Looking Ahead: How Namibian Creatives are Positioning Themselves for 2026

As 2026 gathers momentum, a number of Namibian creatives are stepping into the year with a sharpened sense of purpose.

From film and music to digital storytelling, their plans reflect personal growth and a commitment to building sustainable careers.

The Weekender spoke to three personalities working across different industries about what they are working towards this year.

Cape Town-based cast coordinator and casting director Kulan Ganes tells us her year started off with a bang.

“I’m working on my first big Netflix project,” she says, keeping the finer details to herself.

She also shares that she will be launching Pencilled Casting in Cape Town later in the year, and she hopes it includes a functional casting studio space.

Since relocating from Namibia, Ganes has steadily been planting her feet in the international industry and now wants to raise funds as she’s looking towards owning a building of her own.

‘THE YEAR FOR CONTENT’

Rapper and media personality Skrypt tells us he is trying to be “busier than usual” in 2026.

He’s building a network for sport with sport agency EPSA 27, working on two albums, dropping tons of visuals, and is about to drop merchandise – all while settling in at his new Fresh FM gig.

While he’s already a Channel O mainstay with Bora Box, he says we can look out for more projects both as a presenter and producer.

“It is genuinely the year for content,” he says.

TRAVEL AND TOURISM

Looking ahead to 2026, travel and tourism influencer and content creator Taimi Nuunyango’s goals are to deepen long-term brand partnerships, expand internationally with intention and continue building a brand anchored in credibility and purpose.

“My experiences in 2025 have shaped my goals for 2026 to be more intentional, impact driven and sustainable,” she says.

While their paths differ, a common thread runs through for the year ahead: intention.

TURNING POINT

Visual artist and social activist Pinehas Shikulo, popularly known as Zulu Boy, believes 2026 marks a turning point for Namibia’s creative field.

“Our industry must be amplified through unity, education and professionalism. By simplifying structures and creating accessible platforms, we can help creatives grow into sustainable careers.”

Zulu Boy says he will be working on collaboration across disciplines this year – from music and comedy to visual arts.

He stresses the importance of mentorship and skills transfer in guiding emerging creatives toward professional excellence.

“My message to fellow artists this new year is that we must remain united, authentic and committed to raising standards,” he says.

“We can’t wait for government to create opportunities for us. We must come together and create those opportunities ourselves.”

SUSTAINABILITY

Award-winning artist Mushe says recognition and sustainability remain key concerns in 2026, as he plans to work on his new upcoming album and calls for stronger government acknowledgement of artists’ contributions.

Oviritje music singer and performer Karabo Ndjavera has set her sights on international stages.

“I want to be known globally and perform internationally,” she says, adding that discipline and faith remain central to her journey.

Comedian and filmmaker Kgosi Makaza enters 2026 after performing in Miami, London, Amsterdam and the Caribbean at the end of last year.

He says he hopes the new year brings wider recognition and expanded platforms for Namibian comedy.

Page, born Julius Marco Hamwele, says longevity begins with self-awareness.

As a member of Ethnix, he believes emerging creatives must prioritise humility and ownership to survive in an increasingly competitive industry.

This year, Page says he plans to strengthen his visual output through music videos for his two singles ‘Money’ and ‘Vibration’, while refining his sound to reach broader markets without losing originality.

“Quality in music, visuals and storytelling will define which artists can break into international spaces this year,” he says.

A faith-driven perspective comes from Rundu-based gospel artist Eddy Edward, whose work prioritises ministry over popularity.

He says this year creative individuals must pay attention to the mission of creativity and not just the accolades associated with it.

‘WELL WITHIN’

After the thrill of showing at Paris Fashion Week, Melisa Poulton marks 2026 as a year of expansion and intention as she grows her fashion brand, House of Poulton.

“There are plans for intimate showcases, more showcases globally, collaborative projects and creative experiences that go beyond the runway and invite people into the world of House of Poulton,” she says.

“On a personal level, I’m prioritising wellness, faith, emotional growth, balance and time. I believe that when you are well within yourself, your work reflects that clarity and strength.”

As Lize Ehlers’ star continues to shine beyond borders, an incoming highlight for 2026 is her DJ Rise Elders performance at Pride Toronto in June.

The showcase feeds into her 2026 focus of refinement, collaboration and scale, particularly with regard to Drag Night Namibia and a scheduled Drag & Vogue Beyond Borders convention in Namibia in June.

Ehlers will also build on the success of ‘Call On Me’, her seventh studio album, as well as a track featuring Shafa The GOAT.

“Shafa and I are currently working on a festival-ready EP designed for big stages and shared energy. Audiences can expect bold collaborations, strong storytelling and work rooted in authenticity,” she says.

Prioritising sustainability, authenticity, aligned collaborations, strong creative systems and balance, Ehlers will be making work that “can grow without losing its soul”.

“This year, I hope to see an industry that values authenticity, fair compensation and brave storytelling, with more support for queer and experimental work from Africa,” she says.

BETWEEN THE PHYSICAL AND THE SPIRITUAL

A star of last year’s Stellenbosch Triennale, ever intent on taking rooted and relevant Namibian visual and performance art to the world, artist Tuli Mekondjo will kick off 2026 with a group exhibition in Zurich.

Titled ‘Almost a Paradise: Colonial-Era Photography in Contemporary Art’, the exhibition will consider ancestral deities as divine intermediaries, existing between the physical and the spiritual realm.

Tuli Mekondjo doesn’t believe in new year’s resolutions and has no grandiose expectations for 2026.

“There is a time for planting and harvesting within the grand scheme of life. I think this year is going to be intense and profound, and there will be all kinds of ‘deaths’ and ‘rebirths’ for the creative souls”, she says.

“Humanity is bleeding right now, and the artists will be reflecting the pains, wounds, and hopes within the chaos of our time.

THE ELLS

Still amid their first Cape Town tour and headed to ‘Up the Creek’ Music Festival after a year of non-stop live performance, The Ells will soon return home to drop their first album.

“I think this is gonna be our biggest project yet and it’s gonna be quite powerful,” says The Ells’ Emmanuel Ndifon.

In addition to the new album, following their ‘KAPITALElls’ EP, this year the musical brothers plan to grow their online presence on Spotify, sell and design more merch, land more festivals and hopefully win a Namibian Annual Music Award.

“We also want to play in parts of Namibia we don’t typically play in, connect with more people and have more people know our original music,” says Ndifon.

“It’ll be nice if, in Namibia, we can play an hour or two of originals that are as captivating as our covers because people know them and sing along,” he says. “That would be awesome.”

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