There is something fascinating about celebrity couples.
From new pairings to others that have called it quits, we can’t help but follow along through the course of their ups and downs. The Weekender recently spoke to a few couples who shared their experiences of being in the limelight, while others managed to stay on the down low.
D-Naff and Lady Dyna
Multiple award-winning and top selling artist, actor and former gangster, Naftalie Amukwelele better known as D-Naff and Gospel artist Lady Dyna (real name Dainess Amukwelele) have been married for 10 years.
The couple says they try by all means to be private and control what they put out to the public. “We think twice about what we put out there for the fans, especially pictures. These materials remain on the internet for generations to come and our children may see them one day. We also try not to involve the family,” D-Naff says.
D-Naff says they sometimes feel the pressure whenever out in public, especially together. “The public has expectations of us. We enjoy going out together because it is actually better and safer when we are together because it also helps getting rid of unnecessary snap shots where one is seen at events without the other
partner. Also we have gotten used to being together,” D-Naff says.
Lady Dyna says every time before she leaves the house with her husband, they always make sure the house is fully attended to. “We make sure the children have what is needed in the house so we don’t go out there it while they are home crying. We also never leave the house without a prayer. Always make God the centre of your marriage or you are doomed to fail,” she advised.
D-Naff admits that the celebrity hype in Namibia is much smaller than in other countries like the United States of America. “Our community is so small that everyone knows everybody, but many people do celebrate celebrities because they don’t see them every day. Sometimes the public thinks we are siblings. The admiration is amazing and it makes us love each other even more knowing that we inspire someone out there to want to get married,” D-Naff says.
Lize and Hendrik Ehlers
Mariental-born singer, performer, poet and actress Lize Ehlers and Hendrik have been married for 13 years – the couple says they are not really bothered about the limelight as they find their work much more important than fame.
“We stay focused on our work and family. Hendrik is a humanitarian and apart from my music work. We don’t think twice about stepping out in the public together. We never let that be a concern. When we step out together it is usually for a good cause.
“But in general, when I am attending an event, Hendrik is with our two teenagers Zappa and Lua. We also always make sure it is not a stressful outing but rather a fun occasion where we can also unwind and represent our collective brand,” Lize says
Lize says she sometimes feels highly under pressure whenever in public with her husband. “I definitely feel the pressure, especially when I quickly want to pop into the shop and have not dressed like a star. I now never leave my house not dressed as Lize Ehlers, even if it is a dressed down version. Hendrik is more relaxed
about it. When we are out we try to coordinate our outfits to align with the purpose of the event and we make sure we have a good time,” she says.
Lize says while out together, she and Hendrik have experienced some long stares, but in general they glide through the public eye with confidence and the knowledge that they have each other. “I get fangirled a lot, so I see the hype and feel the appreciation. It also has to do with looking the part and making use
of one’s influence in the right way. For us, staying together is about love, resilience, forgiveness, affection, kindness and choosing each other over and over again, no matter what the world says,” Lize says.
Ngamane (‘Uncle G’) and Umbi Karuaihe-Upi
The couple who has been married for 20 years says, they don’t consider themselves celebrities, but normal human beings.
“After 20 years on the Namibian social scene, we are as Namibian as vetkoek and vleis. Nothing big and nothing small either. It is just the nature of our jobs that allows us more visibility than other couples. I have been in television and PR for the past 31 years so it has been part of my life and my lifestyle. I am in the limelight by default. So I am used to it and don’t necessarily see it as extraordinary,” Umbi says.
Ngamane says as a relationship counsellor and being visible on TV, radio and social media brought some limelight to him on its own. “Umbi likes her make-up at least to have her social face on, but Uncle G is mostly relaxed. The reaction of the public is always positive as Uncle will give out some advice,” Ngamane says.
The couple agrees that neither of them feels any pressure when together in public. “We never hesitate to go out together, because we support each other. When one is unable to accompany the other we understand. There’s a need for we time, just as much as there is a need for me time. The Namibian public treats us with
the same respect as others and we are just part of our small community,” Ngamane says.
Umbi says there is no big celebrity hype in Namibia. “We are not a nation of being star-struck like in the USA and other parts of the world. Maybe it’s because we don’t have stars of that calibre. Even when Angelina Jolie and Tyrese were here, they didn’t really excite many people. Everyone is a celebrity in their own right and needs to be seen as such.
The most important thing is to take care of one another on all levels. Take your own relationship and celebrate it the best you can, instead of admiring and worshiping the relationships of others,” she says.
Ngamane advises couples to be useful to each other. He says that it takes conscious effort and work to support each other in whatever we do.
