35 Years Later?

… Namibian Creatives Reflect on Growth, Challenges and Independence

As Namibia celebrates another year of independence, the creative field finds itself in a mixed space – growing fast but still facing tough challenges.

Local artists, musicians and filmmakers are getting noticed around the world, online platforms are helping them reach more people, and more Namibians are starting to value and support home-grown talent.

However, creatives continue to push for better funding, industry regulations and fair compensation.

We spoke to some of Namibia’s leading artists about their experiences in the industry, how they’ll be celebrating Independence Day, and what still needs to change.

CHANGING LANDSCAPES

“The industry has grown in many ways,” says multidisciplinary artist Zulu Boy Shikulo, reflecting on the transformation he has witnessed.

“We now have artists exporting their work internationally and getting booked for corporate and government gigs. Public appreciation for creatives has also grown, and there are now educational courses specifically focused on the creative industry.”

He notes that digital platforms have made a significant impact. “Before, getting your music out was difficult – you needed professional equipment and a big budget. Now, with just a phone, artists can shoot music videos and upload them instantly.

The reach is global.”

However, challenges remain. Shikulo says: “There are no proper laws regulating the creative industry, which makes it hard for artists to make a living. We need structured guidelines, including minimum pricing for creatives like photographers and musicians, so we don’t have to work for exposure alone.”

For Independence Day, Zulu Boy will be hosting an art session at Grove Mall in Windhoek, using recycled materials to create a piece that reflects Namibia’s journey. “It’s my way of celebrating – through creativity.”

For visual artist Selma Iipinge, the industry has matured in both confidence and visibility.

“When I started, there were fewer platforms, especially for mixed-media artists. Now, galleries and collectors are more open to diverse styles, allowing creatives to push boundaries and explore hybrid forms of expression.”

Despite this growth, she believes more investment is needed.

“Music and performance arts often take centre stage, while visual arts get overlooked in terms of funding and exposure. If we had more residencies, grants and dedicated art spaces, we could elevate the industry further.”

Iipinge will be celebrating Independence Day through her art, working on a personal piece that reflects Namibia’s journey.

“Freedom of speech has given me the courage to create work that speaks directly to our struggles and triumphs. It allows me to start important conversations through visual storytelling.”

LOCAL IS LEKKER

Well-known singer and performer Lize Ehlers highlights how platforms like Song Night Namibia, Who’s On Stage and The Village Sunday Market have provided consistent spaces for artists to grow.

“There is real progress in these spaces, and venues like Mercure and Avani are actively booking Namibian talent,” Ehlers says.

However, she stresses the need for structural changes. “We need a proper union, social security and at least 50% local content on TV and radio. This would ensure artists can earn proper royalties.”

Ehlers will be DJing at Mercure for an all-day Namibian Potjiekos Family Fun Day, performing as DJ Rise Elders. She also has new music coming out, including an Independence Day collaboration with 6Five and Makufikufi. “I’m also working on a proudly Namibian jazz album with Sagarias Tsam,” she adds.

DJ and music curator DJ Alba commends the growth of the industry, particularly in production quality. “We now have better-quality videos and multiple platforms celebrating creativity. It’s much easier to build an international fanbase than before.”

However, she acknowledges the challenges of making a living through streaming. “CDs used to be a source of income, but streaming isn’t as profitable in a country like Namibia. We need a system where artists can still sell physical copies of their music.”

For Independence Day, she plans to celebrate with a playlist of Namibian music. “Social media and streaming platforms have changed the game.

Now, artists have a wider reach, accessing markets that weren’t possible before,” DJ Alba says.

INVESTMENT NEEDED

Actress and former Miss Plus Size Namibia Bianca Heyns has witnessed the local film industry expand significantly.

“Ten years ago, our industry was much smaller. Now, we’re working with MultiChoice and appearing on platforms like Showmax, giving Namibian actors visibility beyond our borders,” Heyns notes.

She believes the next step is better investment in the industry. “We need higher production budgets.

Right now, we work with limited funds, which affects quality and how much actors get paid. South Africa’s industry thrives because of bigger budgets – Namibia should follow suit,” according to Heyns.

For musician Hishishi Papa, Namibia has made great strides in the arts, especially with the recent launch of the arts, culture, and heritage policy, which he says he was fortunate to be part of.

However, he believes there is still a need for more political and social recognition of artists beyond election campaigns.

“Artists are often used for political campaigns, yet they’re paid with a hot dog and a cooldrink,” he says, emphasising the lack of fair compensation and long-term investment in the arts. “If we want a sustainable creative industry, artists need to be treated as professionals, not as favours for events.”

He also urges parents to support children who show artistic talent.

“Gone are the days when if you’re not studying to be a doctor, then you’re nothing.

Art is a career, just like any other profession. Parents should nurture and encourage their children’s creative talents instead of treating them as hobbies.”

Fashion designer Melisa Poulton has seen Namibia’s creative industry grow, but she believes it still lacks essential financial and structural support. “Namibia has talented artists, filmmakers, designers and musicians, but many struggle to grow due to limited funding, a lack of infrastructure and exposure challenges,” she says.

She highlights issues such as limited sponsorships for artistic pursuits, gatekeeping, a lack of quality infrastructure and insufficient experience with marketing themselves as barriers holding creatives back.

Despite these challenges, Poulton remains optimistic. “Namibians are starting to pay for art, which is a step in the right direction. We hope for better days and more opportunities.”

While Poulton will not be working on an Independence Day project this year, her team is busy with upcoming fashion releases.

As creatives continue to push the industry forward, their reflections show both progress and persistent challenges. With calls for better funding, stronger regulations and increased local content promotion, Namibia’s creative sector is at a pivotal moment.

As the country celebrates another year of independence, its artists remain at the forefront – telling stories, preserving culture and shaping a vibrant future.