2021: The Year Creatives Overcame

We all know 2021 was a year like no other. As the year nears its end, we have a whole new year ahead of us to fill with highlights, low points and plans.

The Weekender spoke to a few entertainment industry experts who shared some highs and lows of their year, including their future plans and aspirations.

Tim Huebschle, film director

Highs

It remains an honour and a privilege to tell stories about our country and our people despite the many challenges all of us have experienced and are continuing to experience in the times of a pandemic. One of these stories was the second season of ‘Walking Forward’, which we filmed earlier this year with a whole range of frontline workers whose acts of everyday heroism deeply inspired and moved me.

Lows

The second year of the pandemic weighs down hard on the mental health of all of us, and I am no exception. The third wave in June and July was unnerving. And on top of it, my mother had Covid during that period, but fortunately she recovered. The psychological pressure during her recovery and the deaths of friends and acquaintances tainted many hopes of returning to some kind of normalcy. But hope dies last, and as far as possible I choose to believe that better days will come.

Plans

I will continue to tell stories, that’s for sure. Specifically creating more non-fiction web series content, because there’s a treasure trove of stories out there waiting to be told. I’m not sure yet if international travel will be a thing to consider. It is something I’m missing in my life, but at least in my dreams I shall travel the world, and so too will the stories I tell.

MC January Ivula (JanuaryH25), music promoter

Highs

I launched my event, the Mekct (Music Exhibition Knockout Cup Tour), and started working on my first album, titled ‘H25’.

Lows

I had plans to release my debut album this year, but that never happened because I lost it. I also struggled financially and lacked an income because of Covid-19.

Plans

I will be spending my Christmas at home at Lüderitz. For New Year’s I will be home. I want to spend time with my family and friends. It is important to relax the mind.

Next year I will be focusing on the Mekct. I will visit all 14 regions of the country. I am looking forward to the finale at the Oshakati Stadium.

Sandro Ithana, events

and artist manager

Highs

I finally held my Kashipu Fun Day event in November, which I have been planning for many years now. I also introduced my third brand, called ‘I am the Past, Present and Future’.

Lows

It is not easy running three different brands at the same time. I had so many plans for 2021, but the pandemic has negatively affected my business and some of my events – especially the annual Miss High School North. This year marked two years without hosting it.

Plans

I want to concentrate more on my studies. 
I am chasing a degree, so I need to pay attention. I also want to focus more on corporate events. I also have to push my new printing shop, Kashipu Printing Solutions, to greater heights.

Lady Dyna (Dainess Ziba Amukwelele), artist

Highs

Winning the Maranatha Global Awards for the best thanksgiving song, ‘Amanidabwisa’, was a high, as well as being first runner-up in the category for best collaboration song, featuring D-Naff and Ogopainc, with ‘Hambeleleni’.

Also being nominated in the 24th annual Texas Gospel Music Excellence Awards in the international female artist of the year category was a high. The awards will take place in Texas in February next year. I also got a job in Windhoek and returned home to be with my family.

Lows

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