Mark Kariahuua - an all-round creative

How do you introduce a presence that is pretty much culturally omnipresent? The answer to that question is you still try, because Mark Kariahuua's presence in the entertainment scene is sensed over a large, spread out territory. Based on observations on how he carries himself, Kariahuua is one individual who has figured out his purpose for existence. Fortunately, tjil recently had a brief conversation with the all-round creative. Now read further and be enlightened. This year he has taken a bit of a step back as a performer to work behind the scenes on various projects. Informing us on what he has been working on, Kariahuua shared that earlier in his career he developed a habit of being in charge of everything he does. So whenever he would work on a set, stage or whatever he is involved with, he would ask questions and try to learn as much as possible. “Currently I get to work for truly the hippest creative agency right now - Hashtag Media. “We are a collective of the loudest, most opinionated and talented bunch. I feel like I'm playing with the big dogs. I'm a storyteller, so bringing a brand's story to life makes me feel alive.” He also does a lot of corporate facilitations, events, as well as voice-over work. He disclosed that he did a voice over for Standard Bank last week and he is also working as a writer for a new television show. “It might be picked up, it might not be, but we are working on it regardless. “I try to reach my own personal milestones and not be swayed by trends. I've also been really focused on farming which is not the easiest thing to do with this climate, but most importantly, I'm busy living life,” shared Kariahuua. On what sort of mind-set he has been working with in 2019, because something is different - in a good way of course, Kariahuua acknowledged that things are different and he has grown a lot. He started performing stand-up comedy when he was 19 and at 20 he started with Free Your Mind. So naturally he needs to evolve. He emphasised that he is all about longevity, thus he can't be the same man he was seven years ago when he started.“I've had sold out shows in pretty much every theatre. I've been on television, billboards, magazines and every paper in this country. I had a prime time show on radio, I've performed for the president and shared the stage with international acts, and much more. “This year I wanted to look at myself as a businessman and be the one calling the shots more. I'm at a point where now I can walk into those big corporate rooms and have my voice heard,” he said. On how he manages to keep his source of inspiration full, Kariahuua noted that the entertainment industry isn't as easy as people think it is, however he firmly believes that this is what he was born do to, adding that it is too natural for him. He stated that he respects and loves the art of stand-up comedy. “Sometimes love hurts but what am I going to do? I'm not going to throw away everything I've worked so hard for. I think my saving grace has really been a great support system. I have a solid fan base that rides for me and my family and friends who stick by me and hold me accountable,” said Kariahuaa. He is also the MC for the monthly NAM Comedy Circle comedy show. He said that initially he was not sure if he could commit to it with his hectic schedule, but Ernst Herma approached him with a solid concept. “Anyone who knows him knows that he's bit of a legend in show business. I mean this is someone who has worked hand in hand with icons like Jackson Kaujeua and almost every artist under the sun.“We wanted to give back to Namibia, so these shows are free and they get pretty packed with a local and international crowd and as a curator I also host the shows.” Summing up, our not-so-brief conversation, Kariahuua called on people to not be afraid to ask for what they are worth; in any industry you may find yourself especially show business. “People like to say stuff like; you're an artist, you need to struggle for your art - that's so detrimental. So I should starve so you can be entertained? Speak your truth and ask for what you are owed even if your voice is shaking,” he concluded. -Photos: AM Photography

Mark Kariahuua - an all-round creative

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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Mark Kariahuua - an all-round creative

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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