Luis Munana, the dynamic Namibian entrepreneur, media personality and reality television star, has been making waves both on and off the runway in recent times. In a recent interview with The Namibian, he shares his whirlwind journey from fashion showcases in Durban to international appearances, his flourishing MCC brand RaZul, and his latest venture ‘Housewives of Paypulse’.
Munana’s most recent milestone is the showcase of his latest collection under his fashion line Zuriel at the annual Durban Fashion Fair in South Africa last week.
He said he could never have anticipated how this decision would open doors to countless more opportunities.
The show went exceptionally well, and he seized the chance to network and connect with the Durban community, leading to additional invitations for other runways later in the year.
The connection between Durban and Namibia was no coincidence. Munana says he has often invited Durban designers to showcase their talent at Namibia’s annual MTC Windhoek Fashion Week, which has helped build bridges.
But Munana’s journey has extended beyond the African continent, as he also spent some time in Europe. He started with appearances in London and Birmingham in England, thanks to his recent stint on the Netflix reality series ‘Young, Famous and African’, proving that his reach extended far beyond his home country.
“I didn’t realise I had people who wanted to see me outside of the continent but I guess that’s the platform that Netflix gives you. You can make appearances all over the world and people recognise who you are. So, that was nice,” he said.
After his appearance on the reality show, he noted the shift in public perception of him. While he says he remains the same person to his friends, he understands that public opinion can shift. He takes it all in stride, knowing that everyone is entitled to their own views.
Madrid, Spain, and Portugal were next, where he took part in the electrifying Afro Nation festival. His travels continued as he ventured to Botswana and Zambia, where he attended the Lusaka July as a guest of honour, and Zimbabwe, where he served as a judge at the Miss Universe Zimbabwe pageant.
While being a jet-setter, Munana is also reaping in the success of his debut MCC brand RaZul.
The MCC has taken on a life of its own, far exceeding his initial expectations. The brand has expanded its presence beyond Namibia, with Munana preparing to soon export to multiple markets worldwide.
On top of that, the recently produced miniseries ‘Housewives of PayPulse’, is broadcasting to thousands of Namibians around the country.
For this, the creative said he had his producer hat on.
He co-owns a media production company, Vibration Studios, with Maria Nepembe who directed, starred and co-produced the show. This series offers a light-hearted and entertaining viewing experience, he said.
Munana’s journey in the entertainment industry has also involved hosting events, such as the Standard Bank Waka Kids Choice Awards. He emphasised the importance of teamwork and meticulous planning in executing such events, which play a crucial role in creating opportunities and making a mark on Namibia’s entertainment scene.
What keeps Munana motivated is the necessity of bringing something new to Namibia to benefit various segments of society, whether it’s showcasing local designers, empowering talent or bringing international recognition to the country.
“A thing that keeps me going is feeling like I’m making a difference. I feel like I’m contributing something to society. We’re not just doing it for the sake of doing it, but everything that we do also uplifts. It has a direct correlation to the people.”
When asked about what’s next, Munana hints at more exciting ventures on the horizon. As he continues to captivate audiences around the world, it’s clear that this dynamic entrepreneur and entertainer has a lot ahead of him. With every step of his journey, he leaves an indelible mark on the worlds of fashion, entertainment and entrepreneurship.
- Anne Hambuda is a poet, writer and commentator. Follow her online or email her annehambuda@gmail.com for more.
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