Nande Ishuna (34) is a mixologist who loves preparing exceptional drinks, providing unforgettable experiences for guests, and promoting a culture of excellence in the hospitality industry.
Ishuna , who is the founder of Legends of Cocktails Namibia and Namibian Bar Masters Training Academy, has been awarded the prestigious AJABU Festival Scholarship to complete the WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits.
“This milestone marks a major step in elevating Namibian mixology and hospitality training to international standards, positioning me as a regional thought leader and formal spirits educator,” said the excited Ishuna.
The AJABU Festival, a Pan-African celebration of cocktails and spirits, awards scholarships each year to promising beverage professionals across the continent. The scholarship supports recipients in pursuing WSET certifications, helping to build capacity, credibility, and leadership within Africa’s emerging wine and spirits industry.
The courses are allocated via scholar applications, which are judged by an independent scholarship board.
Current board members include Eileen Wayner (CEO Tales of the Cocktail, USA), Charlie McCarthy (Business Development – Spirits at WSET, UK), Christelle Reade-Jahn (Director SA Brandy Foundation, SA), Kojo Aidoo (Director Front Back, Ghana), Riche Barrow (F&B Manager Hero Bar, Kenya) and Cloé Auger (Global Trade Advocacy Manager Campari, Italy).
Ishuna is doing his through the UK. This year, he was selected for his outstanding contribution to developing beverage culture in Namibia, with judges calling him a “dynamic drinks culture driver with exemplary answers.”
Earning this credential offers formal industry recognition and prepares students for advanced certifications such as WSET Level 2, Level 3, and educator pathways.
“This is crucial for global recognition as it puts me and Namibia on the map as credible contributors to the international bar and spirits scene. Additionally, in terms of education leadership, this enhances the curriculum and legitimacy of local training programmes under the Namibian Bar Masters,” he said.
His journey to learning more about the world of wines and spirits begins next month and continues until September 2025, a venture that he looks forward to.
“This will be conducted online, and I am happy to get this scholarship. It means a lot to me and I won’t take it for granted,” said the mixologist who once aspired to be a lawyer.
He said this bartending journey became more interesting when he developed a passion for serving Namibians.
“I met and spoke to people about the industry outside Namibia, and I realised that there is a whole industry that exists outside Namibia, and we needed to tap into that,” he said.
Ishuna learnt so much about the craft that he saw the need to teach others the tactics of making the best cocktails and mocktails, hence he got the opportunity to do that at an eatery in Windhoek called Vynils.
“One of the bartenders who showed interest in this sector is Ester, and she also got the scholarship to be exposed to the industry and learn as much as she can about it,” he said with enthusiasm.
-psiririka@nepc.com.na