Performing Pulls Introvert Dice Out Of His Shell

HIP-hop artist, actor and content creator Edu Lutete, better known as Dice, is currently riding a wave of success.

Dice is the winner of the actor of the year category at the recent MTC Content Creator Awards.

After dropping his debut album, ‘#1 Stunner’, it’s hard to believe the artist has resorted to performance to break out of his shell as an introvert.

“I’m often asked if my passion translates on camera. Absolutely. Learning to perform and embrace this art has pulled me out of my shell as an introvert. That love for performance eventually opened the door to acting.

“My artistic journey began at high school at Centaurus in 2004. What started as a hobby rapping on beats with friends slowly grew into something more.

“People began to notice us at school talent shows, leading to bookings at other secondary schools.”

He says passion, fuelled by watching MTV and dreaming of being like the American rappers, set him on his current path.

Dice has found himself in the company of some of Namibia’s finest musical talents, like Jericho, with whom he collaborated on his track ‘On a Mission’.

He has also collaborated with Tswazis on ‘Second Chance’, Page on ‘My Time’ and Tayshaun on his signature song ‘Okashu Shu’.

‘FIRST LOVE’

Although acting seems to have become a major focus, Dice says music remains his first love.

“My first major gig was at the Polytechnic of Namibia [now the Namibia University of Science and Technology] around 2015. The energy of a crowd screaming for me was a shocking jump from high school shows and my earlier gigs at the UN Plaza in Soweto,” he says.

“But the biggest stages? Production-wise, it’s the Namibian Annual Music Awards. Yet, the real love comes from the streets, trade fairs and festivals, where the connection is undeniable.

“I haven’t performed in years. I miss it, though. 2026 might be the year I drop new music and return to the stage,” he says.

CENTRE STAGE

As for now, acting seems to have taken centre stage ever since Dice made his first big break in film in the TV series ‘The 3rd Will’, where he portrays the charming Michael Kamati.

“The producers discovered me after a pilot episode I did for another show called ‘Dreamers’. I was a rookie with no formal training, but I was fortunate to be guided by a brilliant director and an experienced cast who carried me through,” he says.

“That platform was my real education in television acting. Over four great seasons, my screen time and my skills grew significantly. I’ve since taken on a leading role in ‘Dreamers Season 1’ and starred in recent Multichoice films like ‘The Funeral’, ‘Die Rooftog’, ‘Is Love Enough?’ and ‘Kauna’s ER’ – all available on Showmax.”

Next February, the ‘Kashu Shu’ hitmaker will hit the big screen with a new film, ‘Wrong Generation’, of which the trailer is already out on social media.

Dice, who is married and has children, says his family anchors him.

His wife and his children are his biggest support system, he says.

“Professionally, I juggle it all. My full-time job is finding ways to survive in this creative industry. I’m tired of hustling. I need a big break that can set me up for life, and, most importantly, help me build a house for my mom while she’s still here.

“I am grateful, but it’s time for the taps to open and flow in our creative industries. Sometimes, seeing opportunities in neighbouring countries, it’s hard not to feel exploitation is at play due to our limited avenues,” Dice says.

He believes that there is immense talent and drive in Namibia.

SERIOUS BOOST NEEDED

“We’ve proven ourselves,” he says. “To be competitive internationally, our creative space needs a serious boost in resources and investment. We need proper film sets, equipment and studios that can produce big budget content consistently.

“In other markets, a few ad appearances can set you up for months.

“Right now, we might do one major film a year, if we are lucky. We’re not even competitive within our own borders yet. The change has to start at home.

“We need a unified ‘local is better’ synergy. Support means buying merchandise, going to the cinema, attending shows, and corporates investing fairly in local content.”

He says Namibian creative performers cannot compete under the current status quo, where limited opportunities lead to exploitation.

Dice says he enjoys alone time.

“It helps me to reflect. As for social media, I come and go. As much as I love my privacy, my audience demands my existence there.

His advice for young artists is: “Don’t be demotivated. The demand for our stories and our art is real.

“Keep being inspired, and more importantly, keep inspiring. The journey is tough, but your voice matters.”

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