‘What Started As Passion Evolved Into Purpose’

Best gospel award winner and two-time nominee Rodney Seibeb says growing up in Katutura’s challenging yet formative environment continues to shape his music.

He says while those recognitions are meaningful, the greatest reward remains the lives touched through his music.

The gospel star says his experiences when he was younger shaped his resilience, humility and appreciation for community and faith.

“Those early years continue to influence my music, my values and the message I convey through my work,” he says, adding that he started singing at a young age, mainly in church.

“Over time, what began as a passion evolved into purpose. My earliest inspiration came from the church and my family. Spiritually, gospel legends and ministers of music who used songs as a tool for healing, hope and restoration played a significant role in shaping my calling.”

The Windhoek-born singer says he sings about faith, hope and the realities of everyday life. He says his music is inspired by personal experiences, prayer and a desire to uplift and encourage others.

Seibeb says gospel music has always been central to his life, not just as a genre but as a lifestyle and calling.

“When I got on stage to sing during my first major performance, that moment for me was both humbling and affirming. It actually confirmed to me that music was not only a gift, but also a responsibility,” he says.

“One of the highlights of my career was performing in front of over 15 000 people during the Restoration Concert in Windhoek, which is still regarded as Namibia’s biggest gospel show. That moment remains deeply humbling and reaffirmed my calling to serve through music.”

The ‘Blessings & Miracles’, ‘You Are The Reason’, ‘Elob Tib Ge A Kai’, ‘!Anu Gagatse’ and ‘Elob Ei /Gui Gore’ singer is currently in the studio working on new music to add to his gospel catalogue.

“I am hard at work in the studio brewing up a storm, collaborating with fellow artists and focusing on producing content that is relevant, meaningful and spiritually uplifting,” the singer says.

“I would like to be remembered as a musician who used his gift to serve God and humanity. Someone whose music brought comfort, hope, healing and inspiration. The creative industry can be unpredictable, but faith, discipline and perseverance keep me grounded.”

Seibeb, who says God remains his greatest influence, highlights that balancing passion with responsibility is one of the greatest challenges.

He adds that mentors, fellow musicians and industry professionals who walk with integrity have also played a meaningful role in inspiring him.

Seibeb, whose day begins with prayer and reflection, works as a marketing and public relations officer, but music remains a major part of his life as he works to balance both careers responsibly.

He says spiritual grounding helps him navigate the demands of both life and work with clarity and purpose, adding that his family – his greatest support and motivation – helps him navigate balancing passion with responsibility.

Asked about his biggest success as a musician or in life, Seibeb says he has learned to see life as a journey of lessons rather than regrets. “Every experience, whether challenging or rewarding, has contributed to my growth and character,” he says.

The star believes the country has immense talent to compete against the best the continent has to offer.

“Namibia is rich in talent. What we need is stronger structures, exposure, consistency and to believe in our own abilities,” he says.

“We need greater investment in infrastructure, professional training, unity among artists and sustainable platforms that promote and protect local talent.”

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