingob to the scandal involving Nico Rebebe defrauding his employer of millions, to the historic election of Namibia’s first female president, 2024 has indeed been a year of significant highs and lows.

MUSIC

For some, the year’s end is a relief, and others, like Monica Pineas – known as ‘Top Cheri’– are celebrating “growth and success”.

“As 2024 comes to an end, I can’t help but smile when I think about how incredible this year has been. It has been a year of growth, success and new adventures that exceeded all my expectations,” Top Cheri says.

Throughout the year, she focused on building meaningful relationships, establishing partnerships and growing her brand.

“At work, we reached new heights. We partnered more with companies, expanded our community outreach, and truly made an impact,” she says.
One standout moment for her was the ‘Top Cheri Kiddies Concert’.

“My proudest moment was the kiddies concert. This year, we went all out – redefining our strategy, upping our marketing game and switching to a new venue. The result was a bigger, better and more memorable show.

Watching it come to life was so surreal and deeply rewarding,” she notes.
Looking ahead, Top Cheri plans to complete and publish her third book while venturing into the film industry.

“I’m ready to tap into new creative spaces, starting with finishing my third book and exploring the film industry,” she says.

For the festive season, she offers warm wishes: “May this season bring joy, peace and moments shared with those closest to your heart. Take time to reflect, laugh and be with those you love.”

GOSPEL

Local gospel artist Leopold Vatilifa, known for his hit ‘Omalaka’, reflects on a year of challenges and growth.

“Being in an industry where we aren’t recognised by entities and promoters, you need to work hard to get your brand noticed,” Vatilifa says.

Despite these challenges, 2024 brought rewarding moments, including winning best collaboration at the inaugural Omulunga Gospel Awards.

“Another highlight was hosting the ‘Local But Jazz’ show alongside Hot Pocket Band earlier in the year,” he adds.
On a personal note, Vatilifa welcomed a baby boy into his family.

“We had a baby boy, and I named him after my best friend, Franklin,” he shares.

For the festive season, he encourages celebrating responsibly. “Let’s enjoy responsibly and keep in mind the real reason for the season, Jesus Christ,” he says.

COMEDY

Comedian Kgosi Makaza describes 2024 as a mix of wins and losses.

“I’d rate 2024 a solid four out of 10. It came with some big wins, like taking home the comedy movie of the year award for ‘Penda’s Dilemma’, now streaming on ShowMax. But for the first time ever, I felt like the fire in my belly wasn’t there,” he says.

However, he’s optimistic about 2025. While keeping details under wraps, he hints at exciting new ventures.

“There’s a major movie and a game-changing TV show in the works, both comedy-focused, and both aimed at putting Namibia on the global stage,” Makaza says.

For the festive season, he keeps it lighthearted: “Enjoy the festive season! And please, in Januworry, don’t ask us for money!”

POETRY

Poet and ‘Frankly Speaking’ co-founder Franklin Shitaleni, also known as ‘North Side Rabbi’, celebrated four years on the scene in 2024.

He says there has been significant growth within the poetry scene, pointing to the City of Windhoek’s /Ae //Gams Festival hosting a dedicated poetry night for the first time.

“We saw one of the biggest turnouts for poetry entering corporate spaces as well,” he says.

Through ‘Frankly Speaking’, Shitaleni and his team hosted consistent monthly shows from February to November, contributing to their steady growth. He highlights the influx of new talent, from high school pupils to university students, for this.

“What we also saw this year is that most seasoned poets are now stepping into teaching poetry,” he says.
To aspiring writers, he offers simple advice: “Just write.”

For the festive season, Shitaleni wishes everyone a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.