Lioness gets ready to shut down Lusaka July

Medical doctor and entertainer Latoya ‘Lioness’ Mwoombola-Hamutenya is set to fly the Namibian flag at the 10th edition of Lusaka July, one of Zambia’s leading fashion and lifestyle events, which brings together creatives and industry players from across the continent. Lioness joins an international guest list that includes Grammy-nominated South African musician Musa Keys, placing Namibian talent in the spotlight at a platform that continues to build connections across Africa’s creative industries. She is also set to deliver the closing performance, ending the event on a high note. Speaking to tjil, Lioness described the invitation as humbling, but also a reflection of the consistency she has invested in her craft. “I take a lot of pride in representing Namibia wherever I go, so I am of the opinion that my catalogue, experience and involvement in the industry has contributed to me being chosen and someone that Zambians see, love and appreciate.”Bringing Namibian styleBeyond the recognition, her participation presents an opportunity to strengthen Namibia’s creative footprint in the region and explore new avenues for collaboration.Reflecting on the state of Namibian music, Lioness said the industry is on an upward trajectory, with artists increasingly taking their sound beyond the country’s borders.“We have been exporting our music and the biggest things come when we support each other,” she said, highlighting musical exports Big Ben, Shishani, Elemotho and Ms Gideon as examples of Namibian talent reaching wider audiences.For the rapper, fashion is one of the biggest attractions, and she hopes to use the occasion to connect with Zambian designers and explore opportunities for creative exchange.Lioness said she is excited to connect with creatives like Nkandu Kabaso, whom she worked with during his showcase at MTC Windhoek Fashion Week.Fashion, she explained, has always been integral to her identity as an entertainer, shaping how she presents herself through music videos, public appearances and performances. “Music can’t exist without fashion. I take pride in my fashion,” she said.“I always come out with these crazy, wonderful outfits in music videos and appearances because I feel like that is part and parcel of the Lioness brand – pushing the fashion limits and boundaries. They are inseparable.”True to that philosophy, Lioness intends to bring a distinctly Namibian touch to the Zambian stage through her choice of designers.“I will be taking a piece of home to Zambia with the fashion designers I am working with,” she said, offering a glimpse of what audiences can expect.Ready to make Lusaka July countShe expressed particular excitement about collaborating with local designer Valdez Creations, praising the designer’s talent and anticipating a memorable fashion moment. Beyond the glamour, Lioness sees Lusaka July as a gateway to meaningful professional relationships, including brand partnerships, music collaborations and opportunities for more cross-border bookings between Namibia and Zambia. For her, such engagements are essential to building a more connected regional creative economy, where artists can expand their audiences, access new markets and create opportunities beyond their home countries. As she prepares for the closing showcase of Lusaka July, the entertainer admits to experiencing “good nerves” ahead of the anticipated appearance. “I hope I can give it my all and make Namibia proud,” she said. Lioness also congratulated the founders of the event, PR Girl Media, on reaching the event’s 10th anniversary, applauding the consistency required to sustain a brand over such a period. The event kicked off in Lusaka on 29 October and ends on Sunday, 1 November.This year’s milestone edition, themed ‘The Tale of a Ruby,’ celebrates a decade of African creativity, culture and enterprise.The event brings together fashion, music, culture and business through a series of experiences culminating in the Lusaka July Fashion Gala on the final day.

Lioness gets ready to shut down Lusaka July

Comments

Namibian Sun 2026-10-30

Please login to leave a comment

Lioness gets ready to shut down Lusaka July

Comments

Namibian Sun 2026-10-30

Please login to leave a comment

Subscription Required to Access Content ×

Subscription Required to Access Content