Namibia celebrates creative brilliance at Simply You Awards
Under the shimmering lights of the Hilton Hotel, Namibia’s bold dreamers and timeless legends of fashion and lifestyle gathered for a night where style met legacy – the Simply You Magazine Lifestyle and Fashion Awards 2025.
This year’s glamorous event, held under the theme 'Namibian Excellence: Black Tie and Diamond' last weekend, honoured trailblazers who continue to shape the nation’s cultural story. The awards featured 12 prestigious categories, celebrating the finest in fashion, beauty, media and digital creativity.
Among the night’s big winners were Popyeni Jewels (accessories designer of the year), Boss Beauty Nam (make-up artist of the year), and Leoviich (photographer of the year). Landy Nangombe and Fortune Lumana took home the female and male model of the year awards, respectively, while Reinhard Mahalie shone with double wins as both fashion influencer and fashion stylist of the year.
Kim Matheus walked away as fashion designer of the year, with Michelle Shipanga and DJ Quality crowned female and male radio personalities of the year. Regina Miranda claimed the title of social media creative of the year, rounding off a night that celebrated passion, hard work and Namibian excellence.
Stronger creative economy
Delivering the keynote address, deputy minister of arts and culture, Dino Ballotti, praised Namibia’s creative resilience and called for stronger institutional and financial support for the sector.
“What has been most inspiring,” Ballotti said, “is that it reflects who we are as Namibian people – resilient, creative, strong and always rising above."
He added that the ministry is committed to strengthening the creative economy, describing it as a vital driver of youth employment and self-sustainability.
MTC spokesperson Erasmus Nekundi also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the arts, saying: “Our continuous support is intentional because we recognise the socio-economic benefits that can be realised, particularly by the youth who participate in it".
For many creatives, the evening was not just about recognition but also about reflection. Male model of the year, Fortune Lumana, told Tjil that even being nominated was an honour. “The fact that I had to come from Rundu to Windhoek to pursue my career as a model – it’s been a journey. It’s hard to start a career in Rundu, promoting brands and trying to be seen, so I’ve come a long way," he said.
Lumana encouraged aspiring creatives to stay focused on their craft and not let others’ opinions derail their goals. “Keep nurturing your talent and believe in yourself," he said.
This year’s glamorous event, held under the theme 'Namibian Excellence: Black Tie and Diamond' last weekend, honoured trailblazers who continue to shape the nation’s cultural story. The awards featured 12 prestigious categories, celebrating the finest in fashion, beauty, media and digital creativity.
Among the night’s big winners were Popyeni Jewels (accessories designer of the year), Boss Beauty Nam (make-up artist of the year), and Leoviich (photographer of the year). Landy Nangombe and Fortune Lumana took home the female and male model of the year awards, respectively, while Reinhard Mahalie shone with double wins as both fashion influencer and fashion stylist of the year.
Kim Matheus walked away as fashion designer of the year, with Michelle Shipanga and DJ Quality crowned female and male radio personalities of the year. Regina Miranda claimed the title of social media creative of the year, rounding off a night that celebrated passion, hard work and Namibian excellence.
Stronger creative economy
Delivering the keynote address, deputy minister of arts and culture, Dino Ballotti, praised Namibia’s creative resilience and called for stronger institutional and financial support for the sector.
“What has been most inspiring,” Ballotti said, “is that it reflects who we are as Namibian people – resilient, creative, strong and always rising above."
He added that the ministry is committed to strengthening the creative economy, describing it as a vital driver of youth employment and self-sustainability.
MTC spokesperson Erasmus Nekundi also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the arts, saying: “Our continuous support is intentional because we recognise the socio-economic benefits that can be realised, particularly by the youth who participate in it".
For many creatives, the evening was not just about recognition but also about reflection. Male model of the year, Fortune Lumana, told Tjil that even being nominated was an honour. “The fact that I had to come from Rundu to Windhoek to pursue my career as a model – it’s been a journey. It’s hard to start a career in Rundu, promoting brands and trying to be seen, so I’ve come a long way," he said.
Lumana encouraged aspiring creatives to stay focused on their craft and not let others’ opinions derail their goals. “Keep nurturing your talent and believe in yourself," he said.
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