Lioness earns continental recognition at Icons of Africa Awards

Namibian medical doctor and multi-award-winning musician Latoya Mwoombola Hamutenya, better known as Lioness, is set to be honoured for the Icons of Africa Awards 2026 in the category of award-winning artist and aesthetic doctor next month.

The awards ceremony will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 30 May.

Known for balancing a career in both medicine and music, Lioness said her journey has been shaped by passion and dedication.

“Becoming a medical doctor, then specialising in aesthetic medicine, was not an easy journey. I’ve always advocated for duality and professionalism,” she said, adding that she is able to still express herself artistically in her everyday professional life.

The American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine describes the profession as comprising “all medical procedures that are aimed at improving the physical appearance and satisfaction of the patient, using non-invasive to minimally invasive cosmetic procedures".

Juggling with precision

Speaking about her nomination, Lioness described the moment as both humbling and momentous.

“This is a big opportunity. I'm so grateful, I'm so honoured and I'm so humbled to be recognised in a small country in Africa,” she said.

She added that her personal goal has been to become a household name and that the nomination represents a big opportunity.

Lioness also highlighted the challenges of building a career as a woman in both creative and professional spaces.

“You have to prove yourself first, and only then can you gain the experience that people want to see,” she said, adding that staying focused is her only goal.

Don’t give up

Lioness encouraged young African women to remain focused on their dreams.

"You are already ahead of yourself; don't give up, keep working at it,” she said.

She added: “Days are not going to be the same, and things will never be perfect, but you have to seize the opportunity and try to work through it and work towards it.”

Looking ahead, Lioness said she hopes to leave a legacy rooted in authenticity.

"I want to be remembered as somebody who was just real and organic, showing that we are imperfectly beautiful."