AGP Executive Report

Fashion: Johannesburg designer Rivaldo Louw, whose father is Namibian and who spent part of his childhood in the country, is dressing stars including Tyla and Kamo Mphela. Wildlife Photography: Italian photographer Federico Veronesi won the Wildlife Photographer of the Year title with an image of an elephant carrying her dead calf in Namibia’s Huab River Valley. Namibian Cinema: Ten local films will screen at Windhoek’s European Union Film Festival, running from 20 October to 19 November, alongside European features and industry events. Art for Cuba: A Windhoek exhibition from 26 to 30 October will bring together Namibian artists, musicians and poets to raise N$100,000 for medical supplies and solar kits for Cuban health centres. Indigenous Culture: Nama youth leader Louivenzia Komases is developing training in social entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods through an Indigenous Youth Fellowship.

Art for Cuba: A Windhoek exhibition running 26–30 October aims to raise N$100,000 for medical supplies and solar kits for Cuban health centres. Fourteen artists have pledged works, with proceeds shared between the solidarity fund, artists and gallery. Namibian Cinema: The EU Film Festival returns to Windhoek from 20 October to 19 November, featuring 10 Namibian films alongside European titles, plus community screenings in Katutura and professional-development events. Language and Culture: NBC’s new weekly Ju/’Hoansi TV bulletin is welcomed as a step forward, but a commentary says other San language communities also need recognition. At a Zambezi cultural festival, chief Joseph Mayuni III called for Chifwe to be taught in schools to help preserve local language and traditions. Music: A call for Ma/Gaisa and Oviritje to gain more airtime and places at national events adds to debate over recognition for Namibian music. Musician Dragon Fire says his songs tell real-life stories, while a lack of bookings remains a challenge for local performers.

Namibian Film: Ten local films will screen at this year’s European Film Festival, alongside European titles. The programme includes community screenings in Katutura and professional development for filmmakers. Cultural Heritage: Ma/Gaisa and Oviritje deserve more airtime and space at national events, an opinion piece argues, urging stronger recognition of Namibia’s homegrown music. Music: Dragon Fire says his songs draw on real-life stories, but a lack of bookings makes it hard to sustain his career. Creative Talent: Windhoek-born creator TateHalle is combining dance, performance and barbering, and hopes his MTC Content Creator Awards nomination will open doors. Culture and Community: Okahao’s Ehao Cultural Expo raised N$476,000 for its November programme, which will bring cultural activities together with business showcases and sports.

Namibian Cinema: Ten local films, including Sea People of the Namibian Coast, Okuruwo and Uno and Hatango, will screen at the European Film Festival in Windhoek. The programme pairs Namibian and European cinema, with community and children’s screenings in Katutura and sessions for filmmakers. Cultural Heritage: Organisers raised N$476,000 for Okahao’s Ehao Cultural Expo and inaugural Mayoral Cup, set for 3–8 November. Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa said protecting cultural identity is a national imperative; the expo aims to link heritage with business opportunities. Music Industry: NASCAM has deployed licensing officers across the regions, tightening efforts to enforce music licensing. Creative Talent: Windhoek performer and choreographer TateHalle is among the nominees for the MTC Content Creator Awards. The 22-year-old’s work spans amapiano dance, stage performance, barbering and DJing.

Inline Hockey: Namibia’s women finished fourth at the world championships in Paraguay, reaching the senior semi-finals for the first time after an unbeaten group stage. Creative Opportunity: Old Mutual’s OM SEED competition is open to entrepreneurs in all 14 regions, with N$130,000 in prizes and a category for creative businesses including fashion, film and music. Applications close on 30 October. Pageants: Zambezi Region creatives are eyeing new work as the region prepares to host Miss Namibia and Miss Teen Namibia in 2027. Music: Afropop group AmaDazFloor says its viral single “Twa Pimbile” and nearly finished album mark a fresh chapter, not a comeback. Industry: NASCAM is stepping up music-licensing enforcement, deploying officers across the regions.

Namibian Music: Afropop group AmaDazFloor says it is entering a new chapter, with its single “Twa Pimbile” gaining traction on TikTok and radio and a new album nearly complete. The group is also sharpening its live shows. Music Industry: NASCAM is sending licensing officers across the regions to educate music users and enforce copyright rules, aiming to help creators receive payment when their work is played publicly. Pageants & Fashion: The Zambezi Region will host Miss Namibia and Miss Teen Namibia in 2027. Local creatives say the events could bring new work for designers and makers of crafts, bags and baskets. New Release: S.West Takunda has teamed up with Skrypt on “Plans,” a song about attraction and making a connection.

Music: Afropop group AmaDazFloor are opening a new chapter, with their TikTok- and radio-popular single “Twa Pimbile” out and an album nearly complete. Fashion and Pageants: Zambezi creatives are eyeing new opportunities as the region prepares to host Miss Namibia and Miss Teen Namibia in 2027, with local designers expecting a boost in demand. Music Industry: NASCAM is sending licensing officers to the regions to engage music users and protect creators’ rights. Cultural Exchange: Japanese calligrapher Kamari Maeda and Namibian artist Nambowa Malua joined forces for a live performance at Windhoek’s National Art Gallery.

Pageant Spotlight: Zambezi creatives are looking to the 2027 Miss Namibia and Miss Teen Namibia pageants to bring new opportunities for fashion designers and makers. New Music: S.West Takunda has teamed up with Skrypt on “Plans,” while Kalux is riding the success of his latest single, “!No.” Arts & Culture: Japanese calligrapher Kamari Maeda and Namibian artist Nambowa Malua brought their styles together in a live performance at the National Art Gallery of Namibia. Music Industry: NASCAM is deploying licensing officers across the regions to engage with music users and protect creators’ rights. Creative Support: An N$800,000 arts fund is up for grabs, and the Namibia Gospel Music Awards are set to return after a seven-year break.

Namibian Music: Afropop star Kalux is on a roll, with collaborations drawing millions of YouTube views and his latest single, “!No”, gaining radio play. S.West Takunda has teamed up with Skrypt on new song “Plans”, about attraction and connection. Copyright and Creators: NASCAM is deploying licensing officers across the regions to educate music users and enforce licences that help ensure composers and authors are paid when their work is played publicly. Arts Exchange: Japanese calligrapher Kamari Maeda and Namibian visual artist Nambowa Malua joined brushwork, ink and paper in a live collaboration at Windhoek’s National Art Gallery. Independent Voices: Tilly Thesinger has released two albums without sponsorship, blending Afrobeat, Amapiano, dancehall and Kwaito in Oshiwambo and English.

Namibian Music: Gazza has announced Nyanga West, his 14th studio album, due November 30. The 28-track release is intended to rekindle interest in local music. Creative Industry: Nascam is sending seven inspectors across the regions to educate music users and monitor licensing compliance. Made in Namibia: South African media personality MacG says local breweries refused to produce his Chillers Lager, so he found a brewery in Namibia; the beer has now launched in South Africa. Arts and Culture: An N$800,000 arts fund is up for grabs, while the Hardap arts festival has spotlighted culture and the creative economy. Namibia’s Gospel Music Awards are also set to return after a seven-year break. Local Talent: In a new profile, musician and visual storyteller Rose reflects on how her upbringing between Ongwediva and Epulangapi shapes her creative work.

Music Industry: NASCAM is deploying seven inspectors across Namibia to educate music users and check licensing compliance, extending its regional reach. Pageants: Zambezi will host the 2027 Miss Namibia and Miss Teen Namibia contests, with organisers expecting the event to showcase local culture and create opportunities for artists and businesses. Namibian Film: Namibia is among the countries represented in IDFA Forum 2026’s 47-project lineup, offering local documentary projects a place in the international co-production market. Arts & Culture: An N$800,000 arts fund is up for grabs, while the Hardap arts festival is spotlighting culture and the creative economy. Gospel: The Namibia Gospel Music Awards are set to return after a seven-year break, with winners calling for stronger support for the industry.

Pageantry: Zambezi will host the 2027 Miss Namibia and Miss Teen Namibia pageants, with organisers expecting the event to boost local tourism, businesses and creatives. Music Industry: NASCAM is stepping up enforcement of music licensing, appointing seven regional inspectors and warning that unauthorised public use of copyrighted music can bring fines or jail time. Creative Enterprise: Windhoek photographer Olivia Nghaamwa has turned a personal loss into a growing business that preserves family memories and employs two local women. Arts and Culture: Namibia’s arts fund is offering N$800,000, while the Gospel Music Awards are set to return after a seven-year break; winners have called for stronger industry support. Documentary Film: Namibian projects feature among 47 selections for IDFA’s 2026 industry forum in Amsterdam.

Pageants: Zambezi will host the 2027 Miss Namibia and Miss Teen Namibia pageants in Katima Mulilo, bringing the region’s culture to a national audience and creating opportunities for local artists, businesses and tourism. Music: NASCAM is stepping up music-licensing enforcement, working with police and City Police and appointing seven regional inspectors to monitor the use of copyrighted music in public spaces. Creative Enterprise: Photographer Olivia Nghaamwa turned the loss of childhood family photos into a business that preserves memories and employs two local women. Magic: Windhoek’s David Mwanyekange, 20, is building a following with street performances and social media, bringing Namibian magic to new audiences. Arts Support: An N$800,000 arts fund is up for grabs, while Namibia’s Gospel Music Awards are set to return after a seven-year break.

Pageant Spotlight: Zambezi will host Miss Namibia 2027, bringing the national contest to a region keen to showcase its culture and heritage. Music Rights: NASCAM is stepping up licensing enforcement, reminding businesses that playing copyrighted music in public requires a licence; violations can bring fines or prison sentences. Creative Enterprise: Windhoek photographer Olivia Nghaamwa has turned a personal loss into a growing business that employs two local women, while 20-year-old magician David Mwanyekange is building a following with street performances and social media. Arts Investment: A N$800,000 arts fund is up for grabs, and the Namibia Gospel Music Awards are set to return after a seven-year break. Namibian Sport: The women’s inline hockey team opened its world championship campaign with four wins, including a 3-2 overtime upset of the United States. Namibia also faces the USA in Cricket World Cup League 2 in Texas, as ticket applications for the 2027 World Cup—co-hosted by Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe—surpass one million.

Beauty & Culture: Zambezi will host Miss Namibia 2027, with NBC’s hosting-region handover ceremony in Katima Mulilo as Omaheke’s Pijoo Nganate passed the crown to Dorothy Kabula-Simushi, calling the pageant a national platform celebrating heritage and bringing opportunities for Namibians. Craft & Design: De Beers backs Botswana master basket weaver Shakunona Parata at Homo Faber 2026, where she’ll weave live and present a new sculptural work created with Mabeo Studio under the “An Island of Light” theme. Sports (Namibia in focus): Namibia’s Desert Jewels netball team qualified for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney after a breakthrough run at the Africa Netball Cup, with Debmarine Namibia highlighting its N$40m investment since 2017. International Cricket Buzz: The ICC says World Cup 2027 ticket demand has surged past one million applications, led by the India vs Pakistan clash on Oct 10. Local Sports: Namibian rhythmic gymnasts impressed at the SA National Championships in Cape Town, bringing home medals across multiple age and level categories.

Marine Mining Watch: Namibia has granted an environmental clearance certificate to the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project, a seabed mining plan long opposed by the fishing industry and environmental groups, reigniting debate over whether marine phosphate mining should proceed without “hard, scientific evidence.” FMD Fallout for Food Exports: The EU has suspended imports of Namibian fresh beef after Namibia’s first foot-and-mouth outbreak in 60 years, putting about 10 million kg of annual exports and thousands of jobs at risk. Cricket Fever: The ICC says ODI World Cup 2027 ticket demand has surged past one million applications, with India vs Pakistan on 10 October the top draw, as Namibia prepares to co-host the tournament. Local Sports Momentum: Debmarine’s Desert Jewels netball team has qualified for the 2027 Netball World Cup after a 31-year wait, following the company’s N$40m investment since 2017. Cyber Safety Push: NAM-CSIRT urges stronger data protection across Namibia as reliance on digital services grows and cyber incidents expose personal information.