Strictly Soul Is Back

After a three-month winter break, DJ Akio Kawahito’s RnB and soul event Strictly Soul is returning to Windhoek this Saturday with promises of a premium, high-energy experience that blends soulful music, a sophisticated setting, and unforgettable vibes.

The popular ode to ballads from the nineties and noughties has been a staple on our events calendar for a while now, and will be the first edition to be held at Zest Mediterranean (formerly known as The Village Garden), which will launch officially to the public only on 15 September.

Since its first Windhoek edition, which drew around 150 people, Strictly Soul has steadily built a loyal following of people who love to groove.

Today, the event regularly attracts crowds of close to a thousand, cementing its reputation as one of the city’s most consistent nightlife draws.

For many, it has become more than just a night out – it is a chance to connect with old favourites, discover new voices, and share a collective love for R&B in a setting that feels both familiar and elevated. This steady growth also reflects the appetite Namibian audiences have for curated, music-driven events that go beyond the mainstream.

Catch the likes of headliner Akio, alongside award-winning South African R&B and neo-soul artist Lord Kez, and Namibian acts such as amapiano duo Musketeers, Sxdated, a DJ, self-taught producer, and creative visionary, as well as presenter, singer and DJ Paul Da Prince.

“Akio’s DJ sets on the night are bound to leave the crowd wanting more,” says Strictly Soul in a statement, on the heels of the South Africa-based American event curator’s tour to Europe and Asia.

Strictly Soul is a highly anticipated event on the Windhoek calendar, attracting the cool kids and our best-dressed citizens.

This has been part of the greater shift in local events, which has seen more and more locals spending their coins on leisurely activities which are now undergoing a post-Covid-19 renaissance.

“More than just an event, Strictly Soul is a cultural movement – a celebration of connection, nostalgia and community through the universal language of R&B. From timeless classics to today’s freshest drops, Strictly Soul brings people together under one groove, building a space that’s as stylish as it is soulful,” they tell us.

Strictly Soul has established an extensive footprint across the continent, with events in 12 cities across nine countries and plans to expand even further across Africa and into regions such as Asia and the Middle East.

Founder Akio Kawahito has been clear about his goal: not only to bring the Strictly Soul experience to new audiences, but also to raise the profile of African R&B on the global stage.

Through partnerships with streaming platforms and live collaborations, the hope is to create a space in which African artists can stand alongside international acts, showcasing the richness of the continent’s contribution to the genre.

Strictly Soul will take place on Saturday from 19h00.

Presale tickets are N$100 and N$300, with tables available for booking.

– Anne Hambuda is a writer, social commentator and poet. Follow her online or email her at annehambuda@gmail.com for more.

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