Namibian creative and producer Joel Shafishuna Erkki, better known as Shafa The GOAT, is set to bring together food, music and social energy in a new lifestyle experience, “the Grill & Grape Session”. The event aims to create a relaxed Sunday space that celebrates connection, culture and creativity through taste and sound.
Described by Erkki as “a mood, not just an event,” the Grill & Grape Session is designed to offer a setting where people can unwind, connect and enjoy Namibia’s evolving social scene.
“The Grill & Grape Session is where good food, great music and social energy meet,” said Shafa. “The idea is to create a Sunday space that celebrates connection, culture and creativity. It’s not just another event, it’s a moment to unwind and be present.”
Music plays a central role in shaping the experience. As a DJ, Shafa sees it as the heartbeat of any social space, an emotional connector that transforms gatherings into memorable moments.
“Music shapes emotion, sets rhythm and creates flow,” he said. “When paired with food and a relaxed crowd, it becomes the connector. It turns strangers into friends and moments into memories, he add.” For his set at Grill & Grape, Shafa says audiences can expect a fusion of soulful house, amapiano grooves and Afro-infused rhythms designed to flow naturally with the day’s atmosphere. “It’s going to move people effortlessly from chill to dance, perfectly in tune with the sunset, champagne and conversation energy,” he explained.
Performing alongside Lize Ehlers, also known as DJ Rise Elders, Shafa says the collaboration will focus on synergy rather than competition.
“Lize is a powerhouse musically and creatively,” he said. “Sharing the stage with her brings balance. We feed off each other’s styles to create something unique for the audience.”
Beyond the immediate vibe, Shafa believes events like Grill & Grape play an important role in strengthening Namibia’s creative and entertainment scene.
“These events create platforms for collaboration, for local brands, artists and audiences to connect,” he said. “They push the culture forward and show that Namibia’s creative scene can compete internationally when done right Shafa added.”
Through his agency Volume Media and lifestyle brand Dolce & Kapana, Shafa continues to craft experiences that merge sound, culture and storytelling. He sees Grill & Grape not just as entertainment, but as a creative testing ground.
“We’re using the sessions to premiere new sounds and test fresh material with the crowd.” “The goal is to grow the culture and turn these sessions into a consistent platform for creativity and discovery, he said.”
For Shafa, gatherings like this reflect the modern Namibian identity, one that is proud, expressive and rooted in both tradition and innovation.
“Sharing Kapana with champagne is symbolic, it’s our flavour meeting sophistication,” he added. “It shows how far we’ve come in defining our own version of luxury and community.”