The Simply You Lifestyle and Fashion Awards (Symlafa) celebrated Namibian excellence in fashion, beauty, lifestyle and entertainment at its ninth edition, held at the Hilton Hotel on 24 October.

The annual awards ceremony brought together industry personalities, creatives and entertainers for an evening celebrating the individuals and brands shaping Namibia's lifestyle and creative landscape. The event featured performances by Karlie the Vocalist, Starboy 32 and One Blood, adding to an evening of entertainment and recognition.

Representing government, member of parliament Sharonice Bush delivered a speech on behalf of Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, highlighting the creative sector as an important government priority.

However, the evening also provided an opportunity to address the challenges facing the industry. Symlafa co-founder Ndapewoshali Shapwanale called for greater institutional support for the platform, arguing that its contribution to the creative industry deserved more recognition and investment.

“This platform should not have to beg for funding,” she said, urging government to support the initiative as it prepares for its 10th anniversary celebration next year.

Media and fashion stars shine

Among the evening's standout winners was 99FM presenter Adora, who walked away with the Radio Presenter of the Year award following a successful campaign that saw listeners rally behind her through mass voting.

During her acceptance speech, Adora revealed that she had no formal media background when she joined the station but came with “only a voice and a lot to say”.

She credited her listeners and supporters for the win while thanking 99FM for providing her with a platform to discover and share her talent. Delila Katanga, whose experience includes hosting major events, including the launch of the president's documentary, was named Event Emcee of the Year, recognising her growing presence on some of the country's biggest stages.

In fashion, Armando van Wyk, founder of King A's Apparel, claimed the Fashion Designer of the Year award. The designer showcased at the Durban Fashion Fair for the second time this year, presenting a collection inspired by his roots.

During his acceptance speech, van Wyk reflected on the uncertainty surrounding his decision to leave law school to pursue fashion. He recalled his father asking whether he was certain about abandoning his legal studies to “go and study to make clothes”.

Today, he says, the sacrifices are beginning to pay off. Van Wyk is also among the designers set to showcase at this year's MTC Windhoek Fashion Week, scheduled for 4 to 7 November.

The awards further recognised talent across the beauty, fashion and lifestyle industries. Mathilde Daniel took home Female Model of the Year, while Mathew Handje was named Male Model of the Year. The Famous Barber won Barber of the Year, Fluffy's Artistry claimed Hairdresser of the Year, and Ndeshi Nails was recognised as Nail Technician of the Year.

In the fitness and beauty categories, Ines Fit was named Fitness Personality of the Year, while Uandjaije Kaombungu walked away with Make-Up Artist of the Year. Mario Stylist received the Fashion Stylist of the Year award, while Surreal Arts was recognised as Photographer of the Year.

The awards also celebrated digital and media personalities, with Miche Bichum named Fashion Influencer of the Year, Rose Diniz De Moura taking home Social Media Creative of the Year, and Pricilla Mukokobi recognised as Lifestyle Journalist of the Year. Gerson Oreab was named Male Radio Presenter of the Year. Meanwhile, Kaisames FM, a station under the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation, received recognition in the Social Media Content Creator of the Year category.

Celebrating community impact

One of the most meaningful moments of the evening came with the presentation of the annual Diamond Award, which recognises outstanding community impact. This year's recipient was the Havanna Charity Foundation, an organisation that feeds approximately 400 children in the Havana informal settlement every week and runs initiatives aimed at suicide prevention.

The award brought an emotional moment as the foundation's founder spoke about the realities faced by vulnerable members of the community, becoming visibly overwhelmed while reflecting on the work being done. “These are real stories. Real lives. People go to bed with nothing to eat,” the founder said, calling on Namibians to contribute towards building a better society.

As Symlafa looks towards its 10th anniversary, the ninth edition served not only as a celebration of individual achievement but also as a reminder of the importance of recognising, supporting and investing in the people and initiatives driving Namibia's creative and social landscape.