Known as Kaytee NA, Kevin Hamukwaya (21) has quickly transitioned from a curious Swakopmund teen to a rising force in Windhoek’s music scene.
“My journey began in 2020, during the quiet of the Covid-19 lockdowns, where I spent two years teaching myself the intricacies of sound design and music production.
“In 2023, I invested in DJing, but remained a producer at heart. I enjoy seeing people vibe to the music when behind the deck,” he says, reflecting on the transition from the studio to the stage.
Today, his music has crossed the one-million milestone across streaming platforms, with his sound reaching beyond Namibia, making inroads into the South African amapiano scene.
He has opened for major events like ‘Sizzling Summer’ and ‘Sound of Summer’, but Kaytee NA is aiming for international gigs in the next five years.
“I am not leaving my country behind but rather taking Namibia to the world,” he says.
He believes Namibians are sitting on untapped talent and wants to lead the charge in professionalising the craft.
Beyond the decks and the million-stream milestone, Kaytee NA’s rise is a case study in the power of the digital age for the Namibian creative economy.
Starting as an independent artist, he spent the years between 2020 and 2022 in a deep-dive of self-instruction.
He says this allowed him to sharpen a craft that is often overlooked in the traditional industry: the technical architecture of sound.
“We as Namibians are sitting on our own talent and money-making,” he says, adding that the local industry often looks outward for inspiration when the value is home-grown.
Kaytee NA’s streaming numbers show a diverse listener base. With nearly half of his fans in South Africa, he has already begun the process of regional integration.
To ensure he has the foundation for a long-term career, he is currently balancing his rising fame with university studies.
“I want to be an educated DJ,” he says.
Despite the late nights and the high-energy sets, Kaytee NA says he remains grounded by his academic pursuits.
He says by completing his university studies alongside his music career, he is setting a standard for the next generation of Namibian “design-preneurs” and artists.
In his own words, the goal is simple: “Taking Namibia to the world.”
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