AMSTERDAM-based singer and songwriter Shishani was all smiles this past week on her social media pages, after announcing her engagement to long-time partner Samaa Golderlyne.
The two looked absolutely smitten in a video posted on both of their Instagram accounts, as Golderlyne flashed her engagement ring and both expressed their excitement.
Shishani is a mixed-heritage artist and cultural anthropologist who grew up in the Netherlands, but has roots in Namibia and Belgium.
She has performed locally and internationally, and is known for her soothing vocals and gentle sound.
She has been recognised in France and Amsterdam and has been nominated twice in the Namibian Annual Music Awards.
The producer, guitarist and creative is also an activist who speaks out about women’s issues and she is also often vocal about the realities of living in Europe as a person of colour.
Golderlyne is a fashion designer of Liberian and Lebanese descent, but is also based in Europe.
In an interview with The Namibian, Shishani said she and Golderlyne met at an arts event in Amsterdam where she was performing.
“We’ve been together for nearly five years and have grown so much through this relationship. It felt right to celebrate our growth this way,” she said.
For now, the happy couple are enjoying their engagement and plan to take their time planning the cross-continental ceremonies which will accommodate their families and lives in Namibia, Amsterdam and America, where Golderlyne’s family lives.
Shishani describes her partner as the most creative person she’s ever met.
“She’s witty, full of joy, endlessly curious, full of wisdom, a strong character, straightforward, stylish, and very loving,” she gushed.
The reactions from both of their families were positive, and Shishani said the engagement has been welcomed with love, despite a few family members with reservations about same-sex unions.
This will not deter the two, however, and Shishani and Golderlyne recently posed proudly on the newly painted Brewer’s Market’s rainbow pavement featuring the pride flag, officially marking the establishment as a safe space for the LGBTQI+ community.
While there is no set date for the nuptials yet, the pair plan to continue their artistic collaborations, such as Golderlyne’s help with Shishani’s upcoming album’s styling and visualising, while the musician is co-producing the designer’s upcoming album.
“To me it feels like we’re each other’s dream team,” says the 34-year-old ‘Ndapandula’ singer.
Anne Hambuda is a poet, writer, social commentator and creative thinker. Follow her online for more.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
