Youth summit navigates creative challenges

The Nedbank Youth Summit, which took place this weekend, provided a crucial platform for creatives to share their financial struggles and how they overcome them.

The summit, which took place at Freedom Plaza in Windhoek, aimed to bridge the gap between the youth and financial institutions.

Among the guests speakers were Maria Nepembe, Mappz Kapofi, Beatrice Masilingi, Romeo Sinkala, CJ Dumeni, Jay Aeron, Hage Mukwendje, Esther Ashilungu, Petrus Nauyoma and Ndako Nghipandulwa.

Actress, film director and fashion brand owner Nepembe spoke on overcoming financial hurdles and achieving lasting success.

“It was not always easy for me to manage money in the past as well as I do now, but a lot of us do not have the luxury of managing money or being able to save, because most of us live from hand to mouth.

“What I have learnt from money management is that if you do not need it, do not buy it. That is how I have been able to use my money wisely and hold on to some cash for the future,” she said.

Nepembe went on to discuss the challenges she has faced during her career.

“For me to say it has been financially worth it is a big accomplishment, because it took me years to become the director I am and I am still facing a lot of challenges.

“Sometimes it is the population and also the fact that corporate companies do not give us the amount of money they give to countries with a bigger population. But I have managed to overcome these challenges comfortably, and making a living out of what I do.

“I think it is just years of consistency, hard work, and ignoring the noise around you. Anything negative, I just brush it off because I have a goal to attain,” she said.

Namibian visual artist Ndako Nghipandulwa said working with different companies helps to emphasise why artists are needed in society.

“Art is not something I studied so it was very important for me to collaborate with other artists because I came in not knowing the industry.

“There are still many things I don’t know about, but working with them, I have learnt the industry and different techniques and how to use different materials.

“Sometimes you work with people, and it doesn’t go well, but in my case, most of the people that I have worked with ended up being fruitful, and we continue to work together although it is tricky ..,” he said.

Creative Hage Mukwendje spoke on some of the challenges he struggled with as a Namibian youth.

“The challenge with art is that it is a fashion and when you are coming from a black household, it is not something you will tell your parents about. When I started, I never knew that I would sell a painting for N$1 000 one day.

“I went to the School of Arts, and I struggled a bit. In my mind, it was not money. What I struggled with was an identity crisis.

“There are also challenges of struggling to get good materials. It is very difficult … that is why I try to use recycled materials. As the youth, we are all lost and unable to find sources of inspiration,” he said.

– unWrap.online