Lilly Mwiya, popularly known as Umoya, a rising star in the music scene, karate instructor, entrepreneur, and law student, is making waves with a blend of Afrobeat, Amapiano, and soulful melodies. Despite juggling a demanding schedule that includes legal studies, entrepreneurial ventures, and sports, she has consistently released new music, captivating audiences with her distinctive sound.
“I chose music because it’s something I’ve loved for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a household where music was a big part of our free time; it brought joy, connection, and comfort to our lives. Music has always felt like home to me.”
“I officially started my music career in 2020 but took a brief break in 2023 to focus on other aspects of my life. However, I’ve released five songs, accompanied by three music videos, and collaborated with talented artists like DJ Vuyo and DJ Kboz,” she said.
Her latest single, ‘Kiwena’ featuring Shuva Istar and produced by Champion League DJz and Lee Deep Soul, showed her ability to blend traditional sounds with contemporary beats.
Mwiya’s love for music began at a young age when she sang in Sunday school, which helped her discover her passion for singing. Later, during her time at the University of Namibia, she joined the choir, where she gained more experience and developed her vocal abilities. However, she felt a strong desire to branch out and establish herself as an independent artist.
“In 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, I officially launched my music career by releasing my debut single ‘Nifumani’, featuring DJ Siya and produced by Mr. Glo. This track was the start of my journey as a solo artist, and I’ve been dedicated to creating music that reflects my experiences, heritage, and vision ever since,” she said.
Apart from music, she is a dedicated karate athlete and has had the honour of representing Namibia at international levels, having been part of the national karate team more than three times. She is also a certified karate instructor, where she shares her skills and passion for the sport with others.
“In addition, I am an emerging content creator, a makeup artist, and a versatile MC for events. I also channel my creativity and ambition into entrepreneurship, where I run my own business ventures. Balancing these different passions has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally while staying true to who I am,” she said.
With her music, she aims to create an experience that resonates with people on a personal level. She doesn’t limit herself to one genre because she believes music should be a reflection of the world around us. By combining Afrobeat, Amapiano, soulful melodies, and traditional sounds, she aims to create a unique fusion that speaks to a broad audience both young and old.
-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na