Also known as: Kwaito artist Gazza · Gazzlam
Gazza — musician appointed to Swapo Party Think Tank's youth empowerment cluster, aims to champion policies supporting creative and sports economies.
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The Namibian
Gazza collaborated with Lioness on the hit song 'Omapiyano'
“Before taking a step back from the industry, Lioness reached one of the biggest milestones of her career with the hit 'Omapiyano', which was a collaboration with Gazza.”
Lioness says success came through ‘double the work’Informanté
Gazza is performing at the Music Bash on Saturday, 2 May
“The event will feature a mix of local and regional artists, including Gazza, King Biko, and South African act Sam Deep, alongside various DJs.”
Lüderitz hosts 19th Crayfish FestivalThe Namibian
Gazza is collaborating with Stakes Boy on a new song
“Recently, he shared that he is working on a song with Gazza – something he once dreamed about.”
From Opuwo to one million viewsNew Era
Gazza released trending song 'Shikishiki' produced by DJ Dozza
“Locally, I produced Gazza's new trending song, 'Shikishiki', which has been doing well.”
DJ Dozza grinds to the topNew Era
Gazza became the first musician to be appointed to the ruling party's policy unit, the Swapo Party Think Tank
“Award-winning artist Lazarus Shiimi, better known as Gazza, became the first musician to be appointed to the ruling party's policy unit, the Swapo Party Think Tank.”
‘Tate Shikishiki’ enters Swapo Think TankThe Namibian
Gazza released new singles including 'Blessing', 'Step by Step' (with Jaliza), 'Shikishiki' (with Nally), and 'Va Rundu' (with Dunana)
“The Captain of the Ship continues to dominate with a string of new singles.'Blessing' sees Gazza in a reflective and grateful mood, while 'Step by Step', featuring Jaliza, speaks to perseverance and steady growth.'Shikishiki', featuring Nally, brings playful energy and dance floor appeal, and 'Va Rundu', featuring Dunana, is a celebratory nod to regional pride and cultural flavour.”
Ke Dezemba Sounds: A Festive Basket of New Namibian MusicThe Namibian
Gazza gave Lil D his first big gig
“Lil D says Gazza is the person who gave him his first big gig.”
Only Consider Doing Music If You’re Really Talented – Lil DThe Namibian
Gazza will make special appearance at Kasi Summer Festival at Rundu
“The event will have a special appearance by well-known artist Gazza.”
December's grand finale: Where to be for New Year's EveThe Namibian
Gazza paid tribute to Marais Sadrag Nakale
“Namibia's kwaito king, Gazza, is among artists who have paid tribute to Marais Sadrag Nakale (popularly known as Nakale yaNakale or Sisande), who died in a Windhoek hospital yesterday morning, at the age of 60.”
Gazza, others pay tribute to ‘one of a kind’ NakaleThe Namibian
Gazza denied breaching the contract
“In his defending affidavit, Gazza denied breaching the contract, claiming that TTA did not provide sufficient services as per agreement and became hostile towards him.”
Gazza back in court for pre-trial hearingWhen younger artists record covers of forgotten masterpieces by legendary musicians, the original songwriters earn royalties again. The article argues that Namibia's radio stations prioritize newer music, leaving older artists without income; Nascam (the Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music) can only distribute royalties where music is actually licensed and played.
8 August 2026 · The Namibian →
When younger artists record covers of forgotten masterpieces by legendary musicians, the original songwriters earn royalties again. The article argues that Namibia's radio stations prioritize newer music, leaving older artists without income; Nascam (the Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music) can only distribute royalties where music is actually licensed and played.
8 August 2026 · The Namibian →
La-Toya 'Lioness' Hamutenya, a 32-year-old Namibian rapper and medical doctor, says pursuing both careers simultaneously required discipline, resilience, and often double the work, though she has recently stepped away from commercial music to focus on family and her medical practice. She reflects on managing two demanding careers alongside motherhood, arguing that career transitions and caregiving phases are not permanent obstacles to professional success.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The 19th annual Lüderitz Crayfish Festival runs from 28 April to 3 May 2026, featuring a business forum, music performances by local and regional artists including Gazza, King Biko, and Sam Deep, and motorsport activities, with government participation.
29 April 2026 · Informanté →
The upcoming Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition (24 April–2 May 2026) has sparked social media debate after some local artists were denied performance opportunities. The town council says it rotates fairly among artists and rejected one artist's bid citing steep fees that would exhaust the performance budget, while defending other selections on grounds of regional representation and prior participation.
21 April 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture has invited industry stakeholders to help shape the return of the Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs), which have been dormant since MTC withdrew funding in 2020. A stakeholder engagement session is scheduled for 14 March to strengthen the awards' credibility and gather input on award categories, industry development needs, and future direction.
10 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibian musician Chester Houseprince, who rose from dancing to a successful solo career since 2018, is now diversifying into business ventures while advocating for industry unity, genre-blending and merit-based artist bookings rather than favouritism in event selection.
7 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Fidelis Pataka (VDKei Crazyboy), a self-made producer and artist from Ondonga, has released a 17-track collaboration album titled 'I Am The Door' with afro-fusion artist Proof Nana. The project blends soul, afro, spiritual elements and contemporary Namibian influences, with the artists aiming to reclaim local music's cultural roots.
7 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Eric Sell, a Windhoek-born musician based in Germany for two decades, is currently working on his 16th studio album titled 'Freshness', which incorporates amapiano influences. He combines his music career with Nam Flava merchandise—including clothing, food products, and footwear—and advises aspiring artists that talent alone is insufficient and that fame requires sustained hard work.
28 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Stanley Manuel, known as Stakes Boy, a 23-year-old from Opuwo, has become a rising Herero disco artist whose song "Ove Omuwa" achieved over one million YouTube views and gained traction on TikTok. He began recording music during the Covid-19 lockdown using his phone and has since collaborated with established artists, crediting persistence through criticism and online support for his success.
24 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Central Elite Social Volleyball League for 2026 launched on 14 February with a focus on community giving, particularly to Katutura Hospital. The league aims to raise funds and donate sanitary pads to support the hospital's children's ward and female patients, with 20 registered teams playing one game per month.
16 February 2026 · New Era →
Teen musician Andreas Shipanga, known as Shax Champion, has seen rapid stardom since his debut hit "Soos 'n Dier" in June 2024, crediting his unique sound and choral background for his success. He won song of the year at the 2025 MTC Namibia Content Creator Awards and advises aspiring musicians to develop their own style rather than copying international artists.
14 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Rising Windhoek-based singer Panduleni Gideon has signed a full record deal with Sony Music Africa in partnership with ERA Music Group and will release her first single 'Tiki Tak Tak' on 27 February. She is reported to be the only Namibian artist with a direct recording contract under Sony Music Africa's global roster.
12 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibian producer Mentos Goagoseb, known as DJ Dozza, is gaining recognition locally and internationally through collaborations with German producer Leo Large, with recent placements on Netflix and Showmax, and upcoming releases planned for 2026.
26 January 2026 · New Era →
Artist Lazarus Shiimi, known as Gazza, became the first musician appointed to the Swapo Party Think Tank's Cluster 4, which focuses on youth empowerment, sport, and national service. He aims to champion policies supporting creative and sports economies and help design pathways linking talent development, skills training, and economic participation for young Namibians.
23 January 2026 · New Era →
Political analysts say the government is overloaded with overlapping committees and advisers that duplicate work and delay service delivery. Critics argue the new Swapo think tank, comprising 37 appointed members, lacks independence and will produce little meaningful output, while a defending analyst says such bodies can help the party and government reassess decisions and plans.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Local songstress Lize Ehlers has released "Call On Me," a collaboration with Shafa The G.O.A.T that debuted on 31 December and won Touch FM's 2026 entry song of the year award and IUM Radio's Battle of the Beats. The track is described as blending Afro-spiritual, alternative soul and cinematic African pop, and appears on Ehlers' album of the same name featuring several other collaborations.
15 January 2026 · The Namibian →