Selma Usiku Comes Into Her Own

Selma Usiku has been the face of talk show ‘Tupopyeni’ for almost a decade now, and believes her time there has made her a better person.

“I never take for granted that ‘Tupopyeni’ is a powerful agent for change and appreciate having the chance to learn about important matters such as medicine, personal finance, psychology, law and relationships,” she says.

“I love that the show gives me the opportunity to meet and engage with people who I would never have met under normal circumstances. Some of these interactions have turned into the greatest professional and personal relationships I could have ever wished for.”

Tupopyeni translates to ‘Lets Talk’ in Oshiwambo, and the show provides a platform for discussion of a broad range of issues.

Usiku says teaching others about the importance of self-care and self-love is very important to her, more so after experiencing a personal breakdown recently. She says the cost of caring for others will eventually be the cost of losing yourself.

“There was a time in my life when all I did was work hard, study and cater to the needs of others. I never took the day off or treated myself to something I really wanted. It made me feel weak. I paid dearly for that with my mental and physical health. When you love yourself enough, the rest of the world also gets the best of you,” she said.

Besides presenting ‘Tupopyeni’, Usiku is a senior petroleum exploration geologist with Azinam, and also co-hosts a Sunday radio show, ‘The Conversation’, alongside Otto Kapuka on National FM.

In 2018, she was awarded the Global Women Petroleum and Energy Club award for excellence in Africa, which is presented annually to an individual who demonstrates excellence in Africa’s oil and gas sector and is a role model for young women looking to enter the industry.

She started presenting ‘Tupopyeni’ in April 2010, although she admits pursuing a career in television broadcasting never crossed her mind, until an invitation to audition crossed her path.

“I had been working as a radio presenter on Fresh FM for just over six months, when I received a call from the NBC head of TV programmes at the time, Lahja Kandongo, inviting me to audition,” explains Usiku.

“I walked into that audition area with nothing to lose. I was proud because I had my parents’ blessing.”

With no real broadcasting, communications or journalism experience, Usiku aced the audition.

Today Usiku is a pro, after working hard to prove any sceptics wrong. She is a believer in the famous quote by Richard Branson: “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later.”

“Many were doubting that this petite and young girl could measure up and deliver the kind of professionalism required to host a live prime time talk show. That day I stepped out of my comfort zone to overcome self-doubt and those who did not believe in me.”

What Usiku enjoys the most about presenting work is the fact that Namibia is ranked high in terms of press freedom. She stresses that as a presenter she becomes the voice for the voiceless.

“We still have a long way to go in using that power effectively as a tool for change or development. The industry is rapidly approaching if not already within the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Anyone with a passion for information does not really need high-tech production systems to reach an audience anymore. Seeing how innovative young people are becoming with platforms such as YouTube channels, podcasts and vlogs which allow for greater variety, broader influence and more freedom of expression, is something we have never seen before.”

Usiku says live productions are not easy and require a lot of focus.

“I come to work ready to learn even after a decade of doing the same thing. I have been so privileged to have been coached by very hardworking and passionate people like Lahja Kandongo, Selma Moses and Ockert Jansen.”

She describes herself as a friendly and generally enthusiastic individual, who although very private, values quality, meaningful human interactions over big, loud crowds.

“I am really just an empathetic soul who loves the simple life and laughing. Growing up I was a bit of a tomboy, quite athletic and very competitive on the sports field well into my late teens. My parents often say I was a vibrant and extremely inquisitive little girl who loved speaking Afrikaans and insisted on having photoshoots especially when my hair was done.”

She enjoys staying active and hates reality TV. She makes time to travel and adores nature and being outdoors.

“Namibia has some of the most enchanting landscapes. Whenever I get the opportunity to travel to my family’s farm or to the ocean, I use that time to rejuvenate my spirit and sleep. I chose a career in geology deliberately because I thought nature would be my office forever,” Usiku says.

Watch ‘Tupopyeni’ on NBC every Tuesday at 19h00 and follow Usiku @tegasworld on Instagram

– @rineldamouton on social media

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