Sixteen creatives were recognised at the Simply You Magazine Lifestyle and Fashion Awards (SYMLAFA) in Windhoek on Saturday, with the Havana Charity Foundation receiving the diamond award for its contribution and impact.
The awards recognised individuals working in fashion, beauty, media, lifestyle and other creative fields.
The winners included Mario Stylist, who received fashion stylist of the year, and Uaundjaije Kaombungu, won makeup artist of the year. Adora was named female radio presenter of the year, while Gerson Oreab won male radio presenter of the year.
Surreal Arts received photographer of the year, King A Apparel won fashion designer of the year, and Mitch Bichum was named fashion influencer of the year.
Other winners were Rose Diniz de Moura for social media creative of the year, Pricilla Mukokobi for lifestyle journalist of the year, Matilda Daniel for female model of the year and Matthew Hanje for male model of the year.
Fluffy’s Artistry won hairstylist of the year, Ndeshi Nails received nail tech of the year, Ines Fit was named fitness personality of the year, The Famous Barber won barber of the year, and Delila Katanga received event MC of the year.
The event was held under the theme ‘Rooted in Namibia, Styled for the World’.
Simply You Magazine creative director Helena Shigwedha says the awards provide a platform to recognise people contributing to Namibia’s creative industries.
The programme included performances by spoken-word artist Damn Etu, Karlie, Starboy and One Blood. A keynote address was delivered by Sharonice Busch, representing Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila.
The awards brought together creatives, media personalities, fashion enthusiasts and industry representatives, while highlighting the range of professions contributing to Namibia’s creative sector.
The ceremony also drew attention to the role of private-sector support in creating opportunities for local creatives. Mobile Telecommunications Limited sponsored the event, alongside other sponsors and partners.
The awards recognise work across fashion, modelling, radio, journalism, photography, beauty and digital content, among other areas.
The Havana Charity Foundation’s diamond award was a separate recognition from the 16 individual category awards.
Shigwedha says Simply You Magazine remained committed to providing platforms that recognise Namibian talent and increase its visibility.
The 2026 edition was the latest in the awards’ efforts to acknowledge people working across the country’s creative industries.
