Spotlight to solidarity: Namibians rally for Linda 'I Believe"
In the wake of an emotional and widely circulated podcast interview, Namibians from all walks of life are uniting in an outpouring of compassion and solidarity for Linda Simasiku, the country’s youngest music award winner, whose promising career was halted by personal and music business challenges.
The interview, conducted by Namibian podcaster Zeccano Shitaleni for his YouTube show What A Life with Zeccano, revealed the hardships Linda has faced since rising to stardom in 2012. The singer, who captured hearts with her breakout hit ‘I Believe’ featuring Zambian artist Peterson and went on to win multiple Namibia Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) awards at the age of 16, shared in the interview how her life took a sharp downturn following the passing of her father.
Shitaleni told Network Media Hub Linda is in the process of receiving psychological support and medical care for epilepsy, a condition she disclosed during the interview.
“Only once she is psychologically sound will she return to studio to record music,” Shitaleni said, adding that all actions taken so far have been in full consultation with and authorised by Linda’s family.
Namibians have responded to the viral interview with acts of kindness, offering support in the form of financial contributions, clothing, and cosmetics. “Namibians are coming through. There are bags of clothes ready to be picked up,” Shitaleni shared, adding that a registry is being kept for transparency,
Attempts to speak directly with Linda ahead of publication were unsuccessful, as she does not currently own a mobile phone. However, during the podcast interview, she made a heartfelt plea: “What I would want people to help me with would be my caregiving education and maybe with some clothes, cosmetics and so on. And also with my music, I would really like to revive that.”
Shitaleni is also working to facilitate a musical collaboration between Linda and one of Namibia’s most celebrated contemporary artists, Young T. While confirming that a studio encounter had already taken place—where Linda’s vocal abilities proved she still has her gift—he stressed that the priority remains her recovery, not a rushed return to the spotlight.
Those interested in contributing to Linda’s recovery and comeback are encouraged to contact Shitaleni directly at +264 81 339 5865 or via email at [email protected]
The interview, conducted by Namibian podcaster Zeccano Shitaleni for his YouTube show What A Life with Zeccano, revealed the hardships Linda has faced since rising to stardom in 2012. The singer, who captured hearts with her breakout hit ‘I Believe’ featuring Zambian artist Peterson and went on to win multiple Namibia Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) awards at the age of 16, shared in the interview how her life took a sharp downturn following the passing of her father.
Shitaleni told Network Media Hub Linda is in the process of receiving psychological support and medical care for epilepsy, a condition she disclosed during the interview.
“Only once she is psychologically sound will she return to studio to record music,” Shitaleni said, adding that all actions taken so far have been in full consultation with and authorised by Linda’s family.
Namibians have responded to the viral interview with acts of kindness, offering support in the form of financial contributions, clothing, and cosmetics. “Namibians are coming through. There are bags of clothes ready to be picked up,” Shitaleni shared, adding that a registry is being kept for transparency,
Attempts to speak directly with Linda ahead of publication were unsuccessful, as she does not currently own a mobile phone. However, during the podcast interview, she made a heartfelt plea: “What I would want people to help me with would be my caregiving education and maybe with some clothes, cosmetics and so on. And also with my music, I would really like to revive that.”
Shitaleni is also working to facilitate a musical collaboration between Linda and one of Namibia’s most celebrated contemporary artists, Young T. While confirming that a studio encounter had already taken place—where Linda’s vocal abilities proved she still has her gift—he stressed that the priority remains her recovery, not a rushed return to the spotlight.
Those interested in contributing to Linda’s recovery and comeback are encouraged to contact Shitaleni directly at +264 81 339 5865 or via email at [email protected]
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